If your soul has been begging for a little holiday magic, Grand Targhee has you covered. Their annual Christmas Tree Lighting returns Friday, December 12, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be the coziest winter kickoff this side of the Tetons.
The party runs 4:00–5:00 pm on the Plaza, where the fire pits will be blazing, the tree will be glowing, and the sugar highs will be strictly complimentary.
What to Expect (Besides Glitter in Your Boots for Weeks)
Free S’mores:
Yes, free. As in “no need to pretend you’re grabbing one for your kid but actually eating both.” Targhee knows its audience.
Holiday Crafts & Activities:
Bring the kids. Bring your neighbor’s kids. Bring the friend visiting from Philly who’s never seen a real mountain Christmas. There will be projects, glitter, and probably at least one child glued to something unintentionally.
Holiday Drink Specials from Powder Cache:
Warm up, wind down, or “enhance your tree-lighting experience”, whichever phrase helps justify ordering a second one.
Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM Sharp:
This is the official moment winter begins. Not meteorologically. Spiritually.
Half-Price Kids’ Meals at Powder Cache (After the Ceremony):
From 5pm to close, small humans eat at half price, which is basically Targhee’s gift to all parents who have already cooked 487 meals this week.
Why This Event Is Peak Targhee
It’s charming. It’s family-friendly. It’s festive without being pretentious. And it gives everyone an excuse to gather at the base area, drink something warm, and pretend they aren’t low-key checking the forecast every four minutes hoping for a powder dump.
Plus, it’s hard to beat a tree lighting with the Tetons looming dramatically in the background like they’re auditioning for a Hallmark movie.
The Essentials
- Where: The Plaza at Grand Targhee
- When: Friday, December 12, 2025
- Time: 4:00–5:00pm (tree lights at 5:00pm)
- Cost: Free to attend. S’mores included. Smiling mandatory.
If you’re looking for a wholesome way to kick off the holiday season, or you just want an early-evening alibi before heading to the Knotty Pine, this one’s worth the trip over the hill.
