New Year’s Eve in Jackson Hole is anything but quiet. From torchlit ski runs and fireworks lighting up the Tetons, to champagne-fueled dance floors and indulgent prix-fixe dinners, the valley knows how to send off the year in true mountain style. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or planning a late-night countdown downtown, here’s what’s happening around Jackson Hole this New Year’s Eve:
Torchlight Parades and Fireworks: A Jackson Classic
No New Year’s Eve in Jackson Hole is complete without a torchlight parade. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort kicks things off in Teton Village with a festive glow worm parade for kids. All kids are welcome and just need to be equipped to ski (with no poles) at the Sweetwater Gondola at 4:30. Parents aren’t required, but can accompany. The iconic torchlight parade follows at 6 p.m. as staff descend the mountain carrying flares. The evening wraps with a fireworks show against the Tetons. This sparkly event is free, family-friendly and undeniably magical. There is also a DJ and an ice bar near the Bridger Gondola from 2-5 p.m.
In town, Snow King Mountain hosts its own torchlight parade and fireworks display, making it easy to catch the show if you’re staying downtown or grabbing dinner near the Square or Hayden’s Post in Snow King Resort. Pro tip: bundle up and arrive early, but the best views if you can snag a seat are at StillWest Brewery & Grill across the street. The restaurant is also doing a special holiday menu that night.
Dinner First, Then the Countdown
New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights to dine out in Jackson, and local restaurants go all out with special menus and celebratory vibes.
Kampai is offering an 8-course Omakase menu, curated by Executive Chef Chris Massad. Each course will feature innovative takes on classic Japanese dishes, highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients. Two seatings are available at 5 and 8 p.m. for $325 per person, excluding gratuity and tax. Click here for more info and to book your reservation.
Both Local and Trio will be offering a special holiday three-course prix fixe menu highlighting exclusive seasonally inspired specials. Costs is $135 per adult and $55 for the children’s menu (available for kids 12 and under). Bookings can be made for either restaurant on Resy.com or by calling the restaurant.
And a little off the beaten path, The Whistling Grizzly will be offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $110 per person that includes a champagne toast. Reservations can be made here.
Outside of prix fix options, expect elevated specials and champagne pairings at favorites like Snake River Grill, FIGS, Glorietta, The Blue Lion where reservations are needed! The Blue Lion will be serving Caviar and potato chips with creme fraiche, chive, and lemon, and Lazy T Ribeye with sautéed mushrooms, Truffled au Poivre sauce, mashed potatoes, tobacco onions, truffle, asparagus as their NYE specials.
Pro tip: Call ahead to the restaurant your in the mood to ring in the New Year with to find out if bar seating is first-come, first-served. Over in Teton Village, Piste Mountain Bistro at the top of the Gondola and the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole offer an elevated way to toast the new year with festive dining.
You can also keep it casual and Korean and walk into Bapp, which will be open til 9 p.m. If draft beers, football and elevated bar food is what you fancy, both Sidewinders locations are ready for you, with no reservations needed. Billy’s Burger is also a great place to fuel up before a night of partying on the town, and bring home an order of their waffle fries and chicken tenders to enjoy when you get back home from the festivities. If you’re headed to the Village, a spicy margarita and bar chicken from Calico is just what your body needs pre or post-torch light festivities (walk-ins welcome!).
Late-Night Parties & Live Music
When the fireworks fade, the party moves indoors.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar delivers its signature New Year’s Eve energy with live music, dancing, and a packed dance floor that carries well past midnight. Over in Teton Village, the Mangy Moose Saloon keeps things lively with live music from the B-Side Players. Tickets can be purchased here.
One of Jackson’s most notorious bands, The Deadlocks, with special guests, will be keeping it jammy this NYE at The Virginian. Make your NYE easy, and book a room at the hotel for after the concert. Click here for more info and tickets. Pregame with a meal at Billy’s Burger and/or cocktails at the Saloon.
Looking for something a little different? Many downtown bars and lounges host themed NYE parties, DJ nights, and midnight toasts, perfect for hopping around until you find your crowd. And in the midst of the downtown party scene, Pinky G’s is open late to keep you fueled through the festivities!
And last but not least, for all the homebodies out there, The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole is open for you home-bubbly until 10pm, and order some take out from a few favorites like Streetfood, Teton Thai, Bapp, Billy’s Burger, Hatch or Merry Piglets.
But most importantly have fun and be safe!
