Top Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole
Thanksgiving is about gathering with your loved ones and settling into the warmth of tradition. What if you could shake that up and spend Thanksgiving in the mountains, breathing crisp alpine air and making new memories in one of the most spectacular places on Earth? Jackson Hole is the kind of place that can transform your holiday into something magical. If you’re considering spending Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole, here are the top reasons why you should make it happen.
1. Stunning Scenery and Serenity
By late November, winter is starting to settle in Jackson Hole. The Tetons are dusted in snow, and there is a quiet stillness in the valley after the fall crowds have dispersed. The landscapes are hard to beat at this time of year, with light snows and golden winter light highlighting the dramatic beauty of the Tetons, and minimal crowds make the popular sites a peaceful experience.
Mild Winter Weather
Thanksgiving is often a transitional period when snow is found at higher elevations but the lower valleys are still a bit more mild. You might wake up to frost and single digits, but daytime temperatures tend to warm up into the mid-30s. If you dress for the weather, it can be invigorating and ideal for outdoor activities. It’s that first taste of winter that lends a cozy atmosphere to the Thanksgiving holiday season.
Fewer Crowds, Good Value
Because Thanksgiving falls outside of Jackson Hole’s primary ski season, you’ll often find lower lodging prices, more availability and lighter crowds than you’d find at Christmas and later in the winer. Trails, parks and scenic roads are less congested, and restaurants tend to be quieter than in peak winter. As the kickoff to the winter season, Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole is a bit more affordable and a more relaxed pace than later in the winter.
Outdoor Adventures
Jackson Hole is a year-round outdoor destination, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy around Thanksgiving weekend.
- Downhill skiing. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort traditionally opens on Thanksgiving weekend, and the vibe for opening day is typically festive and fun! For the 2025/26 season, Jackson Hole’s projected opening date is November 28, the day after Thanksgiving.
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. As snow begins to accumulate in Jackson, many of the groomed cross-country trails open, or you can explore quieter backcountry trails by nordic ski or snowshoe.
- Grand Teton National Park.Winter in Grand Teton National Park invites cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on closed roads, scenic drives, and ranger-led snowshoe walks. You can also snowmobile in designated areas, watch wildlife, try ice fishing, and take a horse-drawn sleigh to view elk.
- Wildlife viewing. Elk, moose, deer and migratory birds are active in the valley during this time, making it perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Festive Local Spirit
Over Thanksgiving, the downtown Jackson galleries and boutiques are open for business and the cafes are buzzing with cozy vibes. Thanksgiving weekend also brings special events to kick off the holiday season. You can start your Thanksgiving day with the Jackson Hole Turkey Trot 5K or enjoy special holiday menus at local restaurants like the Silver Dollar Bar. The Friday after Thanksgiving brings opening day for ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the family-friendly Town Square Tree Lighting brings festive cheer while you wait for Santa to arrive by firetruck.
Escape the Ordinary
Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole means you can set your own pace and decide how you want to celebrate over the long weekend. Maybe that means turkey on the deck overlooking the Tetons or mixing in a scenic hike before the big holiday meal. You’re free from the expectations of past holidays, with plenty of space for fresh and joyful holiday traditions inspired by this special place.
Thanksgiving in a Vacation Rental
Staying in a Jackson Hole vacation rental offers unmatched privacy, space, and flexibility for your Thanksgiving holiday. You’ll have plenty of room to cook a holiday meal in a fully-equipped kitchen, with multiple bedrooms to accommodate your group, and large living spaces to spread out in. Luxury amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces, and game rooms can elevate your holiday to the next level.
When you choose a vacation rental offered by Western Property Management, you can choose from a selection of luxury vacation rentals spanning across prime locations in Jackson Hole. Enjoy a holiday meal with an epic view at this slopeside Townhill Penthouse condo, or stay close to the action in downtown Jackson at Glenwood Townhouse Unit 2. Your Thanksgiving group will love the charming log cabins in Teton Springs, where Western Property Management offers a wide variety of beautiful cabins to choose from.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole combines the adventure of a mountain getaway with the warmth of holiday traditions. If you want to break free of the ordinary and create new holiday traditions in the mountains, browse our Jackson Hole vacation rentals today and pick your perfect home base in the Tetons for a Thanksgiving to remember.
