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.  

Bring your kids to meet Santa at 9 Mile Schoolhouse’s Enchanted Christmas Village. Photo: 5 Crow Photo

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.
An Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas offers free wagon rides. Photo: National Museum of Forest Service History

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.

Snap a holiday photo at Lights Under the Big Sky. Photo: Scott Heisel

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.

Shop for holiday decorations and gifts at the Little Red Truck European Christmas Market. Photo: Little Red Truck European Christmas Market

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.

New Year’s Eve Events

Continue the holiday celebrations by ringing in the new year at a signature Montana New Year’s Eve event.

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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