It’s almost winter in Western Montana, which means we’re decking the halls with all things merry and bright. We love the winter festivities in Glacier Country, and we’re elated that some of our signature holiday events are back. Safety protocols are in place to make sure this holiday season is nothing but pure magic.  

Stop by the Conrad Mansion to see the mansion decked out for the Christmas season. Photo: Conrad Mansion

HISTORIC HOLIDAY

An Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas, Missoula: Nov. 27, noon – 3 p.m.

Join Santa Claus and his pack mule team, plus Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, for Christmas stories and songs around the campfire. Participate in a candy cane hunt and holiday shopping in the Bungalow Ranger Station at the National Museum of Forest Service History.

Santa can be sighted at An Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas event and around Western Montana this holiday season. Photo: National Museum of Forest Service History

Christmas at Conrad Mansion Museum, Kalispell: Dec. 1 – 26

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 3, 4 and 5 at the mansion. 

Daly Mansion Christmas Tour, Hamilton: Dec. 7 – 11 + 14 – 18.

Schedule a guided tour and take a step back in time to discover a vintage Christmas at the Daly Mansion. Bows and bells, ribbons and a breathtaking Christmas tree transform the 24,000-square-foot historic home of copper baron Marcus Daly.

Tour the Daly Mansion for historic holiday cheer. Photo: Daly Mansion

HOLIDAY STROLLS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Christmas Light Trolley Tours, Kalispell: Dec. 6 – January 2

Hop aboard a cozy trolley and set out to view the holiday lights in Kalispell with Montana Trolley Co. Tours. Carol your way through Kalispell taking in some of the best-lit homes.

Christmas in Bigfork

Located on the bay of Flathead Lake, the Hallmark-esque village of Bigfork goes all out for Christmas. From early November through New Year’s Eve, the Bigfork Christmas Village captures the spirit of the season, so much so that it’s been dubbed Montana’s Christmas Village. The Bigfork elves decorate the whole town, and festive events highlight the magic. Two much anticipated events are the Parade of Lights and A Touch of Christmas performed at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, both on Dec. 4. 

You can’t help but feel the magic of the season in Bigfork. Photo: Bigfork Chamber of Commerce.

For genuine holiday cheer, twinkling lights, Santa sightings and warm cocoa, plan on a holiday stroll or parade.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

If you are ready to cozy up inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that Western Montana has a highly developed artistic sensibility. Musicals, symphony orchestras and more dot the region during the holiday season.

Get swept up in the beauty of the music during Glacier Symphony’s performance of Handel’s Messiah. Photo: Glacier Symphony

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

First Night, Missoula: Dec. 31

Every year Missoula rallies on New Year’s Eve, hosting an array of fun and unique art and cultural experiences all part of an event known as First Night.

Holiday Rail Jam + Fireworks Show, Whitefish Mountain Resort: Dec. 30 – 31

Watch the skier/snowboarder competition at Whitefish Mountain Resort during the Holiday Rail Jam. On New Year’s Eve enjoy a torchlight parade and later watch the sky light up during the fireworks show.

You won’t want to miss this bright night at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Photo: Whitefish Mountain Resort

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: practice physical distancing; know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly, and build an inclusive outdoors. Travel responsibly by reviewing Western Montana COVID-19 information and guidelines at SafetyFirstMT.com.

November 26, 2021

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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