The Best of Billings: Winter Edition
As the hustle and bustle of the holidays come to a close and you start settling into the winter season, Billings continues to captivate residents and visitors alike with its charm as the season fills the community with tons of events and activities.
From unique outdoor adventure to fun indoor activities and of course annual events like no other, Billings truly has something for everyone year round.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone looking for your next staycation destination, or are simply looking to soak in the rich ambiance of winter in Montana, Billings is the place to be.
In this Best of Billings Guide, you’ll find all of the can’t miss moments to fill your season with fun! ❄️
Let’s dive in!
The Best Winter Outdoor Activities In and Near Billings, MT
Want to hit the slopes this winter? Red Lodge Mountain, located just over an hour from Billings, is the place to be!
Ice Fishing 🎣❄
While summer is the popular season for fishing in Montana, ice fishing has its moment during the colder months! Thanks to underground springs, the Yellowstone River doesn’t freeze, so many of your favorite drive-up spots are still accessible in the winter.
With all of the nearby lakes and reservoirs, you have plenty of places to try out this fun winter activity, including Lake Elmo, Riverfront Park, and Deadman’s Basin!
Sledding 🛷
Looking for a more family friendly outdoor activity this winter? There are several sledding hotspots right here in Billings, including Pioneer Park, Castle Rock Park, Phipps Park, and more.
The Best Winter Indoor Activities In and Near Billings, MT
See a show at the Alberta or the Nova 🎥
All year round, the Alberta Bair Theatre and The NOVA Center for the Performing Arts features classic musicals and plays that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Spend the day at Moss Mansion 🏛
Moss Mansion is a classic Billings museum featuring tons of family-friendly events all throughout the year, but the winter season makes it a perfect time to visit!
Click here to view their event schedule or choose a day to simply stroll the grounds for a fun outing.
Axe Throwing at Ox 🪓
If the winter weather is too frigid for you and outdoor activities are completely out of the question, opt for a fun indoor option like axe throwing at Ox!
Visit the shooting range 💥
Similar to axe throwing, the Black Butte Shooting Range offers a fun indoor activity that puts a unique twist on your average day date!
Attend a workshop at Frae Everyday Goods or AR Workshop 🎨
All throughout the year, Frae Everyday and AR Workshop offer fun and creative workshops, like candle making, blanket making, canvas painting and more. These make for a great girls night out activity!
Drink wine at Yellowstone Cellars and Winery 🍷
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t sight see! This beautiful winery has gorgeous views and offers the perfect backdrop while you sip on delicious Montana wines.
Visit one of Billings best breweries 🍺
Not a wine fan? That’s okay – Billings has you covered with some of the best brews in the state! Some notable favorites include Meadowlark, Thirsty Street, Canyon Creek, and Montana Brewing.
Go ice skating at Centennial Ice Arena ⛸️
Want to try out your skills on ice? Take the whole family to the Centennial Ice Arena for a public skate day!
Catch a concert at MetraPark 🎶
While summertime might be the star of the show for outdoor concerts, winter is the perfect time to see your favorite artist in an arena! The MetraPark has a great line up all year round, so click here to get your tickets for the next concert that comes to town.
Attend a MSUB basketball game 🏀
Are you a sports fan looking for a fun winter game to watch? Attend a Montana State University Basketball game for a family friendly outing. Click here for the men’s schedule and here for the women’s!
The Best Winter Events In and Near Billings, MT
4th Annual Mug Crawl – calling all coffee lovers! Join the Downtown Billings Alliance for the 4th Annual Downtown Mug Crawl. This interactive, pub crawl style event gives you the opportunity to explore and experience the flavors and ambiance of Billings local downtown coffee and tea establishments on Saturday, February 10, 2024! ☕️
Taste of Red Lodge – Cross Culinary is a unique 2-day winter event that blends cross-country skiing with exquisite food prepared by local culinary artists. Hosted at the scenic Red Lodge Nordic Center, skiers will glide along groomed trails stopping for gourmet tastes while taking in the beauty of the Beartooth Foothills. 🍽️
Montana Winter Fair – The Montana Winter Fair was hosted every January in Bozeman from 1946 through 2002, when it relocated to Lewistown, the center of the state. Montana Winter Fair continues its traditions with participants, young and old from all over! Enjoy a weekend of Chili & Cinnamon Roll competitions, an Open Fiddle Contest, Quilt Show & Workshops, Fiber Arts Show & Workshops, and more.
Big Sky Skijoring – Big Sky Skijoring is a non-profit organization created to bring the wild, western combined sport of horseback riding and skiing, aka skijoring, to Big Sky, Montana!
41st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celtic Fair – This annual FREE community event has been a tradition in the Billings community for 41 years. It features a parade of over 40 festive floats and the Celtic Fair & Street Party fill the streets below Skypoint with the scent of street food and the festive sound of music, cloggers, bag-pipers. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with outdoor family-friendly activities, food trucks, a FREE concert on Broadway, and more. 🍀
The Best Winter Staycation Spots Near Billings, MT
Winter is one of the best times of year for a cozy, mountainous getaway and there are so many great options throughout the state of Montana, but three amazing options not to far from Billings include:
This destination is always my go to for a luxurious feeling weekend getaway! Located just 2 hours away in Pray, MT you can enjoy gorgeous views, delicious food, and a lovely spa day with your spouse, best girlfriend, or solo.
Photo Credit: Sage Lodge
Another hot spot in Pray, MT is Chico Hot Springs! Surrounded by mountains, located close to the Yellowstone River and a short, scenic drive into Yellowstone National Park, this historic hotel and restaurant offers guests a wide range of experiences, from boutique hotel to luxury cabins, rustic lodging to spa retreats and an unforgettable hot springs pool.
Photo Credit: Chico Hot Springs
If you’re willing to drive a bit further out of town, The Resort at Paws Up is an iconic Montana destination anytime of year, but in the winter it feels extra cozy.
Paws Up is a premier luxury ranch resort offering a wide variety of accommodations, including glamping tents and luxury cabins with an array of activities available during your stay!
Photo Credit: The Resort at Paws Up
As you can see, Billings has a TON to offer during the cold winter months and my hope is that this Best of Billings Winter Guide helps you thoughtfully plan your days to enjoy with family and friends this season.
If you’re looking for more specific guides for the area, I invite you to explore the Weekend Guides to Billings on the blog to find itineraries for your specific scenario – we’ve got you covered from outdoor adventures, to wellness weekends and even a couples getaway.
Here’s to a happy new year and fun filled winter season!