Last Minute Holiday Happenings in Billings, MT (No Reservations Required)
We all know that feeling…
It’s a random Friday night or Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning in December. For once you find yourself with no plans.
You’ve had your fill of watching Christmas movies on the couch and on a whim decide, “we should go do something festive!”
So you pull up Google and type “holiday events near me” just to find that almost everything going on requires a reservation or is already sold out.
After a few hours of trying to find SOMETHING to do, you exit out of Google and press play on your 10th Christmas movie of the day.
UGH! You just wanted to get dressed up and go have some holly jolly fun in your local city. Why does everything require months of planning during the holiday season?!
I feel you. As someone who does love to plan things in advance, it’s also nice when you can be spontaneous and just get in the car and go.
Which is why I decided to round up some of the best holiday events in and around Billings, MT that don’t require reservations so you truly CAN be spontaneous when you want this season.
So, when or if you find yourself in the scenario I described above, browse through this list and consider it done!
Last Minute Holiday Events and Festivities in Billings MT
Holiday Tours at Moss Mansion (November 13 - January 5)
Need a cozy, indoor activity for cold or rainy days? Moss Mansion has you covered with their holiday tours! Opt for a self paced or guided tour throughout the mansion grounds. Days and times vary November through January and no reservations are required! 🏛️
Holiday Nights at ZooMontana (November 29 - December 31)
Join Zoo Montana in Billings this 2023 holiday season for a magical Christmas Lighting Experience at Zoo Montana. 🦁
From November 29th through December 31st, immerse yourself and your family in the festive spirit with over 10 million dazzling lights, enchanting large-scale displays, sleigh rides, cherished photo opportunities with Santa, cozy S'more tents, and so much more!
Witness Zoo Montana's transformation into a winter wonderland, creating cherished memories and celebrating the joy of the holiday season together!
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s (ongoing through December 24th)
If you’re looking for a fun outing on a whim, load the family up and take a trip to Cabela’s! It’s decorated with all kinds of festive fun that the whole family is sure to enjoy. PLUS if you go on a weekday, you can get some free giveaways while supplies last.
If you want to participate in special Santa sightings, like pictures with the big guy, Christmas tales with Santa and Mrs. Clause, or a Yuletide Breakfast (all on select days), click here to book your reservation (only required a week in advance!). 🎅🏼
Location: 4550 King Ave E.
Downtown Billings First Friday Holiday Stroll and Artwalk (December 6th)
The Downtown Billings first Friday in December is a combination of the holiday stroll and Billings ArtWalk – a membership led organization committed to promoting local artists and their work.
In addition to browsing the free art exhibits, you can also enjoy a night of holiday-centric events, dining and shopping specials throughout downtown, extended shopping hours, live entertainment, fire pits on N. Broadway, and free photos with Santa! 🎄🎨
Photos with Santa at Scheels (December 7th & 8th)
Scheels is always a fun place to stop when you need a family outing, but this December it’ll be even better with Santa in town! On December 7th and 8th, kiddos can meet and take free photos with Santa from 10am - 4pm both days.
All you’ve gotta do is bring your own camera to capture the moment! 📸
Location: 1121 Shiloh Crossing Blvd.
Santa Saturdays at Roots Garden Center (December 7th, 14th, & 21st)
Roots Garden Center is an unexpected, yet fun family outing during the holiday season. You can grab all your festive needs, from Christmas trees, to wreaths, to holiday cactus, decor, local art, ornaments, and more!
Plus during the month of December, you can browse Santa’s toy shop featuring classic finds and one-of-a-kind gifts for the special little one on your list! 🧸
And in case you still need a picture with Santa, the big guy himself will be making an appearance every Saturday during December so you can snap a free picture.
Location: 2147 Poly Dr
The Polar Express at the Babcock Theatre (December 21st)
Looking for a last minute and FREE event the weekend before Christmas? The Babcock Theatre has you covered with two showtimes for The Polar Express on December 21st.
While a movie night at home is fun, it’s always a nice treat to go to the theatres to watch a classic film on the big screen. 🚂🍫
Wear your jammies and enjoy some yummy popcorn while you watch the infamous Christmas train make its way to the north pole as you anticipate your own Christmas festivities!
The showtimes are 3pm and 6pm.
Grab a holiday drink at Big Sky Coffee Roasters
Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit quite like a festive flavored coffee from a local shop in town! My personal favorite is Big Sky Coffee Roasters and this year their holiday menu features all kinds of fun drinks, like a frosted yeti, morning martini, oat-nog latte, and much more.
Grab a holiday drink and enjoy the coffee shop ambiance or take it to go and go search for Christmas lights through neighborhoods! ☕️
Go ice skating at Centennial Ice Arena
Looking for a family fun winter activity? Put your ice skating skills to the test with the public skate sessions at Centennial Ice Arena.
Public Skate times vary from week to week and last from 1-1.5hrs, depending on the ice availability for the day. Both figure and hockey skates are available for rent. ⛸️
Looking for more Billings Christmas events?
Billings really is full of all kinds of ways to celebrate during the holiday season!
If you’re searching for more Billings Christmas events (and beyond!) our event calendar has you covered. We keep it updated all year round so you never miss what’s happening locally.
Here’s to creating lasting memories with those you love.
Happy Holidays! 💚❤️