The holiday season in Western Montana is pure magic. Small towns across Glacier Country come alive with sparkling lights, festive parades, local markets and community celebrations. Set against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, it’s the perfect time to gather, explore and make new winter memories.
HISTORIC HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Ovando Old West Christmas Fest, Nov. 29, Ovando
Join the small town of Ovando for an Old West Christmas Fest. 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.
Daly Mansion Christmas Tours, Nov. 29, 30 + Dec. 1, Hamilton
- Experience a vintage Christmas at the historic Daly Mansion, the 24,000-square-foot home of Copper King Marcus Daly. Guided tours showcase the mansion beautifully decorated for the holidays, complete with ribbons, bows and an impressive Christmas tree.
- The Festival of Trees is a three-day event that includes a community Christmas party, a tree auction, Christmas carols, story time with Mrs. Claus, and more.
Holiday High Tea at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Dec. 7 – 21 (Sundays), Whitefish
Dress in your best and bring the little ones to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake for a holiday-themed high tea, paired with finger sandwiches, pastries and other treats. Enjoy views of the winter-frosted Whitefish Lake from the dining room, and go home with a photo capturing the moment.
Conrad Mansion Christmas Tours, Kalispell
- 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. Visit Dec. 13 + 14 for a special Christmas Tea Party and tours.
- A live radio play of Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol is performed by the Gypsy Theatre Guild December 4 – 7 at the mansion.
- Arrive for a live performance of holiday songs by the Valley Voices Christmas Choir on Dec. 18.
9 Mile Schoolhouse Holiday Events, Huson
Step into a vintage holiday setting at the 9 Mile Schoolhouse, a 100-year-old former teacher’s cottage in Huson. Two events capture the spirit of the season in a charming, rustic setting.
- Enchanted Christmas Village, Dec. 6 + 13
- Festive Feast, Dec. 12
Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Residence Inn, Dec. 13 + 14, Missoula
Create a magical holiday moment for the little ones in your life. Kids are invited to dress up for a Teddy Bear Tea Party. Bring a favorite stuffed animal, and enjoy a festive tea party filled with music, stories, crafts and a special visit from Santa.
HOLIDAY STROLLS, VILLAGES, TREE LIGHTINGS AND PARADES
Western Montana’s small towns know how to welcome the holiday season. Stroll through festive downtowns, sip cocoa, and watch as main streets glow with twinkling lights. Join locals for tree-lighting ceremonies, Christmas strolls, and parades of lights that bring the community together and fill Glacier Country with holiday cheer.
- Lakeside Christmas Tree Lighting, Nov. 29
- Polson Parade of Lights, Dec. 5
- Festival of Trees, Dec. 5, Kalispell
- Holiday on Higgins, Dec. 6, Missoula
- Libby Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 6
- Parade of Lights + Santa’s Arrival, Dec. 6, Bigfork
- Victorian Christmas, Dec. 11, Hamilton
- Whitefish Christmas Stroll, Dec. 12
- Santa’s Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade, Dec. 24, Whitefish Mountain Resort
HOLIDAY MARKETS AND CRAFT FAIRS
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan goods and locally made treasures at holiday markets across Glacier Country, the perfect place for finding local gifts that capture the essence of Montana.
- Snowline Acres Christmas Market, Nov. 21 – Dec. 13, Kalispell
- Christmas at the Fairgrounds: Artisan Market, Nov. 28 – 30, Kalispell
- Indigenous Made Winter Market, Nov. 29, Missoula
- Little Red Truck European Christmas Market, Dec. 5 – 6, Missoula
- Missoula Holiday MADE Fair, Dec. 14
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
The holidays shine bright on Western Montana’s stages. From symphony concerts and classic ballets to festive musicals and local theater productions, performances across the region fill the season with music, storytelling and cheer. Gather with family and friends and experience the joy of the holidays brought to life through the arts.
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Dec. 1, Kalispell
- Missoula Symphony: Holiday Pops, Dec. 5 – 7
- Glacier Symphony: Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 6, 7, Kalispell
- Garden City Ballet: The Nutcracker, Dec 12 – 14, Missoula
- Glacier Symphony & The San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker, Dec. 13, 14, Kalispell
- Alpine Theatre Project: Yuletide Affair, Dec. 20 – 22, Whitefish
- MCT Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings, Dec. 27, Missoula
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
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.
- Missoula on Main, Dec. 30, 31
- New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, 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 24, 2025
Related: Arts and Culture, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Concerts/Music Festivals, Family Fun, Hamilton, Kalispell, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Polson, Ronan, Whitefish, Winter Fun
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