We’re one month away from the official start of winter but holiday festivities are already underway here in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. This is a magical time of year and we’ve got the events—and the enchanting wintry landscape—to make it even more festive.
Historic Holiday Happenings + Classic Christmas Events
Mark your calendars for holiday décor, gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and more, and get ready for those classic Christmas feels at these favorite Glacier Country events.
- Conrad Mansion Christmas Tours, Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 (Wed. – Sun.)
The home of one of Kalispell’s founders, Charles Conrad, gets completely decked out in seasonal splendor, and the mansion offers docent-guided tours during the holiday season. A live radio play of Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol is performed by the Gypsy Theatre Guild December 2, 3 and 4 at the mansion.
- Ovando Old West Christmas Fest, Nov. 25
In the small town of Ovando, welcome Cowboy Claus and enjoy gingerbread house making, wagon rides, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, barnyard garage sale, food and drink and holiday cheer.
- An Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas, Nov. 26, Missoula
Join Santa Claus and his pack mule team at the National Museum of Forest Service History for horse-drawn wagon rides; cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes; a scavenger hunt; Snow Pants dance; gift shop specials; and a bonfire.
Christmas Strolls, Villages, Tree Lightings and Parades
Western Montana knows how to kick off the holiday season, from lighting town centers and main streets to celebrating Santa’s arrival. Here’s where you can take part in these favorite Holiday festivities.
- Polson Christmas Tree Lighting, Nov. 26
- Festival of Trees, Nov. 26 – Dec. 5, Missoula
- Festival of Trees, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, Kalispell
- Lakeside Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 3
- Libby Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 3
- Missoula Parade of Lights, Dec. 3
- Parade of Lights + Santa’s Arrival, Dec. 3, Bigfork
- Christmas on Main Street Parade, Dec. 3, Thompson Falls
- Christmas Tree Lighting + Christmas Caroling, Dec. 3, Darby
- Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 3, Lolo
- 9 Mile Schoolhouse Enchanted Christmas Village, Dec. 3 + 10, Huson
- Whitefish Christmas Stroll, Dec. 9
- Lights Under the Big Sky, Dec. 9 – 10 + 16 – 17, Ronan
- Santa’s Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade, Dec. 24, Whitefish
Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs
Get your holiday shopping on and buy from local artists at these holiday markets and fairs. And don’t forget about Small Business Saturday, December 3, a great day to “shop small” and cross some names off your holiday gift list with Made in Montana goods.
- Snowline Acres Christmas Market, Nov. 18 – Dec. 11, Kalispell
- Christmas at the Fairgrounds: Art Show, Craft Fair and Makers’ Market, Nov. 25 – 27, Kalispell
- First Peoples’ Winter Market, Nov. 26, Missoula
- Little Red Truck European Christmas Market, Dec. 2 – 3, Missoula
- Missoula Holiday MADE Fair, Dec. 11
Holiday Performances
Western Montana’s performing arts scene is inspiring, and the holidays never disappoint. Holiday musicals, symphony orchestras and theater performances can be found throughout the region during this magical season.
- Montana Repertory Theatre: Hearth: A Yuletide Tale, Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, Missoula
- MCT: Harry Connick Jr.’s The Happy Elf, Dec. 1 – 18, Missoula
- Alpine Theatre Project: Yuletide Affair Kids, Dec. 2 – 4, Whitefish
- Missoula Symphony: Holiday Pops, Dec. 2 – 4
- Glacier Symphony: Handel’s Messiah, Dec 3 – 4, Kalispell
- A Country Christmas, Dec. 9, Hamilton
- Glacier Symphony & The San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker, Dec. 10 –11, Kalispell
- Garden City Ballet: The Nutcracker, Dec 16 – 18, Missoula
- Alpine Theatre Project: Yuletide Affair, Dec. 18 – 20, Whitefish
New Year’s Eve Events
Continue the holiday celebrations by ringing in the new year at a signature Montana New Year’s Eve event.
- Missoula on Main (formerly First Night), Dec. 31
- NYE Torchlight Parade + Fireworks, Dec. 31, Whitefish Mountain Resort
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 21, 2022
Related: Bigfork, Darby, Hamilton, Holidays, Huson, Kalispell, Lakeside, Libby, Lolo, Missoula, Montana, Ovando, Performing Arts, Polson, Ronan, Thompson Falls, Uncategorized, Vacation, Whitefish, Winter Fun
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