Mammoth Lakes is a treasured winter destination offering numerous activities and experiences for the whole family. From festive Christmas events and dinners to off-mountain activities, here is a look at all the fun that is in store this holiday season in Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes Holiday Chronicles
Ice Skating at the Community Recreation Center- Head to the LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes for public skating throughout the holiday week. Rentals are available at the ice rink. Additionally, for families with kids, Santa makes a special appearance at the annual Skate with Santa Night.
NYE Sunset Snowshoe Tours- On December 30 and 31, join a guided sunset snowshoe tour of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Alternately, guided tours over moderate terrain to the lookout on Panorama Dome departing from the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center also offer a unique adventure. If you are here during the Christmas week or staying through the first week of the year, take in another unreal moment in time with a full moon guided snowshoe tour through the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Sledding at Woolly’s Adventure Summit- Woolly’s Adventure Summit is open for the season – operating Friday through Sunday until December 14 when it will open 7 days a week and with a new design, is ready to ring in the holidays with you and your family. From tubing at the Tube Park to trying out refreshments at the snack bar, playing in the snow and building snowmen to a chance to meet the fuzzy mascot, Woolly, Woolly’s Adventure Summit is your destination for unforgettable fun.
More Family-Friendly Indoor Activities
Take a break from the cold at one of these family-friendly indoor activities although, advanced reservations are recommended during holiday weeks.
Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl – This bowling centre features scrumptious bites, sweeping views, and innovative gaming technology. Do not miss out on Christmas Carols this holiday season on December 24 and 25 with Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day including performances by the Eastern Sierra Community Chorus.
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 theatre.
Holiday Events in Mammoth Lakes
MAC’s Holiday Marketplace- Shop for the best gifts and home goods and bask in a festive ambience at the Holiday Marketplace, a yearly tradition that showcases the works of local artisans and businesses.
Mammoth High School Boosters Christmas Tree Lot- Stop by the Christmas Tree Lot at the old ice rink/pickle ball courts behind Mammoth Library from December 5 to 24. All proceeds will benefit Mammoth High School.
Night of Lights- A one-of-a-kind evening at Canyon Lodge to kick off the holidays on December 14, Night of Lights is a free, fun-filled night for all ages with live music, a torchlight parade, kids activities, snowmobile rides and a firework spectacular that lights up the Sierra sky.
Santaville- 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 from December 20 to 23.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun- Ring in the New Year with family festivities at the Village at Mammoth at the Private Viewing Area & Party from the Village Gondola deck with prime viewing of the live music and fireworks show.
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 will work up your appetite for a special Christmas dinner at one of Mammoth Lakes’ many restaurants.
Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl- The Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl offers an upscale prix fixe menu for Christmas dinner as well as New Year’s Eve.
Lakefront Restaurant- On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special four-course prix fixe menu with live music at The Lakefront Restaurant.
Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge- Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge will be offering a delicious Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Spanish-inspired four-course prix fixe menu starting on Christmas Eve.
Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop- Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix-fixe menu.
Whitebark Restaurant- Enjoy a flavorful four-course, prix fixe feast at Whitebark Restaurant on Christmas Day dinner with your whole family.
Austria Hof- Austria Hof is serving their regular menu with some additional Christmas specials.
The Mogul- The Mogul Restaurant offers delicious American cuisine in a family-friendly and cozy atmosphere.
Side Door Wine Bar & Café- Cozy up with savoury European fare and choose from over 300 fine wines this Christmas at Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe.
Toomey’s- Toomey’s in the Village will be offering their regular menu.
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 Mammoth Lakes’ 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 provides an opportunity to see the brewing in action.