Your Guide to Christmas and Holidays in Mammoth Lakes

Written by: Helen Wells

Helen writes for Mammoth Mountain Reservations, sharing insights and local expertise on what makes Mammoth Lakes a standout mountain destination, from seasonal activities to unforgettable alpine experiences.

Spending the holidays in snow-covered mountains is absolutely special. In Mammoth Lakes, Christmas is all about days on the slopes, the various festivities, a good dinner, some local shopping, and then a very relaxed evening after all the exploring in the Eastern Sierra.

No matter how you like to kick off Christmas morning (early in the morning on the slopes or a relaxed breakfast before heading out into town), Mammoth offers the flexibility to plan a holiday that fits in with your own traditions. Families can combine skiing with ice skating and the various seasonal events, couples can go on a mountain break with great food and good après-ski, and groups can all relax together in their spacious vacation rentals.

If you're thinking of spending Christmas in Mammoth this year, this guide will help you find things to do, places to eat and shop, what to expect on the mountain, and how to get ready for holiday travel.

Experience the Holiday Season in Mammoth Lakes

Winter changes Mammoth Lakes, and the holidays bring a whole new level of festivity. The Village at Mammoth becomes the epicenter of the celebrations, with decorations and holiday activities that boost the mountain-town atmosphere.

The Holiday Tree Lighting in The Village is a much-loved tradition to kick off the season. It's a family event with the tree lighting, live entertainment, kids' activities, and, of course, visits from Woolly and Santa. Don't forget to check the most up-to-date schedule before your visit, as times are subject to change.

Night of Lights at Canyon Lodge is another popular holiday event featuring live music, a torchlight parade, kids' activities, snowmobile rides, and a fireworks show lighting up the Sierra sky. There's also ice skating, Santa visits, holiday markets, and a host of other events going on around town.

Go Skiing and Snowboarding Over Christmas Break

For so many people, Christmas in Mammoth Lakes is all about the snow.

Mammoth Mountain is 11,053 feet and has approximately 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, so skiing and snowboarding are the main reasons for a holiday visit. June Mountain is also nearby and is a very family-oriented mountain.

If you're planning to be up there for a few days, it's useful to plan your ski days. Christmas and New Year's are very busy, so it's definitely worth booking your accommodation and securing your preferred activities as far in advance as possible.

You can mix in your mountain days with all sorts of other fun activities. Ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and of course, the scenic gondola ride are all available to non-skiers as well as skiers who want to take a break.

Plan a Special Holiday Dinner

After a day out in the fresh air, sitting down together for a meal is one of the highlights of Christmas in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes, being a resort town, means there's no shortage of dining options over the Christmas period (from the very casual to the more formal holiday dinners). Just be aware that each restaurant will have its own holiday hours and menus.

Don't assume your favorite restaurant will be open, of course. Make your dining arrangements before your trip. Check directly with the restaurant regarding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours, and book your table as soon as possible.

There are plenty of dining options available for the remainder of your stay. You can have breakfast before you head out to the slopes, meet up for some après ski drinks and snacks, have a more relaxed family-style meal, or, of course, dress up for a night out.

Go Christmas Shopping in Mammoth Lakes

Did you forget a present? Or would you rather have something more personal than a gift card? Take some time during your trip for a bit of Christmas shopping.

Local shops have loads of gift ideas based around Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra. You can find mountain wear, mugs, ski equipment, toys, local art, books, and all sorts of souvenirs to remind them of their trip.

Experiences are also excellent gifts. A ski or snowboard lesson, a spa treatment, or a family photo session can all be the highlight of the trip.

For skiers and snowboarders, mountain gear or a Mammoth-themed souvenir is always a good idea. If they're a fan of the Eastern Sierra or local art, a guidebook would be a great gift for their next trip.

This way, your Christmas present is linked to the place you spent the holidays in rather than being something you could buy anywhere.

Make Time for More Winter Fun

Not everyone wants to ski every day, and some of the very best holiday memories are actually made off the lifts.

Try ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing with the family, or take a gondola ride. There's a great mix of outdoor and in-town activities, so there's something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

Keep your plans as flexible as possible (particularly if you're only there for a few days). A bit of a slower afternoon to shop, to explore the town, or to have a warm meal can be a good break from the busy days on the mountain.

Book Your Christmas Trip Early

The holidays are a time when planning is absolutely the thing.

Don't wait until your travel dates are imminent to start looking for accommodation. As soon as you know who's coming and what type of place you're after, get going on the booking. Booking early gives you a far greater chance of securing the amenities you're after.

Mammoth Mountain Reservations has properties throughout the area, and options include pet-friendly rentals and hot tubs.

Before you book, check out the latest Mammoth vacation rental deals and specials. Mammoth Mountain Resorts offers different promotions year-round, including early-booking discounts.

Prepare for Winter Driving

A white Christmas is lovely when you get there, but of course, snow could also influence your trip to Mammoth Lakes.

Winter storms can turn the roads in the Eastern Sierra around in a very short space of time, and chain controls may be put in place. You may have a 4x4 or all-wheel drive, but you need to be prepared for winter travel and the chance of chain requirements.

Before you leave the house, check the weather and road conditions. When you're driving in snow, slow down, leave plenty of space, avoid sudden braking, and clear all the snow and ice off your car before you go.

A bit of preparation will go a long way toward making your trip less stressful and, in turn, help you enjoy the holiday that's waiting at the end of the drive.

Spend Christmas in Mammoth Lakes

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Whether you're opening presents in a mountain condo or skiing under the Sierra Nevada peaks, Christmas in Mammoth Lakes offers you a multitude of ways to create your own special holiday traditions.

Start your day on the slopes, have some seasonal activities in the afternoon, pick up some Mammoth-inspired souvenirs, and finish it off with dinner or a nice evening together. The combination of winter fun and mountain town charm makes Mammoth a great option for families, couples, and groups looking for a different kind of holiday.

When you're ready to plan, check out the Mammoth Lakes vacation rentals and find the ideal base from which to launch your mountain holiday.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Mammoth Lakes at Christmas?

You can ski and snowboard, go ice skating, snowshoe, snowmobile, tube, take the gondola up for a scenic ride, shop, eat, and generally look out for the various seasonal events going on in town. The holiday program has included the Village Holiday Tree Lighting, the Night of Lights, and Santa visits.

Is Mammoth Lakes busy over the holidays?

Christmas and New Year's are popular times for a mountain break. You'll want to plan your accommodation, your food, and any activities that require booking.

How far in advance should I book a Mammoth Lakes rental for Christmas?

Book as early as you comfortably can once your dates and group size are set (this will give you a much better chance of securing a rental that is in the location and with the amenities you want). Mammoth Mountain Reservations also offers early-booking discounts as part of its rotating specials.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes, some of the restaurants in Mammoth Lakes have traditionally stayed open on Christmas Day, though availability, menus, and hours can vary from year to year. It's always worth checking directly with the restaurant and booking your Christmas Day dining in advance if you're at all unsure.

Is there a tree lighting in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. The Holiday Tree Lighting in The Village is an established seasonal event at The Village at Mammoth. The celebration includes the lighting of the holiday tree and has featured family activities, live entertainment, Santa, and Woolly.