Enjoy the Holidays in Mammoth Lakes

November 19, 2024

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

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.

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. The Mountain Coaster will be open from November 15-17, and then daily November 22-30. Plus, the Tube Park is scheduled to open on November 29, 2024.

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

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.

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

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 November 30-December 24. 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.

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 29th 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 6th at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes, featuring music, lights, hot beverages, and FREE ice skating. Don’t miss these joyful celebrations that make the season shine—click here for more details!

Kids Ski Free Week

Kids ski free at Mammoth Mountain from Saturday, December 7 through Friday, December 13! The offer is available for children 12 and under, for more information visit Mammoth Mountain's website.

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 at the Minaret Village Shopping Center on December 14 - 15, 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 5:00-10:00 pm on December 14, 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 18 for this fun, family event! Enjoy skating and photos with a special guest...SANTA! Santa is scheduled to arrive at 5:30pm and will stay for photos and skating through 7:30pm until he loads up his sleigh and heads to the North Pole!

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 22rd.

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.

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.

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve prix-fixe menu. Book online to reserve a table. Ring in the New Year with a DJ and countdown to the New Year starting at 10:00 pm on New Year's Eve.

Austria Hof

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

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.

Inflated snowmen stand outside a restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.

Author

Visit Mammoth

Unreal. There is no better way to describe Mammoth Lakes, California. A place so majestic that breathtaking views surround you in every direction. The staff at Mammoth Lakes Tourism is committed to stewardship, education, providing the ultimate visitor experience, and keeping the Real Unreal.