top of page
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Spotify

Montana Holiday Guide: Celebrating the Season Across Big Sky Country

Updated: Dec 3, 2025



Crowded Christmas market at dusk with string lights, snow-covered ground, and a lit tree. Mountains in the background create a festive mood.

Montana does the holidays differently. There's something authentic about how we celebrate here—parades down Main Streets lit by thousands of lights, community gatherings where everyone actually knows each other, tree lightings that feel less like events and more like traditions. Whether you're in a bustling college town or a quiet mountain village, the holiday spirit feels genuine, unhurried, and deeply connected to the place.


We've spent years exploring Montana's holiday celebrations, and what strikes us every time is how each town brings its own personality to the season. Here's your guide to the best holiday events across the state, organized to help you find exactly what you're looking for.


Table of Contents: 


The Montana Holiday Vibe by City


Great Falls: Classic Montana Christmas

Great Falls brings big-city energy to holiday celebrations while keeping that authentic Montana feel. The 31st Annual Parade of Lights kicks off on November 29th with a '70s "Groovy Little Christmas" theme, featuring dozens of floats down Central Avenue. The parade concludes with Santa lighting the city Christmas tree in front of the civic center.


The following week brings the Christmas Stroll on December 5th with a "Holiday Luau" theme, where downtown businesses stay open late and the streets fill with food vendors, live music, and holiday shopping. It's quirky, fun, and entirely Great Falls.


The holiday spirit here is infectious—from the Great Falls Symphony's Christmas Concert on December 7 to The Art of Christmas Market at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art on December 12-13, there's a celebration for every style.


Missoula: Arts, Culture & Community

Missoula's holiday scene reflects the town itself—creative, community-focused, and slightly eclectic. The Missoula Parade of Lights on December 6 draws the whole community out, and the Missoula Holiday MADE Fair on December 14 showcases over 200 Montana artisans in one place.


The arts scene shines during the holidays. Missoula Community Theatre presents "Annie" December 4-21, while Garden City Ballet performs the Nutcracker December 12-14. The Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale presents Holiday Pops December 5-7.


What we love about Missoula's holidays is the variety—there's always something happening, from downtown carriage rides on December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 to Missoula on Main on December 30-31, an alcohol-free New Year's celebration with art and cultural experiences throughout town.


Bozeman: Mountain Town Magic

Bozeman's holiday celebrations blend mountain town charm with college town energy. The Bozeman Christmas Stroll is unique—instead of a traditional parade, it's a walking celebration where Santa and the community stroll down Main Street, stopping at each intersection for tree lightings. First-timers find it confusing, but once you understand the concept, it's magical.


Montana Ballet Company performs the Nutcracker in Bozeman on December 6-7 at Willson Auditorium. The Bozeman Fall MADE Fair on October 17-18 starts the season early with local artisans and craftspeople.


Small Business Saturday on November 29 offers free parking in the downtown garage, making it easy to support local shops.


Helena: Capital City Charm

Helena brings historic elegance to holiday celebrations. "Nutcracker on the Rocks" on November 29-30 offers an electrifying twist on the classic, featuring music from James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones. "Christmas in the Cathedral" on December 1 is Helena's most cherished holiday tradition, an enchanting evening of reflection and celebration in the stunning Cathedral of St. Helena.


The Helena Holiday MADE Fair on December 5-6 brings together Montana's finest artisans for holiday shopping. The capital city's celebrations feel refined without being stuffy, offering sophistication with Montana heart.


Holiday Events by Type


Parades & Light Displays

There's something timeless about holiday parades—communities gathering to watch floats lit by thousands of lights, kids waving at Santa, hot cocoa warming cold hands.


Great Falls: Parade of Lights, November 29


Missoula: Parade of Lights, December 6


Whitefish: Christmas Stroll, December 12


Polson: Parade of Lights, December 5


Cut Bank: Parade of Lights, December 6


Bozeman: Christmas Stroll, December 6


Holiday Markets & Shopping

Montana's holiday markets showcase local artisans, craftspeople, and makers. These aren't generic craft fairs—they're curated events featuring genuinely talented creators.


