Sun Valley just earned its place among SKI Magazine’s “Top 10 Western Ski Areas That Check All the Vacation Boxes for 2026”, and there’s no better time to experience it yourself.
Baldy opens this week and December brings a festive, action-packed lineup of events and festivals that make the holiday season in Sun Valley truly unforgettable. Here’s your insider’s guide to what’s happening and why now is the perfect time to book your winter getaway to Sun Valley.
Sun Valley Resort Opening Day
December 3
Great News! Baldy opens for the 90th winter season on Wednesday, December 3rd. Thanks to one of the world’s most advanced snowmaking systems, you can count on buttery groomers and fresh corduroy even when Mother Nature takes her sweet time delivering snow! Grab your skis, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and join us on the slopes for the true start of winter in Sun Valley.
Sun Valley Film Festival
December 3–7
There’s still time and tickets available! This year’s festival welcomes Vision Award honorees Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gus Van Sant, and honors Scott & Carol Glenn with the Harriman Award. Enjoy intimate Coffee Talks, special screenings, filmmaker panels, and themed parties that bring Hollywood sparkle right into downtown Ketchum.
Ketchum’s Annual Tree Lighting
December 3 | Ketchum Town Square
Kick off the holidays with one of our most heartwarming traditions. Come sip complimentary cocoa, snap photos with Santa and his reindeer, listen to carolers, and gather with the community as the Town Square lights up for the season. It’s small-town magic at its finest.
Winter Wonderland Kick Off
December 6-31 | Sun Valley Village
Stroll through Sun Valley Village as it transforms into a glowing alpine wonderland. Bring the family for cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and the gingerbread contest, or simply wander the shops with something warm in your hands.
Papoose Club Holiday Bazaar
December 5–7 | Ernest Hemingway STEAM School
Shop local and discover handcrafted gifts from more than 70 talented artists. This festive bazaar is the perfect place to meet new artists and find one-of-a-kind Christmas treasures.
Adrienne Haan’s White Christmas
December 10–11 | The Argyros
Step into a nostalgic celebration of Irving Berlin’s timeless holiday classics – an elegant evening for all ages.
Holiday Movie Series
December 12–15 | Sun Valley Opera House
Settle in at Sun Valley’s historic Opera House and enjoy favorite holiday films on the big screen including Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Nutcracker.
Stand-Up Comedy: Jeff Shaw
December 12 | Sun Valley Opera House
Stand Up Comedy at the Opera House is always a favorite! Jeff Shaw has performed nearly 9,000 shows – come laugh along as he brings his signature wit to Sun Valley.
Après Music Series at River Run
Daily beginning December 12
Unwind after a day on the slopes with live music, sunshine, and a lively après scene at the base of Baldy. Local and touring musicians set the soundtrack from 2–5 PM daily.
12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl
December 13 | Downtown Ketchum
Pull on your ugliest sweater and join the merriest night in town! Enjoy drink specials, raffles, and a festive crawl through Ketchum’s favorite watering holes. Sign up begins at 4:00pm at Grumpy’s, the most iconic burger joint in Ketchum.
Holiday Market & Sun Valley Tree Lighting
December 13–14 | Sun Valley Village
Wander through a charming European-style market filled with artisan goods, warm treats, ice carvings, and live holiday music. Stay for the annual Sun Valley Tree Lighting at 6PM.
A Country Christmas Celebration & Concert
December 14 | The Argyros
Enjoy a lively country-Christmas concert with the Hurdy Gurdy Girls full of harmony, heart, and festive songs that will have you smiling long after the show ends.
Dark Sky Dinners
December 18 & 20 | Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Experience an unforgettable evening beneath Idaho’s famous dark skies with appetizers, wine, and a full dinner in the heated greenhouse, followed by stargazing with a local astronomer. These magical nights sell out quickly – reserve early.
Let It Snow: A Jazz Holiday Concert
December 19–20 | Sun Valley Opera House
Bring the whole family for a dreamy holiday concert featuring Fauna, blending timeless jazz classics with a modern touch.
Trail Creek Sleigh Ride Dinners
December 19–25 & December 27–31
Searching for the most iconic Sun Valley holiday experience? This is it! Picture a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy valley to historic Trail Creek Cabin, where a cozy four-course dinner awaits. Magical and unforgettable.
Skating with Santa
December 20 | Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink
Lace up your skates and take a spin around the Christmas tree with Santa himself – an only-in-Sun-Valley moment that will leave forever memories for the kids.
Sun Valley Carolers
December 21–27 | Sun Valley Village
Enjoy the soundtrack of the Village during Christmas week. Catch them strolling and singing throughout the Winter Wonderland Festival at Sun Valley Resort.
Winter Solstice Après Party
December 21 | River Run Lodge
End a day on the slopes at the Winter Solstice Après Party at River Run Lodge – indulge in cocktails, with live music by Cliftonite Acoustics, and a DJ set by Alex Hegewalk.
Brunch with Santa
December 23–24 | Sun Valley Club
Share a festive, family-friendly brunch with Santa before he heads out on his big night. Another perfect memory-maker for little ones.
Christmas Eve Ice Show & Torchlight Parade
December 24 | Sun Valley Lodge
Experience a hallmark Sun Valley evening: carolers at the Lodge, a dazzling outdoor ice show, cookies, and cocoa, then the torchlight parade and fireworks over Dollar Mountain. One of the most memorable events of the entire winter season.
Sun Valley Gallery Walk
December 26
Wrap up warm and take a beloved cultural stroll through Ketchum’s finest art galleries. Be sure to make any dinner reservations well in advance!
Clicquot in the Snow
December 27 & 28 | River Run & Warm Springs Lodges
Start the New Year celebrations early at this bubbly, stylish après event that brings champagne glamour to the mountains.
Stand-Up Comedy: Robert Mac
December 27 | Sun Valley Opera House
Enjoy an evening at the Sun Valley Opera House with Robert Mac, a long-time comedy favorite known for his smart, clever storytelling.
Kashus Culpepper
December 27–28 | The Argyros
Experience one of GRAMMY.com’s “25 Artists to Watch in 2025” as Kashus Culpepper brings a powerful blend of country, soul, blues, folk, and rock to the Argyros for two nights.
New Year’s Eve in Sun Valley
Ring in 2026 with style, sparkle, and mountain-town energy!
Here are the options – be sure to book soon:
- Black Tie Masquerade at Fiamma Grill
- Night Skiing on Dollar Mountain + 9PM fireworks
- Snow Ball at River Run – glitz, glam and sparkle
- Cowboy Disco at the Limelight
- Stay “home” in one of our Sun Valley rentals – the coziest way to celebrate
Ready to Book Your Holiday Stay in Sun Valley?
Ready to start planning your perfect getaway? Book your Sun Valley vacation rental with us to skip the additional fees and save big on your trip. Browse our entire inventory of properties and start planning your vacation today!
December in Sun Valley is pure magic, and our vacation rentals place you right where you want to be – near the ski slopes, the dining and galleries of downtown Ketchum, and the holiday festivities throughout Sun Valley Village. Whether you need a private home, one condo, or several side-by-side, you’ll find a place to stay in Sun Valley with Michael’s Vacation Rentals.
Christmas in Sun Valley books fast – secure your perfect getaway now.
