Mammoth Lakes Holiday Events & Activities

Eat, drink and be adventurous this holiday season in Mammoth Lakes.

The holidays here are magical. The beauty of the mountains and forest, the crunch of snow underfoot and the spirit of a small community all combine for a memorable experience.

When you come to a ski town for Christmas, skiing is most likely on your list. But there are so many other activities to enjoy over the holiday season. From festive Christmas events and dinners to off-mountain activities, here's a look at all the fun that's in store this holiday season in Mammoth Lakes.

Things to Do

Holiday Events

Christmas Dinners

A woman skating at LA Kings Ice in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Things to Do This Holiday Season in Mammoth Lakes

The holiday season is one of the most festive times to be on the mountain—fresh early-season snow, holiday music in the lodges, and the slopes quieter than they'll be in February.

Ice Skating at the Community Recreation Center

Head to the LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes for public skate throughout the holiday week. Rentals are available at the ice rink. Santa makes a special appearance at the annual Skate with Santa Night. Get Santa ready from his Christmas deliveries with a few laps around the rink.

Sledding at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Woolly's Adventure Summit is gearing up for the winter season with exciting new updates, just in time for the holidays! Get ready for a thrilling ride on the Mountain Coaster as you zoom through the scenic mountain terrain at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

Check Mammoth Mountain's website for details on what features of Woolly's Adventure Summit will be open.

Snowshoe Tours

Looking for ways to expand your winter adventures at Mammoth Mountain? Join a guided sunset snowshoe tour of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. As the sun sets in the west, the sky above the Mammoth Lakes Basin can take on an unreal appearance we refer to as alpenglow. Different hues of blue, pink and white sometimes present themselves on the surrounding mountains and lower foothills of the region creating a truly exceptional experience.

Tours travel over moderate terrain to the lookout on Panorama Dome and depart the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center between 3:00pm-3:15pm for a 1.5-hour guided adventure. Space is limited, so make sure you book this in advance.

If you want an incredible experience, sign up on select dates for a full moon snowshoe through the Mammoth Lakes Basin and take in an unreal moment in time. Depart the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center between 6:00-6:15pm for a 1.5-hour guided tour. Space is limited.

An adult and child smiling and enjoying a ride on a snow tube down a snowy slope.

Family-Friendly Indoor Activities

Take a break from the cold at one of these family-friendly indoor activities:

Mammoth Rock N' Bowl - This bowling center features scrumptious bites, sweeping views, and innovative gaming technology.
Yosemite Axe Throwing - Discover axe-throwing fun with painted log targets, diving into a lively atmosphere with family and friends.
Minaret Cinemas - Nestled in the Minaret Village Shopping Center, take a break between retail trips and catch box office hits at this movie theater.
LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes - The rink is indoors! Traverse across this spacious ice arena and take in views of the Sherwin Mountains in the distance.
The Limelight Mammoth - A wide variety of activities fun for the whole family are happening this holiday season!
- Friday, Dec 19 – 3pm Kids Cookie Decorating
- Saturday, Dec 20 – 3pm Holiday Pet Portraits
- Sunday, Dec 21 – 7pm Ugly Sweater Social in the Lounge
- Monday, Dec 22 – 3pm Letters to Santa Station & 6pm Holiday Movie Night
- Tuesday, Dec 23 – 3pm Ornament Decorating & 6pm Holiday Movie Night
- Wednesday, Dec 24 – 3pm Kids Cookie Decorating

Advanced reservations are recommended during holiday weeks.

Après-Ski & Holiday Spirits

Restaurants and bars throughout town take their après-ski game to the next level over the holiday week. Grab a festive drink or take home a bottle of locally-made spirits from one or more of our local distilleries. Shelter Distilling and Devil's Creek Distillery both offer award winning spirits which you can find at a number of locations throughout Mammoth Lakes, but a trip to a tasting room offers an opportunity to see the brewing in action.

An assortment of whiskey bottles from Shelter Distilling in Mammoth Lakes.

Holiday Events in Mammoth Lakes

Holidays bring the mountain to life with events, decorations, and one of the most magical atmospheres of the year in The Village at Mammoth.

Mammoth High School Boosters Christmas Tree Lot

Holiday decor is not complete without a tree. Support Mammoth High School and deck the halls! Stop by Outbound Mammoth from December 10-23. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 4:00-7:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 1:00-7:00pm. Trees are available in a range of sizes, from small tabletop versions to 9-foot tall trees. They will also be selling wreaths, tree stands and lights. All proceeds will benefit Mammoth High School.

Wild Sage Creative’s Winter Bazaar

Head to Outbound Mammoth on Dec 6-7 for a weekend filled with creativity and community! There will be an abundance of interactive workshops, crafting stations, handcrafted treasures at the maker’s market, and a winter raffle with prizes that give back!

Holiday Tree Lightings

Kick off the holiday season with two magical tree lighting events in Mammoth Lakes! The festivities begin with the Village Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28th at The Village at Mammoth, where you can enjoy the glow of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and maybe even a visit from Santa. Then, keep the spirit alive at the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 12th at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes, featuring music, lights, hot beverages, a holiday market and ice skating. Don’t miss these joyful celebrations that make the season shine—check the holiday tree lightnings page for more info!

