Top Holiday Activities & Christmas Events in Mammoth Lakes, CA

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

The holidays in Mammoth Lakes 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

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.

NYE Sunset Snowshoe Tours

Looking for ways to expand your winter adventures at Mammoth Mountain after Christmas? On December 30 and 31, 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 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm for a 1.5-hour guided adventure. Space is limited, so make sure you book this in advanced.

If you are here during the Christmas week or staying through the first week of the year, take in another unreal moment in time with a full moon snowshoe through the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Depart the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center between 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm for a 1.5-hour guided tour. Space is limited.

Sledding at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Woolly's Adventure Summit is open for the season - operating Friday through Sunday until December 14 when it will open 7 days a week (weather dependent)- and with a new design, is ready to ring in the holidays with you and your family.

Discover endless adventure and excitement at Woolly's Adventure Summit. Whether you're looking for high-speed thrills or family-friendly fun, we've got it all. Zoom down groomed lanes in the Tube Park, where snow tubing offers all-age excitement, and our snack bar keeps you cozy and refreshed. Even the little ones can join the snow play area, with merry-go-round tubes, snowman-building, surf sleds, and a chance to meet our fuzzy mascot, Woolly. Woolly's Adventure Summit is your destination for unforgettable fun.

A family enjoying snow tubing in Mammoth Lakes.

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.

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

MAC's Holiday Marketplace

Shop for the best gifts and bask in a festive ambience. Organized by the Mono Arts Council, the Holiday Marketplace is a yearly tradition that showcases the works of local artisans and businesses. Stroll through an array of breathtaking keepsakes and home goods, supporting the art scene and local makers of Mammoth Lakes. This event will be held on December 9 - 10, running at 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Night of Lights

A one-of-a-kind evening at Canyon Lodge to kick off the holidays. Occurring on December 16, 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.

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 20 - 23 with available times at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.

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. Groove to infectious beats with the DJ-led dance party, which will be held at 9:30 pm.

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.

Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N' Bowl
The Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N' Bowl offers an upscale prix fixe menu for Christmas dinner. Reserve a table by calling the Brasserie at 760-934-4200. View the full menu on Brasserie's website. The Brasserie will also offer a special menu and celebration for New Year's Eve.

Lakefront Restaurant
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special four-course prix fixe menu with live music at The Lakefront Restaurant. Seating times are available at 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. View the menu on the Lakefront Restaurant's website and call 760-934-2442 for reservations.

The Mammoth Lakes sign with a holiday wreath.

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix-fixe menu. Reservations are available starting at 4:00 pm. Time slots are available every 15 minutes. Book online to reserve a table. And don't miss out on ringing in the New Year with your favorite BBQ team.

Whitebark Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful four-course, prix fixe feast at Whitebark Restaurant on Christmas Day dinner from 5:00 pm.- 9:00 pm. Call 760-934-0460 for reservations. Regular dinner service is also available.

Austria Hof

Austria Hof is serving their regular menu with some additional Christmas specials. Call ahead for reservations at 760-934-2764.

Inflated snowmen stand outside a restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.

The Mogul

The Mogul Restaurant offers delicious American cuisine in a family-friendly and cozy atmosphere. Call 760-934-3039 to make a reservation.

Petra's Bistro & Wine Bar

Petra’s Bistro & Wine Bar will be offering their regular menu, which will pair perfectly with your favorite wine from their diverse wine list. Call Petra’s at 760-934-3500 for more information.

Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe

Cozy up with savory European fare and choose from over 300 fine wines this Christmas at Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe. Call 760-934-5200 for more information.