As snow begins to blanket Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the holiday season comes to life with festive events and time-honored traditions. The region’s small towns light up with celebrations that capture the spirit of the season. From tree lightings to Christmas markets to New Year’s festivities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at 14 must-see holiday events in 2024.
1. BIGFORK CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Tucked into a bay on Flathead Lake, Bigfork transforms into a magical Christmas village each winter. Stroll through streets lined with twinkling lights, enjoy festive decorations and pop into local galleries and shops offering holiday treats and warm drinks.
- Holiday Art Walk + Stroll, Nov. 23
- Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nov. 23
2. 9 MILE SCHOOLHOUSE HOLIDAY EVENTS
Step into a storybook holiday setting at the 9 Mile Schoolhouse in Huson for two events that capture the spirit of the season in a charming, rustic setting.
- Enchanted Christmas Village, Dec. 7 + 14
- Festive Feast, Dec. 14
3. OVANDO OLD WEST CHRISTMAS FEST
Celebrate the season western-style in Ovando on November 23, where Cowboy Claus makes an appearance. Enjoy activities like gingerbread house decorating, horse-drawn wagon rides and a petting zoo amid holiday lights and the inviting scent of wood fires.
4. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton on December 12. Enjoy an evening filled with music, festive treats and decorations inspired by the Victorian Era. Don your best costume and step back in time to welcome the holiday season.
5. HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Experience the magic of the season with an inspiring lineup of performing arts that make for a memorable holiday outing. Western Montana’s holiday season comes alive with theater, musicals and more.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Dec. 5, Kalispell
- MCT: A Christmas Story, Dec. 5 – 22, Missoula
- Christmas Carol Radio Broadcast, Dec. 6 – 8, Kalispell
- Garden City Ballet: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, Dec. 13 – 15, Missoula
- Alpine Theatre Project: Yuletide Affair 21, Dec. 20 – 22, Whitefish
- Glacier Symphony + San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker, Dec. 14 – 15, Kalispell
6. HOLIDAY MUSIC
Fill your holidays with the sounds of the season. Gather with family and friends to enjoy timeless classics and seasonal favorites as talented musicians and vocalists bring the spirit of the holidays to life.
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov. 20, Kalispell
- Missoula Symphony: Holiday Pops, Dec. 6 – 8
- Glacier Symphony: Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 7 – 8, Kalispell
7. HOLIDAY GUIDED TOURS
Explore the region’s historic homes and landmarks with holiday-themed guided tours. Walk through beautifully decorated halls and learn about Montana’s rich history.
- Conrad Mansion Christmas Tours, Dec. 4 – 31, Kalispell
8. HOLIDAY MARKETS
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan goods and locally made treasures at holiday markets across Western Montana, the perfect place for finding special gifts that capture the spirit of Glacier Country.
- Snowline Acres Christmas Market, Nov. 22 – Dec. 24, Kalispell
- Christmas at the Fairgrounds, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Kalispell
- Indigenous Made Winter Market, Nov. 30, Missoula
- Little Red Truck European Christmas Market, Dec. 6 – 7, Missoula
- Missoula Holiday MADE Fair, Dec. 15
9. CHRISTMAS STROLLS
Wander through festive downtown streets, enjoy seasonal treats and soak in the warmth of Western Montana’s close-knit communities.
- Hamilton Downtown Christmas Stroll, Nov. 30
- Holidays on Higgins, Dec. 7, Missoula
- Christmas Stroll, Dec. 13, Whitefish
10. HOLIDAY PARADES
Get into the holiday spirit with a Western Montana parade. Local parades of lights and festive floats fill the streets, bringing holiday cheer to all.
- Polson Parade of Lights, Dec. 6
- Cut Bank Parade of Lights, Dec. 7
11. SANTA
Capture the joy of the season with a special holiday visit. Various locations across Western Montana offer chances to meet Santa, enjoy holiday activities and create family memories.
- Southgate Mall: Photos & Visits with Santa, Nov. 27 – Dec. 24, Missoula
- Ravalli County Museum: Visit with Santa, Dec. 14, Hamilton
- Santa’s Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade, Dec. 24, Whitefish
12. TREE LIGHTINGS
Feel the warmth of community at tree-lighting ceremonies throughout Western Montana. Gather with locals to count down as twinkling lights brighten the night, ushering in the holiday season.
- Lakeside Christmas Tree Lighting, Nov. 30
- Polson Tree Lighting, Nov. 30
- Libby Tree Lighting, Dec. 7
13. CARRIAGE RIDES
Step back in time with a carriage ride through Missoula’s downtown streets, and experience the wonder of winter in the heart of this vibrant community.
- Downtown Carriage Rides, Dec. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22, Missoula
14. NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS
Wrap up the holiday season by celebrating New Year’s Eve, Montana style. These events offer a memorable way to ring in the new year.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
November 9, 2024
Related: Bigfork, Cut Bank, Events, Hamilton, Holidays, Huson, Kalispell, Lakeside, Libby, Missoula, Ovando, Polson, Winter Fun
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