Kids Ski Free Week

Kids ski free at Mammoth Mountain from Saturday, December 6 through Friday, December 12! The offer is available for children 12 and under, for more information visit Mammoth Mountain's website.

Night of Lights

A one-of-a-kind evening at Canyon Lodge to kick off the holidays. Occurring 5:00-9:30 pm on December 13, Night of Lights is a free, fun-filled night for all ages with live music, a torchlight parade, kids activities, snowmobiles rides and a firework spectacular that lights up the Sierra sky.

Skate with Santa

Join us December 19 for this fun, family event at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes! Enjoy skating and photos with a special guest...SANTA! Santa is scheduled to arrive at 5:00pm and will stay for photos and skating through 7:00pm until he loads up his sleigh and heads to the North Pole! Holiday treats and merchandise will be available from the Holiday Market in the south lobby with hot beverages and snacks for sale.

Santaville

Bring your little ones to this holiday extravaganza and be immersed in jolly surroundings. Ol' Saint Nick will be visiting Mammoth Sports in The Village with his friendly companion Woolly. Have your children prepare their wish lists and capture magical memories with a backdrop of holiday decorations. Santaville will occur on December 20th to 22nd.

New Years Eve Family Fun

Ring in the New Year with family festivities at The Village at Mammoth! Looking for a special experience? Check out the Private Viewing Area & Party from the Village Gondola deck with prime viewing of the live music and fireworks show. Marvel at the assortment of fireworks at 9:00 pm, December 31st.

Fireworks glowing in the night sky over Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Christmas Dinners in Mammoth Lakes

Whether you spend a quiet day gathered around a crackling fireplace, hit the slopes or explore other on-the-snow activities, you’ll definitely want to eat! Since Mammoth Lakes is a resort community welcoming many visitors, a variety of restaurants remain open for Christmas. Discover everything from casual on-mountain fare to fine dining prix fixe menus.

Austria Hof

Austria Hof is serving their regular menu with some additional New Year's specials. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 760-934-2764.

Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge

Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge will be offering a delicious Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Spanish-inspired prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The regular menu will not be served. To reserve / guarantee a table, please call (760) 965-0345. Walk-ins will be served as tables become available. Please note, Dos Alas will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Limelight Hotel

The Limelight Mammoth will be offering a Christmas Dinner from 3-9 pm in the lounge. Come enjoy a cocktail by the fireplace and enjoy their entire menu with your family. No reservations required.

Toomey's

Toomey’s in the Village will be offering their regular menu, take out will be available. Call 760-924-4408 to reserve a table, walk-ins are also welcome. Specials for the holidays will include prime rib, wagyu ribeye, chilean sea bass and rack of lamb.

Ursa Kitchen

A special Christmas Day tasting menu is available for dinner at Ursa Kitchen! Two limited seatings at 5 pm and 8 pm. 5 course chefs tasting with wine pairing. Reservations required; no children. Call 760-646-3994 to reserve your spot.

Additional Food and Beverage Options Open on Christmas Day

Bar Sierra open 4pm - 10pm
Black Velvet Coffee open 9am - 7pm in The Village and 9am - 6pm on Main Street.
Clocktower Cellar open 4pm - 11pm
Gojira Ramen & Sushi open 11:00 am-9:00pm
Harmony Brazilian Steakhouse & Bar open 4pm - 10pm
Lakefront Restaurant open 5pm - 8pm
Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company open 6am - 12pm
Mammoth Pizza Co. open 12pm - 7:00pm
Morrison's Restaurant & Bar open 5pm - 9pm
Pita Pit open 10am - 9pm
Shelter Distilling open 11am - 10pm
Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop - open 4pm - 9pm
Stellar Brew open 5:30am - 1pm
The Mogul Restaurant open 5pm - 9pm
The Shed open 12pm - 4pm
Whitebark Restaurant open 11am - 7pm
Yodler Restaurant & Bar open 11am - 5pm

Inflated snowmen stand outside a restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.

Plan Your Mammoth Lakes Holiday Trip

The holidays in Mammoth Lakes fill up faster than any other time of year. Browse lodging options and book early—holiday weekends, especially Christmas week and New Year's Eve, sell out well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mammoth Mountain open for Christmas?

Yes. Mammoth Mountain is typically open by Christmas and often offers some of the best early-season skiing in California. Check mammothmountain.com for current snow conditions and opening status.

What holiday events happen in Mammoth Lakes?

The holiday season brings Christmas Eve church services, New Year's Eve fireworks at The Village, holiday markets, and festive events on the mountain. Check the Visit Mammoth events calendar for current dates and times.

Is Mammoth Lakes busy during the holidays?

Christmas week and New Year's Eve are among the busiest periods of the year. Book lodging and lift tickets well in advance for holiday travel.

Can you ski on Thanksgiving at Mammoth Mountain?

Often yes. Mammoth Mountain typically targets a November opening and is frequently open by Thanksgiving, depending on early-season snowfall. Check current conditions before planning your trip.