Because nothing says “gratitude” like spending your holiday freezing outdoors, then delicately maneuvering into a pie coma while telling your in-laws how magical it is to be in a place that’s too early for ski season and just late enough for snow dustings. On the other hand, you get fewer tourists, prettier skies, and a legit excuse to eat carbs at odd hours.
Jackson tends to be quiet during this transitional season, making it ideal for folks who prefer their holidays served with fresh air, solitude, and the occasional moose sighting.
What You Can Do (Besides Eating Everything in Sight)
1. Turkey Trot / Gobblers’ Run
If you want to feel marginally virtuous before stuffing your face, hop into the annual Turkey Trot. Expect a 5K (walkers or runners) and a kids’ “Lil’ Gobblers” mini-run. It’s traditionally held on Thanksgiving morning around 9:00 a.m. in Wilson (Stilson Parking Lot).
(Yes, you’ll feel silly, but you’ll also feel like you earned your pie.)
2. Guided Wildlife Tours & Scenic Drives
Because you came to Jackson for nature, right? Even in late November, you might catch elk, mule deer, maybe a moose peeking through the trees. Guided tours through Grand Teton or the National Elk Refuge are good bets. Also, thanks to open country roads, a self-guided drive (with hot chocolate in your glove) isn’t a bad plan either.
3. Hiking / Snowshoeing (Weather-Dependent)
If the snow hasn’t taken over entirely, hit an easier trail for a crisp fall walk. The fall colors might be gone, but there’s still drama in the silhouettes and golden grasses.
If snow’s already settled in, strap on snowshoes (if you have them) or check with local outfitters. There’s nothing quite like trudging through fresh snow while rethinking your life choices.
4. First Tracks (Potentially)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is set to open Friday, November 28, at 9am (weather & snow permitting).
Date: Fri Nov 28, 2025
Time: 9am- 4pm
Location: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
5. Town Square & Antler Arch Lighting & Santa
The iconic antler arches in Jackson’s Town Square are always photogenic. Around the holidays, they’ll be wrapped in twinkling lights. Perfect for that “we spent Thanksgiving in Jackson” brag photo on Instagram.
While you’re there, browse our local shops. Jackson’s got artisans, western gear, custom boots, and more. Ideal for casually dropping your “local support” excuses.
Head downtown before 5 p.m. to catch one of Jackson’s most beloved holiday traditions — Santa Claus arriving on a firetruck, sirens blazing and candy canes in hand, ready to ring in the season in his favorite mountain town.
At 5 p.m. sharp, the Town Square lights flicker to life, transforming the heart of Jackson into a twinkling winter wonderland. Trust us — this moment never gets old, no matter how many winters you’ve spent here.
Here’s the full schedule of events:
- 4:30 p.m. – Hot cocoa and cookies served by the Jackson Hole Boy Scouts
- 4:30 p.m. – Free holiday concert by the Jackson Hole Community Band
- 5:00 p.m. – Town Square Lighting Countdown
- 5:05 p.m. – Santa arrives on a firetruck
- 5:15–7:00 p.m. – Santa visits with families and takes photos
Bundle up, grab a cocoa, and get ready for a small-town Christmas scene straight out of a snow globe
6. Celebrate the Feasts (Buffets & Special Menus)
Because no holiday in Jackson is complete without a spread:
- The Wort Hotel / Silver Dollar Bar & Grill often offers a Thanksgiving buffet (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc.
- Other local restaurants that tend to stay open / do special menus: Mangy Moose, Gun Barrel Steak & Game House, The Kitchen, Orsetto.
- Use OpenTable to see “restaurants open for Thanksgiving” — currently, 3 in the Jackson area are listed.
7. Small Business Saturday Shopping
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a great excuse to shop local. Hit the boutiques, galleries, boot shops, and galleries downtown.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Turkey Trot (9 a.m.), followed by cozy breakfast |
| Late Morning | Scenic drive / wildlife tour |
| Midday | Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon | Walk around town square, shop, photos |
| Evening | Relax — fireplace, board games, more pie |
| Next Day | If open, ski resort / snowshoeing / revisit favorite spots |
8. What’s the Weather Like Thanksgiving Weekend?
Late November in Jackson Hole means one thing: Winter is knocking and usually barges right in.
- Highs: mid-30s°F (1–3°C)
- Lows: teens to 20s°F (-7 to -12°C)
- Snow: very likely, though ski conditions can vary depending on early-season storms.
- Daylight: sunsets around 4:45 p.m.
Pack layers, lots of them, and be prepared for everything from crisp bluebird skies to a full-on snow globe situation. It’s that magical stretch where Thanksgiving dinner might be followed by a snowball fight… or a power outage. Either way, it’s peak Jackson.
Why You’ll Remember This One
Because a Thanksgiving in Jackson Hole isn’t your average turkey-and-football affair, you get majestic views, crisp mountain air, and a holiday that doesn’t feel like it’s been marched out of a Hallmark catalog. And if all else fails, you can always blame it on the altitude.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
