Your Guide to Spending the Holiday Season in Montana

Written By Natalie Davis

October has come and gone, which means the holiday season is officially here!

With its vast wilderness, charming small towns, and a warm, welcoming spirit, Montana is a destination that promises to make your holiday season truly memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a unique winter weekend getaway, festivities fit for the whole family, or simply want to explore the surrounding areas, Montana has you covered!

So pull out your favorite seasonal sweater and get ready for the hap-hap-happiest season in Big Sky Country! 🎄

Christmas Getaway Destinations in Montana

Luxurious accommodations, daily meals, decorated Christmas tree in your cabin, AND a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve? Sounds pretty magical, huh? ✨

Well, that’s exactly what you get when you stay with the Resort at Paws Up over Christmas!

Whether you’re building gingerbread houses, downhill tubing or soaking in your outdoor hot tub at your private luxury home, you’ll get the gift you wanted most: quality time with your favorite people!

The Christmas festivities start early when you stay with The Ranch at Rock Creek!

From December 21st through December 27th you’ll be met with a full Christmas itinerary to soak in all of the holiday fun, from caroling, ornament making, photos with Santa, and delicious meals, you’ll get a no-stress, just joy experience!

Just two hours outside of Billings, you’ll find the beautiful Sage Lodge, where you can spend your holiday enjoying the cozy lobby fireplace, holiday movies, cookie decorating, and much more!

Classic Christmas Parades, Festivals and Events

  • The Nutcracker Ballet (Starting early November)

The Nutcracker Ballet is a classic Christmas event and this year you have various opportunities to catch a show of your own! 🩰

From Billings to Bozeman and Missoula, find a date that fits your calendar and grab your tickets before the sell out. 

The Holiday Food & Gift Festival is a perfect kick-off to your holiday season. It's the perfect opportunity to find just the right thing for everyone on your shopping list with homemade gifts from over 200 vendors from around the region. 🛍

It’s City Vineyard’s biggest shopping and wine tasting event of the year!

Start your holiday shopping early, save on exclusive, one night only deals, and sample fine wine and gourmet food while you’re doing it!

VIP tables and general admission tickets are available – Reservations Required: 406-867-1491

A two day holiday shopping event full of perfect gift options from local businesses, artisans and craftsmen, located at the new Stillwater County Civic Center.

There will be apparel, beauty and spa products, health and wellness products, home and kitchen products and décor, jewelry, arts, crafts and so much more! Lunch will be available for purchase both days from 11 am until it's all sold out.

This annual Christmas market is held at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds where you’ll be met with hundreds of vendors selling salvage finds, vintage goods, and assorted antiques.

Join Meadowlark Brewery for an afternoon full of fun workshops and pop up booths that include candle making, permanent jewelry, hat burning, and more!

The Holiday Parade is a long-time tradition for the Billings community to usher in the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

With families gathered for the weekend to eat and shop, the Holiday Parade is a great way to celebrate the season by joining the community to see over 60 holiday floats decorated for the holiday theme with Santa riding as the parade finale. 🎅🏼

Join Zoo Montana in Billings this 2023 holiday season for a magical Christmas Lighting Experience at Zoo Montana. 🎄

From November 24th to January 1st, 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!

The annual Festival of Trees at the MetraPark is a 3-day event hosted by the Family Tree Nurturing Center that starts off with an annual Gala where you can stroll through a winter wonderland while sipping champagne and enjoy 40 beautifully decorated trees.

All dollars raised at the festival go toward the many child abuse prevention programs in place at Family Tree Nurturing Center. 

On Friday, you can enjoy Tea in the Trees, a gift boutique, gingerbread house contest, live entertainment, and a carnival to end the night.

On Saturday, you can join storytime with Santa and snap your holiday pictures with the jolly big guy!

In need of a girls night out? Join The Front Porch on December 1st for a fun dinner and gift exchange, along with a cash bar, permanent jewelry, and shopping!

Kick off the holiday season with a night full of holiday-centric events, including dining and shopping specials in Downtown Billings, extended shopping hours, Billings ArtWalk and live entertainment!

Oh and if you’re in need of a picture with Santa, visit Bravera Bank for free photos. 📸

For two evenings, December 1st and 2nd, the shops in downtown Red Lodge open their doors late with goodies and treats, while the entire town comes out for holiday cheer that you see in movies!

The Stroll starts at 5pm with the increasingly popular Blade Parade and stores stay open until around 9pm. Bundle up the kids and bring your holiday shopping list!

There’s nothing quite like decorating your own Christmas cookies and this year, The Front Porch in Laurel, MT is making it easy for you!

With two class times on December 2nd, you can choose from a classic Christmas cookie kit or A Christmas Story cookie kit to decorate. 🍪

Looking for a fun Christmas themed date night? Moss Mansion has you covered with one of the coolest holiday parties of the year!

Dress in your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy an evening of dinner and drinks while you collect evidence to crack the case.

Reservations are $95 per person and tickets include character name and description, costume suggestions, a 3-course dinner, wine, and participation in the mystery throughout the evening. 

This family friendly event in Butte is a perfect way to spend a Friday evening! The Children's Light Parade starts at 6:30, with Santa and performances in the Rotunda following throughout the night.

It’s a great time to shop the local stores for those holiday gifts and enjoy lots of festive foods and drinks available in the many restaurants nearby!

Santa is coming to Laurel, MT on December 9th from 10:00am - 4:00pm, so you can get your holiday pictures and enjoy some hot cocoa while you’re at it! ☕️🍫

The dynamic duo of Nicolas and Desiree returns to Billings for an evening filled with song, dance, skits, and holiday cheer. This inspiring concert will feature a range of classic to pop holiday songs, backed by the Billings Symphony! 🎶

As you can see, Montana is full of ways to celebrate during the holiday season!

No matter where you find yourself in the state, you’re sure to find a festive parade, Santa sighting, and lots of shopping options for everyone on your list.

Here’s to creating lasting memories with those you love.

Happy Holidays! 💚❤️

Natalie Davis
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