If you’re looking for a fun, festive way to spend Christmas, why not check out one of America’s national parks? From the jaw-dropping beauty of Yosemite National Park to the winter wonderland that is Yellowstone National Park, there’s a park perfect for everyone. Here are our top eight picks for the best national parks to visit during Christmas.
Yellowstone National Park
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, look no further than Yellowstone National Park. Blanketed in snow, the park is a winter paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or just soaking in the scenery, Yellowstone has something to offer.
Many of the park’s popular attractions are open during the winter months, so you can still experience all that Yellowstone has to offer. Take a scenic drive along the Grand Loop Road, explore the geothermal features at Upper Geyser Basin, and watch for wildlife as you traverse the park. You can also visit the world-famous Old Faithful geyser and take a dip in one of the park’s hot springs.
With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to spend your Christmas. So come on up and enjoy all that this majestic park has to offer.
Old Faithful Inn
For an amazing Christmas experience in Yellowstone, stay at the Old Faithful Inn. The Old Faithful Inn is a historic lodge located within Yellowstone National Park. During the Christmas season, the Inn hosts a variety of festive activities for guests to enjoy. These activities include a tree lighting ceremony, holiday caroling, and storytelling by the fireplace. Guests can also take part in traditional old-fashioned games such as KanJam and quoits. The Inn also offers special holiday-themed meals, including a traditional Christmas Eve dinner and a New Year’s Eve buffet. If you’re looking for a festive and unique way to celebrate the holidays, make sure to check out the Old Faithful Inn.
Rocky Mountain National Park
There is an abundance of winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. And you’ll find plenty of Christmas and holiday spirit in Estes Park, Colorado, which borders the park.
Winter brings deep snows and colder temperatures to the Rockies, but it also creates abundant recreational opportunities. Two of the most popular activities in the park in December are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Park rangers lead snowshoeing trips in the park. You can either bring your own or rent equipment in Estes Park. You’ll find reasonable rates for daily equipment rental.
Another fun activity in the park is snow tubing. Hidden Valley is one of the most popular spots in the park for tubing. The area is open from 10am to 4pm daily. There is no cost, but you’ll need to bring your own sled or tube. You can purchase or rent them in Estes Park. For downhill skiing enthusiasts, the best spots are located outside of the park boundaries.
Estes Park
Just outside of the park is Estes Park, Colorado. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Estes Park holds its annual Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration. Here you’ll find a Christmas parade with live bands, pony rides, hayrides, and Santa’s workshop.
Throughout the holiday season, you can stroll or shop in downtown Estes Park. You’ll find amazing holiday decorations and quaint shops and cafes, selling everything from clothing to souvenirs to warm drinks.
On Christmas Eve, you can visit Santa at the Castle Mountain Lodge before he sets off on his journey to deliver toys to children around the world. You’ll also find several of the city’s restaurants providing holidays dinners and meals both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
You can enjoy an evening at the famous Stanley Hotel on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where you’ll get a meal, live music, champagne, martinis, and a hot chocolate bar for the kids.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of America’s most well-known national parks is also one of the best to visit at Christmas time. Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round. Temperatures in December are usually cold, but the average high is still 43 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won’t face bone-chilling extremes during the day.
And visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter will avoid the large crowds and long lines you will inevitably encounter during the summer. An important thing to know is that roads to the North Rim are closed during the winter, so you’ll be spending time on the South Rim instead.
Some trails will be snow-covered, but you should also have the opportunity to experience plenty of others that are open. And you’ll also likely experience clear skies so you can see the full grandeur of the canyon.
On the South Rim, Mather Campground is open year-round. It’s first-come, first-serve in the winter. Trailer Village RV Park provides year-round full RV hookups.
Polar Express
One of the highlights of Christmas time at the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express. The train leaves from Williams, Arizona for a 90-minute round trip tour. On board, you’ll get to spend time with Santa, his elves, and other helpers. You’ll also get snacks and hot drinks and gifts from St. Nick himself. You’ll board the decorated 1930s era train at train station in Williams. There you’ll see thousands of Christmas lights and several displays outside as you ride by.
Williams, Arizona, also has its annual parade and tree lighting. It’s usually shortly after Thanksgiving. Santa is also usually on hand for the ceremonies. You can also shop in downtown Williams amid the Christmas decorations, whether you’re staying in town or staying in the park.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a beautiful place to visit in any season, but it truly comes alive in winter. While the days may be shorter, there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are just a few of the many activities that visitors can enjoy in Grand Teton National Park during winter:
-Skiing and snowboarding: With its majestic mountains and pristine powder, Grand Teton National Park is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy downhill skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or cross-country skiing through the park’s meadows and forests.
-Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the park’s backcountry and get off the beaten path. There are numerous trails to choose from, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks.
-Wildlife watching: Winter is an ideal time to view some of Grand Teton’s most iconic wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, and trumpeter swans. Visitors can spot them from their car on the park’s roads or on foot while hiking or snowshoeing through the
Jackson Hole Activities
If you’re looking for festive Christmas activities in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you won’t be disappointed. The town comes alive with holiday cheer during the month of December, and there are plenty of fun things to do for people of all ages. One popular activity is attending the Jackson Hole Wildlife Art Show, which features artwork from local and regional artists. Another is taking a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where you can see some of the area’s iconic wildlife up close. Of course, no trip to Jackson Hole would be complete without hitting the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. So whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Jackson Hole this Christmas season.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, but winter provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the area’s pristine beauty. Shrouded in snow, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland. One popular activity is snowshoeing, which allows visitors to explore the backcountry and experience the quiet majesty of the Mount Rainier forest. Cross-country skiing is another popular way to experience the park in winter, and there are several groomed trails to choose from. Mount Rainier also offers a variety of ranger-led programs during the winter months, which provide an opportunity to learn about the park’s history and ecosystem. Whatever your interest, Mount Rainier national park has something to offer in winter.
