Cities and Towns in the Mountain West Perfect for a Festive Holiday

The Mountain West is a region defined by its incredible natural beauty. The deep forests, flowing rivers, and jagged mountain peaks make it a hotspot for visitors looking to bask in one of America’s most stunning settings. Every time of year is a good time to visit, but the holiday season certainly stands out.

Visiting the Mountain West for the holidays provides a scenic winter wonderland with snowy mountains and a festive atmosphere for any winter celebration. Many cities and towns across this expansive region provide exciting seasonal events. Let’s look at the towns and cities in the Mountain West best suited for a festive holiday visit.

Sheridan is a small quiet town famed for its Wild West history and gorgeous mountainous setting. It is a short drive to Yellowstone, which makes it a popular spot to visit for those heading to the national park. Sheridan sees heavy snowfall in the winter, adding to its appeal for a seasonal getaway and Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area is one of many desirable skiing destinations near Sheridan.

The Christmas Stroll is the most famous element of this town’s holiday season when Sheridan’s Main Street is lit up with holiday lights, live entertainment is performed, and both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make appearances. Main Street will also be serving up tasty treats throughout the holidays. 

Boise, Idaho’s biggest city, is a thriving urban metropolis in a subrange of the Rocky Mountains famed for its excellent parks and hiking trails that wind around rivers and forests. The winter snow transforms the city into a picturesque holiday scene. 

There is much to do in Boise for the holiday season. The Scentsy Commons Christmas Lights features more than 700,000 lights covering 450 trees to create a gorgeous Christmas attraction. The Idaho Botanical Garden is similarly lit up as well. Winter Markets, appearances from Santa, and outdoor ice-skating rinks make Boise a magical holiday destination.

Park City is a historic city nestled in Utah’s Rocky Mountain Wasatch Range. Situated at 7,000 feet of elevation, it features stunning mountain views and a range of outdoor activities. Winter is the busiest time of year in Park City, a popular ski and snowboarding destination with famed resorts like Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort.

The holidays in Park City are a magical time of year. Main Street is covered in festive decorations and Christmas lights, and you can take snowmobile or sleigh-ride tours of the area. The town has incredible sledding hills, fun experiences like the North Pole Express and Midway Ice Castles, and a lively atmosphere that spreads holiday cheer.

Bozeman is a gorgeous Montana city set in the Rocky Mountains and is a year-round hotspot for outdoor recreation and nature lovers. Bozeman has everything from top-notch hiking trails and fishing areas to nearby national parks. Winter transforms Bozeman into a magnificent place to enjoy a white Christmas.

There is much to enjoy in scenic Bozeman during the holidays. There are popular nearby skiing sites like the Bridger Range and Spanish Peaks. Downtown is lit up with Christmas lights, gingerbread house competitions take place, and Christmas carols are sung at the Christmas Stroll. And the Children’s Museum has a seasonal craft center for making holiday decorations.

Missoula is a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and preserved natural areas. It is a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy Montana’s unmatched natural beauty, with excellent hiking and biking trails and ski destinations within a 20-minute drive. Missoula is a hotspot in the winter for its fun-filled seasonal festivities.

Missoula is one of the best places in the U.S. for a white Christmas, with heavy snowfalls framing the rustic look of the town perfectly. There are exciting family-friendly holiday events like the Missoula Festival of Lights, which is a gorgeous light display, and the Vintage and Handmade European Christmas Market. Missoula also has many excellent live Christmas shows throughout the season.