Students are returning to Laramie after a week-long hiatus of enjoying a hearty meal back home with those they love. Now that the temperature has dropped and Wyoming winter weather is approaching, many students may be wondering what upcoming Christmas events to look forward to before returning home once again. With snow covering the ground, Christmas decorations lining the downtown shops, and holiday spirit filling the air, winter in Laramie could be compared to that of a winter wonderland with tons of activities to look forward to for students and residents alike.
Having started on Nov. 29 and carrying on through Jan. of 2026, Tough Guy Holiday Lights will host its 5th annual Winter Lights Festival at Washington Park. This festival consists of a free walking tour of the light displays, “including 29 specially selected trees with unique light displays, 3 large light displays, 2 tunnels of lights, one as you enter and one as you exit.” (www.visitlaramie.org). On Fridays and Saturdays, local organizations and businesses will have space to sell food and drinks at the start of the walking path. Local businesses will sponsor every display, and each will feature a sign showing the sponsoring business. With the initial goal of raising a minimum of $6,000, the money raised will be equally distributed to each organization that sponsored.
On Dec. 6, several events are happening across Laramie to start off the festive season. Three Holiday Bazaars will be held throughout the day, two of which will be hosted by local churches. The Women’s Guild at St. Laurence O’Toole Church will be hosting a Christmas Bazaar at the Montessori School Gym from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 608 S 4th St.
At the same time, the United Methodist Women will host the UMW Christmas Bazaar at the First United Methodist Church, located at 1215 E. Gibbon St., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. According to their post on Visitlaramie.com, “All profits are donated to local, national, and international charities, including 17 local charities.”
Additionally, Black Fox will host the 8th annual Snowy Mountain Christmas Bazaar on 1000 Welsh Lane.
On Dec. 6 and 7, the UW Symphony will present its Gala Holiday Concert, featuring songs including “Suite” from “The Polar Express” by Alan Silvestri and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. Their first concert will take place on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., with their second taking place on Dec. 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Albany County Public Library will be hosting a book sale from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday through Tuesday (Dec. 7-9) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, will be a half-price day, with all books being half the price. The following day is “Bag Day,” when visitors can bring their own reusable grocery bags or buy one at the door to collect books.
During the three days after students’ first week back in Laramie, numerous events and activities offer plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment.
