BY Sophia Sturgeon
The holidays in Sun Valley looked a little bit different this year. A period of unseasonably warm weather—and lots of rain—led to the cancellation of the annual Christmas Eve torchlight parade, a tradition that locals and tourists look forward to all year. The disappointment was heard around the Valley. Unfortunately, Sun Valley missed out on one of its most beloved traditions. However, this meant that all the holiday spirit typically reserved for Christmas Eve was instead delegated to New Year’s Eve, which arrived with a much more fitting winter welcome. Not only did snow begin to lightly fall the evening of December 31st, but the town woke to a fresh layer of snow on New Year’s Day. Additionally, New Year’s celebrations took place across the Valley, calling crowds of all ages and interests. Whether you were looking for family-friendly fun, late-night dancing, or something a little more glamorous, Sun Valley delivered. So, let’s break it down!
Starting at 9 p.m. on the 31st, Sun Valley Resort rang out the old and rang in the new with a special fireworks show. The New Year’s celebration took place above Dollar Mountain and could be seen from the Resort and the surrounding area. The fireworks followed Dollar Mountain’s New Year’s Eve night skiing: a night of fun for the whole family! Skiers and snowboarders took to the slopes to shred under the stars, dance to music and, of course, witness the fireworks display. It’s safe to say that Dollar and the fireworks were a hit!
If you wanted a New Year’s celebration that took place closer to midnight, and with fewer children around, you likely attended the Snowball, hosted at River Run Lodge. Patrons dressed to the nines: furs, feathers, glitter—you name it! The lodge was transformed into party central with a DJ booth, strobe light, smoke machine, dance floor, and even a photobooth. The Snowball was for adults 21+, and complimentary champagne was served upon entry. The dance floor was hit, bubbles were sipped, and lots of fun was had.
Staying in town was another option this New Year’s Eve, with many of the local bars hosting celebrations. One of the most notable was Whiskey’s on Main, which hosted an ’80’s-themed party. Whiskey-goers sported neon, tulle, and sheen, all while adopting their best ’80’s mindset. Whiskey’s encapsulated the Neon ’80s through their live music performances from Casio Dreams and DJ sets by Daws & Harley. Champagne toasts were made, photobooth pictures were snapped, late-night bites were munched, and one of the most exciting decades was honored!
Another 21+ option that was slightly more exclusive was Fiamma’s Black-Tie Masquerade. This new-ish, flourishing Italian-inspired restaurant invited 50 guests to a black-tie masquerade dinner, with 5% of the evening’s proceeds benefiting the Corry Hard Clayville Scholarship Fund. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests arrived in chic, masquerade attire to indulge in an open bar, an oyster-and-champagne pairing station, hors d’oeuvres, a four-course menu, a professional photographer, and live music.
While Christmas Eve may have arrived without snow, Sun Valley still found its winter magic, albeit a little bit later than expected. From fireworks over Dollar Mountain to dance floors and candlelit charity dinners, New Year’s Eve proved that our Valley knows how to rally and celebrate when it really matters. With fresh snow on the horizon, regardless of the amount, and spirits high, 2026 began exactly as it should: sparkling, festive, and Sun Valley-style!
