A little-known festive secret in Wyoming is about to transform into a Western Winter Wonderland. Downtown Cheyenne, known as the North WEST Pole, is home to the Old West Holiday, an under-the-radar destination for winter travelers. Santa’s home may be up north, but this is his old ranching homestead. On November 20, this home to annual holiday traditions kicks off the season with something for everyone.
Old West Holiday
Wyoming’s capital city transforms into a place with Santa’s favorite shops including the Old West Holiday Pony Express Stop to deliver letters to the man himself, his workshop and stables, Mrs. Claus’ cookie shop, Santa’s saloon, and more. You never know, you may run into the jolly old elf himself!
Cheyenne Christmas Parade
The Old West Holiday also features the Cheyenne Christmas parade. For more than 30 years, this tradition has made its way through town spreading cheer. It highlights over 100 floats, horse-drawn wagons, bands, antique autos, performers, colorful marching groups, and special holiday festivities.
The parade kicks off each year with the Toys for Tots float. Anyone can bring unwrapped gifts to the parade as a donation to the location’s children in celebration of the season.
Featured Festivities
There is a variety of cherished events, including Tinsel Through Time at the Historic Governor’s Mansion. From November 18 to December 24, the mansion is decorated from top to bottom with beautiful Christmas decorations and era-themed Christmas trees, as well as the Meyer’s Light Wonderland through the heart of Cheyenne Plaza.
Holiday Light Tours take place each night beginning December 9 through January 1 at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. From the best seat in town — that’s also heated — The Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley will take you on a tour of beautifully decorated homes and yards.
Holiday festivities continue each weekend with surprises along the way.
Stay In Cheyenne
Stay at the newly renovated Nagle Warren Mansion bed and breakfast. This 1900s Victorian-era time capsule invites you to take a step back in time and enjoy old-world service, world-class cuisine, and an afternoon tea session with Dickens Holiday Tea. With traditional Victorian decor, holiday music in the background, and an appearance from Charles Dickens to regale attendees with stories, holiday tea is served on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. until December 18.
Or enjoy a holiday staycation at the Little American Hotel & Resort – Cheyenne. Featuring a New Year’s Eve Package, it includes overnight accommodations for two, unlimited well drinks from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., a midnight champagne toast, and late check-out on New Year’s Day. Before the late-night celebrations, guests can enjoy a prix fixe dinner at Hathaway’s Restaurant.
About Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne is located in the southeast corner of the state in Laramie County and is about 90 minutes north of Denver. Its name is most commonly attributed to the Native Americans in the area, whose name was given to them by the Sioux. It was originally pronounced “Shay-an-nah” and is thought to mean “people of a different tongue.” It’s a popular destination, with about 1.97 million people visiting overnight in 2020.
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