It's June - Why All the Talk About 'Cowboy Christmas'?

Explore the high stakes period of Cowboy Christmas, where rodeo competitors race across the country for the most lucerative payouts of the season, defining careers and legacies in a matter of weeks.

Steer Wrestling at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo. / Cheyenne Frontier Days

When most people think of Christmas, images of snow-covered landscapes, twinking lights and holiday cheer come to mind. If you're a rodeo fan, maybe you daydream of an escape to balmy Las Vegas to catch some Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) action. In the rodeo world, "Cowboy Christmas" refers to a totally different kind of celebration--one that (usually) doesn't involve snow or Christmas trees but is likely equally as festive for those involved.

Cowboy Christmas begins in mid-June and ends around the beginning of August, coinciding with the height of rodeo season. This period is named for the flurry of rodeo events that occur around the Fourth of July, where cowboys and cowgirls can compete in numerous rodeos across multiple states in just a few days. This cluster of rodeos have some of the largest purses in rodeo.

The name itself reflects the opportunities available during this time. Those who walk away champions at multiple rodeos end up with a bounty much like receiving gifts on Christmas morning. The big winners from Cowboy Christmas can propel themselves into the top 15 in the world standings, or can solidify their position at the top.

For example, competitors might start their week at the famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo in Arizona, quickly head to the St. Paul Rodeo in Oregon, and then make appearances at events in cities like Cody, Wyoming, and Greeley, Colorado, all within a span of days. The logistics alone are daunting, as athletes manage travel, animal care, and their physical readiness amidst a grueling schedule.

Beyond the competition and schedule, Cowboy Christmas is a cultural phenomenon within the rodeo community. It's a time when camaraderie shines, as competitors travel together, work together to find trades to the performance they need, and help each other through the ups and downs of the rodeo road. The atmosphere at each rodeo is unforgettable, with communities coming together to celebrate America's western heritage and the spirit of independence that aligns with the Fourth of July festivities.

So, as you see people talk about Cowboy Christmas in June, they're not talking about buying a pair of cowboy boots for Christmas...they're talking about stepping into the heart of rodeo culture, where every ride and second counts.

While it might not involve the typical Christmas traditions, Cowboy Christmas is a celebration in the truest sense of the word, marked by the hopes and dreams of the rodeo community coming alive in the summer sun.