MADE Fairs: These juried events feature over 200 skilled artisans. Bozeman Fall MADE Fair: October 17-18 at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Helena Holiday MADE Fair: December 5-6 at Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds. Missoula Holiday MADE Fair: December 14 at Adams Center


Great Falls: The Art of Christmas at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, December 12-13. Features unique gifts from local artists with photos with Santa and The Grinch


Great Falls: Holiday Happenings Craft Show at Montana Expo Park, November 22-23 



Missoula: Indigenous Made Winter Market, November 29


Belgrade: Belgrade Holiday Market, December 13, 9am-3pm at Belgrade High School Special Events Center. Over 100 local and home-based businesses


Holiday Performances & Theater

Montana's performing arts scene brings holiday classics to life with local talent and professional productions.


The Nutcracker:


Unique Performances:

  • Helena: "Nutcracker on the Rocks," November 29-30. Features rock and roll soundtrack including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones with a Harley Davidson on stage

  • Kalispell: Christmas Carol Radio Broadcast, December 4-7 at Conrad Mansion Museum

  • Missoula: MCT's "Annie," December 4-21

  • Whitefish: Alpine Theatre Project's "Yuletide Affair," December 20-22


Symphony Concerts:


Downtown Strolls & Shopping Events

Montana's downtown strolls transform main streets into holiday wonderlands, with businesses staying open late, special activities, and that small-town community feeling.


Great Falls: Christmas Stroll, December 5


Whitefish: Christmas Stroll, December 12


Hamilton: Downtown Christmas Stroll, November 29


Missoula: Holidays on Higgins, December 6


Tree Lighting Ceremonies

There's something magical about watching a community Christmas tree light up for the first time, surrounded by neighbors singing carols and kids' excited voices.


Lakeside: Christmas Tree Lighting, November 29


Polson: Tree Lighting, November 29


Libby: Tree Lighting, December 6


Great Falls: Parade of Lights, November 29


Unique Montana Holiday Experiences

These are the events that make Montana holidays special—experiences you won't find anywhere else.


Lewis & Clark Caverns Candlelight Tours: December 19-21 and December 26-28. Two-mile tour through the caves carrying candle lanterns.


First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park: Trim the Tree event, December 5, 4:30-6pm. Kids make ornaments, decorate the visitor center tree, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Santa visits from 5-5:30pm.


Christmas at Conrad Mansion Museum, Kalispell: December 1-26. Historic home decked in seasonal splendor with docent-guided tours


Big Sky: Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, December 24. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can carry torches down the mountain


Whitefish: Santa's Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade, December 24


Making the Most of Montana's Holiday Season

Plan ahead for performances: The Nutcracker, symphony concerts, and theater shows sell out quickly, especially in smaller venues. Book tickets as soon as they're available.


Embrace the cold: Montana holiday events happen outdoors regardless of temperature. Layer up, bring hand warmers, and remember that hot cocoa tastes better when you're actually cold.


Support local: Holiday markets and downtown strolls are perfect opportunities to do all your gift shopping while supporting Montana artists and businesses. The quality is genuinely high, and everything has a story.


Check specific dates: While we've included dates based on current information, some events vary year to year. Confirm dates and times before making plans, especially if you're traveling.


Arrive early: Parking fills up fast at popular events like parades and markets. Get there 30-45 minutes early for the best spots.


Make it a weekend: Many towns cluster multiple events on the same weekend. Plan an overnight stay to experience everything without rushing.


The Montana Holiday Spirit

Here's what makes Montana holiday celebrations special: they're not trying to be Rockefeller Center or European Christmas markets. They're authentically themselves—small towns proud of their traditions, cities creating community through celebration, and everyone genuinely excited to gather together.


Whether you're watching the Parade of Lights, shopping the MADE fairs for local gifts, attending the Nutcracker in a small-town theater, or soaking in hot springs under the stars, Montana's holiday season offers something you won't find anywhere else: genuine connection, authentic celebration, and that particular kind of magic that happens when communities come together in the darkest, coldest time of year to create light and warmth.


bottom of page