6 Ways to Revel in the Holidays in Casper, Wyoming
When a fresh blanket of snow adorns the peaks of Casper Mountain and locals layer up and embrace the season, the spirit of Casper truly comes alive.
Whether you’ve been dreaming of an epic winter getaway or if this is finally going to be the year you teach the kids how to ski at Casper's backyard ski area, our mountain town is a great place to bring your winter vacation dreams to life.
Get inspired, plan your trip and come to Wyoming to make authentic memories with those who matter most. Here are six ways to make the most of winter and the holidays in Casper, Wyoming.
1. Ice Skate at David Street Station
A winter visit to Casper isn't complete without ice skating at David Street Station. Located in the heart of downtown, the ice rink is everything you picture it to be - quaint, charming and fun for all ages. Don't have skates? Not a problem. You can rent them right at the ice rink. Before or after skating laps, head to a local coffee shop for a treat and warm drink, or grab dinner at one of our local restaurants.
2. Night Ski at Hogadon Basin Ski Lodge
Casper's beloved ski area (less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Casper) offers skiing during the day, as well as night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights. One of only two Wyoming ski resorts to offer night skiing, the slopes of Hogadon Basin are lit from 3-8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, giving you the chance to make turns down the mountain while watching the twinkling lights of Casper below. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a first-time skier, wax up your skis and hit the slopes. End the night in the lodge with a cold beer (or a hot chocolate) by the fireplace.
Hogadon typically opens the first weekend in December, depending on snowfall. For the latest updates, follow them on Facebook. You can also check out rental options from Mountain Sports here.
3. Experience a Wyoming Winter on Casper Mountain
What kind of winter activities can you find on Casper Mountain? A lot. You can go snowshoeing, Nordic and downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, fat biking and stargazing, to name a few. No matter your winter activity preference, we promise Casper has jthe perfect mountain adventure for you and your family all season long.
Pack a snack and take to the sweeping Beartrap Meadow for a peaceful snowshoe excursion with the whole family or opt for something more epic and try fat biking for the first time on Eadsville Trail at the Casper Mountain Trails Center. Off the mountain, take to the waters of the North Platte River, where you can cast a fly-fishing line 12 months out of the year.
No gear? No problem. One of our many outdoor outfitters and rental shops is happy to set you up.
4. Shop Local & Get in the Spirit
Casper is full of welcoming shops and charming boutiques sure to satisfy your holiday shopping fix. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone or you’ve been craving an afternoon of classic window shopping, downtown Casper is sure to take you there. Snag a gift for the guys at Ugly Bug Fly Shop or Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, check stocking stuffers off your list at Floral Rhino and Mustard Seed, pick up fun cosmetics at Makeup & Meat, break for a local treat at Donells Candies and finish off your day with an award-winning cocktail at Backwards Distilling.
5. Take in the Lights of Casper
Each year, Casper decks its halls and hangs holiday lights, creating winter magic through twinkling lights around town. Here are the best places to see Christmas lights throughout Casper.
Conwell Park, located at 120 S. Conwell St., is converted through workers spending hundreds of hours to transform it into an awe-inspiring, illuminated wintery fairyland. Hosted by the City of Casper, the park’s 50,000 lights act as a living holiday card, as towering oaks, lush honey locusts and seasonal blue spruce come to life with a radiant glow.
Several neighborhoods in Casper go all out with their festive decorations. Drive through areas like East 12th Street and South Poplar Street, where homes are decked out with twinkling holiday light displays, inflatable characters and creative themes that capture the essence of the season. Be sure to check for future events as the holidays grow closer. Local businesses, like the Casper Speedway, often host stunning drive-through holiday light displays that make the perfect outing for those hoping to create magical memories without braving the cold.
6. Attend the Casper Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting
It's about to get festive here in Casper! In just a few short weeks, the holiday season will be in full swing all around the heart of the West. Kick off the season with the tree lighting at David Street Station, followed by the Casper Christmas Parade. Both take place Saturday, December 6. Folks tend to gather at David Street Station to watch the tree lighting, which is made even more magical as it's surrounded by an ice rink. After the tree is lit, find a place to watch the parade roll by. And while you're at it, be sure to stroll through local shops in downtown, with most decked out in festive holiday lights and decor. Plus, it's a great way to shop small and shop local, all in one evening.
Tis' the season to get ready for the best time of the year in Casper, Wyoming. View our events calendar for more ideas.
We'd love to see what you're up to this winter! Tag us in your holiday fun on Facebook and Instagram @visit.casper.
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