As the air grows crisp and a soft blanket of snow drapes the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes transforms into a winter wonderland like no other! With the holiday season just around the corner, this picturesque alpine town is gearing up for a festive celebration that promises to warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit. From enchanting Christmas events to thrilling winter activities, there’s so much to do and see in Mammoth Lakes during the winter season!
Check out these Mammoth Lakes Christmas events and wintertime delights that will make your holiday retreat truly unforgettable. Whether you’re an avid skier, a family seeking a memorable holiday experience, or simply someone who wants to bask in the seasonal splendor, Mammoth Lakes has something special for you this winter!
Mammoth Lakes Christmas
What could feel more like Christmas than to be amongst snow-covered pines?
A vacation during Christmas in Mammoth Lakes puts you in a true snowcapped mountain winter wonderland. The small town of Mammoth Lakes is nestled in mountains and forests, so you’ll be surrounded by stunning views that blend perfectly with the festive atmosphere the holiday season brings.
But beautiful views are not all you can expect during your holiday stay. Here are some of the top things you and your family will love to do during your Mammoth Lakes, California, Christmas!
Holiday Tree Lighting
Mammoth Lakes kicks off the holiday festivities in late November, typically the last Friday of the month when The Village at Mammoth Lakes carries out the traditional tree lighting. The event is filled with a festive cheer that will immediately make it feel like the holidays!
There’s more to it than simply lighting the towering tree. The late afternoon starts off with live music. Then, Santa and the infamous Mammoth mascot, Woolly, are in attendance as the tree is lit. This marks Santa’s first visit to Mammoth Lakes for the season before he returns for his ever-popular SantaVille stay.
Afterward, there is more music, photo ops with Santa and Woolly, refreshments, and kids’ activities.
You never know what you might find during the Mammoth Lakes tree lighting; past events have featured karaoke, magicians, jugglers, face painters, and even costumed characters striding by on stilts!
Night of Lights
It’s not Christmas without lights, and Mammoth Lakes is sure to deliver a most spectacular light show to celebrate the holiday season.
Some might think fireworks are only for the Fourth of July, but the sky above the mountains will light up during the town’s Night of Lights at Canyon Lodge. This is a mammoth fireworks display that lives up to the town’s name!
It’s an entire night of fun that typically starts around 5 p.m. or so, with outdoor activities and live music. Santa and Woolly will be in attendance here as well, so there are plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll find food concessions, snowmobile rides, parties around the fire pits, and a torchlight parade.
You might also find ice skating, a walk through a snow tunnel, a dancing show with fire torches, snow tubing, and an entertainer making balloon animals.
If you don’t want to drive, you can ride the gondola from The Village to Canyon Lodge to attend this popular event.
The 2023 Night of Lights will be held on December 16th. Admission to the event is free. The activities start at 5 p.m., and the last gondola ride back to The Village is at 10 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
Looking to spend the holidays in this winter wonderland? Book your stay today and Viewpoint Condos! Each of our condos is built with everything you need for the ultimate Christmas escape. View all of our Mammoth Lakes condos and make your vacation dreams and reality today!
SantaVille
Santa comes to The Village to see all the good little boys and girls and turn the area into SantaVille. He’ll spread his cheer and pose for pictures just days before Christmas Day.
Accompanied once again by his friend Woolly, Santa brings his jolly personality to Mammoth Sports for this free 4-day event. Woolly might even have a parade the whole family will enjoy during the weekend of SantaVille, where there’s face painting, dancing, and food.
You can bring the kids to visit with Santa typically between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa and Woolly are free.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
If you’re ringing in the New Year at Mammoth Lakes, bring your party hats to The Village on December 31st. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event, but we promise it’s worth it!
Start the evening off with a New Year’s Eve dinner from many of the area’s restaurants. Then, head outside for the outdoor extravaganza. High Sierra does New Year’s like Times Square in New York City, but you’ll be amongst snowy pines and mountains rather than crowds and buildings.
Fan favorite Woolly is on hand to join in the fun, and there is plenty of that: a parade, live music, corn hole and other family-friendly games, free party favors, more face painting, and plenty of hot chocolate and snacks.
Get a great view by getting to the gondola deck for the fireworks show!
Stay With Viewpoint Condos
Having the perfect accommodations to go along with your perfect Christmas mountain vacation is a must, and you’ll find all the comfort and convenience you’re seeking at Viewpoint Condos.
Our Mammoth Lakes condo rentals are 1- and 2-bedroom with rustic décor and cozy rooms that make you feel right at home amongst the towering mountains and trees. Perfect for a family holiday or a Christmas escape with friends, our condos offer stunning views of the mountains from nearly every room and are built with everything you need for the perfect stay.
Inside, you’ll find fully stocked kitchens, comfortable king and queen beds, flat-screen TVs, wood-burning fireplaces, and free internet access. You can enjoy the views from your own private balcony or deck, and you’re just a short walk to The Village and gondola for shopping, dining, and heading to the slopes.
Plus, there are tons of onsite amenities for you to enjoy, like an indoor pool, hot tubs, game room, pickleball court, spa, and more. So, what are you waiting for? Book one of our Mammoth Lakes condos today and experience the magic of Mammoth Lakes during Christmas this year!
