Four Great Family Activities to do in Cody this Christmas
Written by Andre Parsons, Cody Country Chamber of Commerce
If you’re heading to Cody this Christmas season, you might not be able to catch the biggest summer attractions like the famous Cody Nite Rodeo. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the western magic Cody has to offer year-round.
Here are four of the best Cody Christmas activities for you and your family. These ideas are sure to bring you together for some wintery fun, whether you prefer caroling and Christmas lights or cutting down your own Christmas tree on a snowy mountainside.
Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade
This event, organized by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, kicks off the Christmas season in downtown Cody. The lighted parade illuminates Sheridan Avenue at 6:00 PM on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
But the parade isn’t all that families can enjoy that night! From 4:00-8:30 PM, downtown businesses will be open with special events, refreshments, and decorations for everyone to see. The Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll also delights with food trucks, firepit s’more stations, and a chance to visit Santa himself.
After the Christmas Stroll, you can check out the Button Bash for a month-long series of giveaways at downtown shops and restaurants. Enjoy Cody’s main street for all of the Christmas season.
Free. November 27, 4PM-8:30PM. Parade 6PM. For questions: Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, 836 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY. (307) 587-2777. https://business.codychamber.org/events/calendar
Cut Down a Christmas Tree in the Shoshone National Forest
Cody is all about access to the great outdoors, and around the holidays that means amazing access to a national forest where you can harvest your own fresh, live Christmas tree.
There’s definitely something magical about stepping out into the forest to choose the perfect tree, cut it down yourself, and bring it back home. Make sure to measure the area you have for a tree and bring your measuring tape with you so you can select the best tree for your house. You can harvest trees up to 20 feet tall!
Tree permits are available from Forest Service Ranger stations or online. They only cost a few dollars and each household can buy up to five tree permits.
So get your permit, pick a sunny day, and bundle up the family for a great Christmas tree hunt. Remember to bring ropes or straps to secure your fresh-cut trees to your vehicle.
$8 per tree. Shoshone National Forest Office: 808 Meadow Lane Avenue, Cody, WY.
(307) 527-6241. https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/058e22e2-e648-11ea-8a7e-f638cd389a69
Holiday Open House at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Every year, the Center of the West opens up its five museums for a free weekend of fun. This annual open house is taking place on the first weekend of December. Visitors will find the museum lit up with holiday decorations and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and candy canes.
Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance during the weekend, but patrons can do some gift giving of their own: the Center will also host a food and toy drive. Non-perishable food items and new, packaged toys will be collected for Cody food pantries and Toys for Tots.
The Center of the West has also planned a lecture, a book signing, and special holiday sales at its gift shop during the Holiday Open House, so there is something for everyone this Christmas!
Free admission. December 4 and 5, 10AM-5PM. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, 720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY. https://centerofthewest.org/events-calendar/
Holly Jolly Trolley Tour & Limo Lights Tour
For years, families have enjoyed this nighttime ride on one of Cody Trolley Tours’ festive passenger vehicles. This 1-hour tour takes riders to see the best-lit neighborhoods in Cody. Families will enjoy caroling, Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, and apple cider as part of the ride.
Families looking for an extra special holiday light tour can book a private ride on one of Cody Trolley Tours’ luxury limos. They offer a Lincoln limo for up to 7 passengers or a Hummer limo for as many as 18 passengers.
These tours will show off Cody’s most creative and festive decorations as residents and businesses compete in a Christmas light competition.
Trolley $12 for adults, $9 for youth, kids free. Private limos $120-$175. December 3 - 23. 1171 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY. Book online. https://codytrolleytours.com/cody-christmas/