Cool Winter Events in Cody Yellowstone
The bears have gone night-night for a few months, and the summer tourists are back home either reminiscing about last year’s vacation or planning the next one.
Meanwhile, here in Cody Yellowstone we are looking forward to our “quiet” season which really isn’t that quiet. We love winter. That’s when we can slow down and catch up with our neighbors, ski those hiking trails, climb a frozen waterfall and drop some bait in front of a hungry fish.
Here are some events on our calendars this year:
November 15 – Fall Extravaganza Fundraiser
The third-annual fundraiser for the UpStage Dance Academy, the Fall Extravaganza Fundraiser at the Park County Fairgrounds includes a craft fair, silent auction, cupcake walk, bake sale, raffle and pulled pork meal.
November 21 – Powell’s Christmas Fest Sample the Season
For many, the holiday season kicks off with Powell’s Christmas Fest Sample the Season market in the City of Powell on November 21. Old and new friends alike enjoy strolling through the community and shopping under the soothing glow of holiday lights.
November 23 – Lion’s Club Turkey Day
The annual Turkey Day fundraiser for the Cody Lion’s Club includes shooting games, turkey-themed kids games and a raffle for a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road pickup truck.
November 25 — Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade
Cody’s main drag – Sheridan Avenue – shuts down for downtown events and the lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Festivities include a Christmas stroll with food trucks, scavenger hunt, warming burn barrels and Santa Claus.
December 2–3 — Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Holiday Open House
This annual tradition features two free days to explore the Center’s five spacious museums, beautiful holiday decorations, complimentary hot cocoa and candy canes and discounts in Points West Market to jump-start Christmas shopping. The Center will also collect non-perishable food items to be distributed through Cody food pantries and new, packaged toys to be distributed through Toys for Tots.
December 7 – Christmas in Meeteetse
Starting at the town’s visitor center at 10 a.m. Highlights of Christmas in Meeteetse include Santa’s Workshop, a craft fair, sleigh rides, photos with Santa, hot chocolate bar and a memory tree lighting to honor and remember loved ones.
December 15 – Rocky Mountain Dance Theater Annual Performance of The Nutcracker
This annual performance of the enchanting holiday ballet is staged at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium.
January 1 – First Day Hike at Buffalo Bill State Park
Start the year off right with a hike at Buffalo Bill State Park, one of many state park-led First Day Hikes held throughout Wyoming. Check the website for details.
January 4–7 — Wyoming Ice Festival
The Wyoming Ice Festival will be back next year with more than 20 climbing clinics for every level from beginner to advanced. The festival features ice climbing clinics by day and nightly speakers and presentations developed to inspire and encourage festival participants. Evening activities will start each night at 7 p.m. with food trucks and Snake River Brewing beer available. The Cody Cattle Company will host evening events.
February 2–5 — Meeteetse Ice Fishing Derby
The perennially popular Meeteetse Ice Fishing Derby, set for the first weekend in February 2024, is one of the largest annual ice fishing festivals in the U.S. and drew more than 300 participants last year. Hosted by Visit Meeteetse in cooperation with Cody Yellowstone, the competition will feature up to 125 teams vying to catch the longest trout. Participants compete for more than $10,000 in prizes.
February 22 – Buffalo Bill Birthday Ball
Staged at the Cody Auditorium, the annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Ball is held on the Saturday nearest to town founder Buffalo Bill Cody’s Feb. 26 birthday. The day of the event is declared “Buffalo Bill Day” by official proclamation of the Cody City Council. The ball is a fundraiser for multiple organizations and it includes music, dancing, a prime rib dinner, silent and live auctions and more.
Multiple dates – Park County Nordic Ski Association (PCNSA) Events
The non-profit Park County Nordic Ski Association sponsors a variety of events throughout the ski season. Last year’s event line-up included four Taste of the Trails events and a Nordic Kids Program. Check the website for updates.
Winter is Heating up in Cody Yellowstone
The secret is out about winter in Cody Yellowstone — it’s a ton of fun! Start planning your Wild winter escape today!