National Park Inn
The National Park Inn at Mount Rainier is also a great place to enjoy some holiday cheer at Christmas. The inn offers a variety of festive activities, including a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, and a visit from Santa. Guests can also enjoy a special holiday dinner in the hotel restaurant. The restaurant features seasonal dishes, such as roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. After dinner, guests can relax by the fire or take a stroll through the beautifully decorated grounds. The National Park Inn is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but it really provides some unique opportunities and beauty in the winter. The snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls create a breathtaking landscape, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Many people come to Yosemite to go skiing or snowboarding, but there are also miles of trails perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs like snowshoe walks and stargazing parties. So whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to appreciate the beauty of nature, Yosemite is the perfect place to be this winter.
The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to spend Christmas. The Ahwahnee has a number of different activities that are available for guests to enjoy. One activity that is available is the Ahwahnee sing-along. This is a special event where guests can join in and sing Christmas carols together. Another activity that is available is the Ahwahnee yarn bombing. This is an event where people can knit or crochet hats, scarves, and other items to be placed around the Ahwahnee. There are also many different Ahwahnee holiday-themed events that are available for people to participate in. These events include the Ahwahnee gingerbread house decorating contest, the Ahwahnee cookie decorating contest, and the Ahwahnee ugly sweater contest.
Bracebridge Dinner
The Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley is an elegant Christmas tradition that dates back to 1927. Named for the fictional Squire Bracebridge, who appears in Washington Irving’s “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.”, the dinner is a seven-course feast that features many of the same dishes that were served at the original event. While the dinner is no longer held in the grand dining room of The Ahwahnee, it continues to be an intimate and cherished holiday tradition for those who are lucky enough to attend. If you’re looking for a truly unique and special holiday experience, the Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee is not to be missed.
Wawona Hotel
For guests staying at the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park during the Christmas season, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. A highlight is the hotel’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, which takes place in front of the picturesque main lodge. Guests can also enjoy caroling around the property, roasting marshmallows by the fire pits, and taking horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy woods. Of course, no visit to Yosemite would be complete without exploring all that the majestic national park has to offer, and there are plenty of trails to hike and sights to see throughout the wintry landscape. With so much to do, guests are sure to have a memorable holiday experience at the Wawona Hotel.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Winter is a great time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The cool weather is perfect for hiking, and the snow-covered landscape is truly breathtaking. There are also a number of ranger-led programs that take place during the winter months, including guided hikes, evening campfire programs, and educational workshops. In addition, the park’s visitor centers are open year-round, providing a great resource for trip planning and general information about the park. So whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or simply enjoy a winter wonderland, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect destination.
Gatlinburg, TN
As the holidays approach, Gatlinburg, Tennessee becomes a veritable winter wonderland. The town is decked out in twinkling lights, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh pine. If you’re looking for a festive getaway this Christmas, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to visit. Here are just a few of the holiday-themed activities that you can enjoy in this charming town:
* Take a stroll down Gatlinburg’s scenic Parkway, which is illuminated with millions of lights during the holiday season.
* Visit Santa’s workshops at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium, where you can also see Elf on the Shelf displays and catch a holiday magic show.
* Ride the tram to Ober Gatlinburg, an Alpine-style village located atop a mountain. Here you can go ice skating, visit Santa’s workshop, or take a ride on the Alpine Slides.
* Indulge in some tasty holiday treats at one of Gatlinburg’s many restaurants and cafes. You’ll find everything from gingerbread lattes to pumpkin pie milkshakes.
No matter how you spend your time in Gatlinburg, you’re sure to create lasting memories with your loved ones
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a great place to enjoy Christmas activities. The city offers a variety of events and attractions that are perfect for the holiday season. One popular event is the Polar Express Train Ride. This ride takes passengers on a journey through the snowy mountains while listening to Christmas carols. Another popular attraction is the Dollywood theme park, which features Christmas lights and decorations throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy Appalachian music and dance performances, as well as take part in traditional Appalachian crafts such as basket making and quilting. pigeon forge is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants that offer Christmas themed items and food. There are also several hotels and resorts that offer special Christmas packages and rates. With so many things to do, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to enjoy a festive Christmas vacation.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a fantastic place to visit all year round, but in winter it really comes into its own. There are a number of different activities that you can enjoy in the park when the snow starts to fall. One popular option is cross-country skiing. With over 100 miles of trails to explore, there are plenty of places to strap on your skis and enjoy the silence of the winter landscape. Another great activity is snowshoeing. This is a great way to get off the beaten path and really see some of the more remote parts of the park. If you’re looking for a real challenge, you can even attempt to hike to the top of Angel’s Landing in winter conditions. Whatever you choose to do, Zion National Park is an unforgettable place in winter.
Zion National Park Lodge
The Zion Park National Lodge is a great place to enjoy Christmas activities. The lodge has a variety of Christmas activities to choose from, including Christmas carols, Christmas lights, and Christmas tree decorating. There are also a variety of Christmas activities for kids, including Christmas crafts, Christmas games, and Christmas story time. If you’re spending the holidays in the park, The Zion Park National Lodge is a great place to enjoy Christmas activities with the family.
