My favorite time of year is between Halloween and New Year’s Day. I love all the festivities, gatherings, parades and smells of the season! The change in the air lends itself to sipping hot cider or cocoa while watching great old movies. I also like getting out and sharing the season with family. Here in Cody/Yellowstone Country, we have a ton of events! Our community hosts some wonderful holiday festivities adding to all the other great reasons to visit the area.
Spontaneous Theater Productions, a local theater company, presents the American classic, “John Brown’s Body” on November 13th at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium in Cody. Based on the classic poem by Stephen Vincent Benet, this play tells the story about the Civil War from John Brown’s raid of Harper’s Ferry to the Battle of Gettysburg. The stories of those involved are beautifully told through song and poetry. This should be a wonderful evening with a host of local performers!
Another wonderful evening of culture will take place on November 15th at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium. The Central City Opera will perform a collection of music reflecting the ups, the downs, and the magic of 
love. A romantic duo and pianist will take the audience through an eclectic program of songs focusing on love. Expect to hear selections from La Boheme, Show Boat ant The Last Five Years.
A highlight of the holiday season in Cody/Yellowstone Country is the Turkey Shoot and Craft Bazaar. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, throngs of adults and children gather in a parking lot downtown to try their hand at winning a Thanksgiving turkey! The Lions Club sets up safe shooting competitions and turkey-themed games for kids. There is also a craft bazaar across the street from the shoot. There is something for everyone on that block!
Thanksgiving weekend typically kicks off ski season in Cody/Yellowstone Country. Of course, this is subject to snow pack. Sleeping Giant Ski Area is scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 23rd. This great little ski area has 184 skiable acres, 2 award winning terrain parks and three lifts. Quality equipment is available at Sleeping Giant or in town at Sunlight Sports. Warm up at the Grizzly Grill with hot entrees, snacks and beverages. Beer and wine also are available at the T-Bar in the upper level of the Lodge. Several area hotels and lodges offer a Ski and Stay package with deals on lodging and $20 full day lift tickets!
Cody’s Christmas Celebration takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving with shopping specials throughout town, a lighted Christmas parade and a variety of special events downtown. Old Trail Town also has a special 
Christmas Open House that day. Stroll through the streets of the town and enjoy the Victorian and old fashioned decorations. Go back in time with homemade cookies, confections and hot toddies in the saloon before heading back into town for the parade! The Buffalo Bill Historical Center celebrates the season with a free open house on the first Saturday in December. The Center is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Everyone is invited to experience the five museums as well as live entertainment and photos with Santa.
There is nothing more festive than small town Christmas celebrations. “Christmas in Meeteetse” is one of those special events. On Saturday, December 8th, the town celebrates with a craft fair, hay rides and specials throughout town. Kids love Santa’s Workshop and the complementary baked goods all day. The day of fun ends with a lighted parade. The town of Powell’s Christmas celebration is known as “Powell Country Christmas” and falls on December 1st this year. The day begins with a Holiday Gift and Craft Showcase in the Commons downtown. In addition to the craft and food booths, there is entertainment all day. The day rounds out with a lighted parade!
Needless to say, the holiday season in Cody/Yellowstone Country is jammed packed with festivities! A weekend trip to the area is a great opportunity to do a little holiday shopping and partake in some old fashioned Christmas traditions and events.
Until next time, I’ll be lovin’ the holidays in Cody/Yellowstone Country!
Corrie N. Cody