WILSON, Wyo. — Join the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. for this year’s R Park Winter Solstice Celebration, R Park Lantern Trail illumination, and Garden of Lanterns! This event is FREE and open to the entire community, offering something for the whole family.
This year’s celebration promises to bring light and warmth on one of the the darkest days of the year. Guests can indulge in Cooking in the Dark’s mouthwatering spread of cozy favorites, including mac’ n’ cheese, chili, and s’mores, or warm up with a cup of hot apple cider and hot chocolate. Thanks to Wyoming Whiskey, those 21+ can enjoy spiked versions of the holiday classics.
“The R Park Winter Solstice Celebration has everything: world-class sledding, good company, holiday cheer, hearty food, and hot drinks for kids and adults,” said JHLT Community Conservation Director Zach Andres. “Come celebrate my favorite event of the year, made even more memorable this year by the enchanting Garden of Lanterns.”
This year’s R Park Lantern Trail features a special exhibit, the Garden of Lanterns, which includes illuminated works by local artists and students, produced and presented by JH Public Art. Visitors are invited to enjoy a sparkling stroll along R Park’s snow-covered trails, where the warm glow of solar lanterns, designed by Teton County students, creates a magical winter landscape. With more than 275 handcrafted lanterns contributed by classrooms and community programs, this year’s trail is a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit.
Participating classrooms and programs include:
- Heidi Thompson, Colter Elementary School
- Elyse Mock, Munger Mountain Elementary School
- Linsay Alexander, Wilson Elementary School
- Victoria Wade, Girls Actively Participating
- Amy Aronowitz, Jackson Hole Middle School
- Shannon Hart, Jackson Hole Middle School
- Hannah Horrigan, Jackson Hole High School
- Garden of Lanterns, produced and presented by JH Public Art
For those unable to attend the event or for anyone looking to extend the holiday spirit, the lantern trail will remain illuminated nightly from Dec. 15 through Jan 15. Please note, the Garden of Lanterns exhibition and Hannah Horrigan’s classroom’s lanterns are only on display during the Winter Solstice Celebration, so plan to attend to experience it in full.
R Park is located at 4270 River Springs Drive in Wilson, at the intersection of highways 22 and 390. With limited parking available at R Park, it is recommended to use additional parking at the Stilson Lot or take START transit to the Village Road Transit Center (Stilson). From Stilson Lot, please use the community pathway to access R Park.
The R Park Winter Solstice Celebration is made possible through generous support from the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board.
