It's the holiday season in the Wood River Valley, which means that fun activities and events abound. From Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, enjoy the best of what the valley has to offer, from the arts to the outdoors. For a complete list of events, visit www.mtexpress.com/calendar/events/.
Sun Valley Christmas Eve Festival
A valley tradition is the Sun Valley Christmas Eve Festival. Sun Valley celebrates Christmas Eve today, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. with the Sun Valley Carolers roaming throughout the village and the "Nutcracker on Ice" at the outdoor ice rink, followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks at Dollar Mountain. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies in the fairytale setting of at the Sun Valley Lodge.
"A Christmas Carol—The Musical"
The nexStage Acting Co. and Laughing Stock Theatre Co. co-production of "A Christmas Carol: The Musical" at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum is a must-see to catch the Wood River Valley holiday spirit. This is the largest production of the show in its five-year run. The cast is composed of four professional actors and 62 talented local adults and children. "A Christmas Carol: The Musical" will have a final performance today, Dec. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for reserved seating, $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Tickets are available by calling 726-4857.
"Moonlight and Magnolias"
Ron Hutchinson's "Moonlight and Magnolias" tells the story of legendary Hollywood producer David O. Selznick's shutting down the production of "Gone With the Wind" to rewrite the film's script in 1939. The Company of Fools presents this Hollywood moment in time in a production of "Moonlight and Magnolias" through Friday, Dec. 31. Show times—at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey—are today, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 26, at 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults, $20 for seniors and $18 for students. For tickets, call 578-9122 or visit www.companyoffools.org.
Visit Galena Lodge
Head to Galena Lodge for a scrumptious holiday dinner prepared by Chef Don Shepler. One of the most unusual Christmas experiences in the valley is to enjoy Christmas dinner after Nordic skiing and savor the beauty of the lodge, 23 miles north of Ketchum off state Highway 75. The lodge will offer holiday dinners at 6:30 p.m. today, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 31. Dinner will not be available Tuesday, Dec. 28. On Thursday, Dec. 30, and Friday, Dec. 31, the evening will feature live music by Mirko Pressler. For reservations, call 726-4010.
Ketchum Winter Antique Show
Find treasures and more at the Ketchum Winter Antique Show. Bill Summers will take over the nexStage Theatre with his winter antique show on Wednesday, Dec. 29, through Friday, Dec. 31. A Ketchum tradition, the show is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Gallery Walk
The Sun Valley Gallery Association will sponsor a Gallery Walk on Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 5-8 p.m. Ketchum galleries open their doors to offer libations and a chance to peruse art from artists across the U.S. and beyond.
Sun Valley Resort Duchin Room
Some of the best music in town is free Monday through Saturday at the Duchin Room après ski from 5:15-8:45 p.m. with the Paul Tillotson Trio through Sunday, Jan. 2. The trio will not perform Christmas Day, Dec. 25, but Leana Leach will perform in the Duchin Room—in the Sun Valley Lodge—on Christmas Day from 3-9 p.m. In addition, Leach will perform every day through Sunday, Jan. 2, from 3-5 p.m.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on the miles of trails at Galena Lodge are favorite winter activities.
