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.
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.
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.
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.
For genuine holiday cheer, twinkling lights, Santa sightings and warm cocoa, plan on a holiday stroll or parade.
- Polson Parade of Lights Dec. 3
- Night of Lights Parade in Columbia Falls Dec. 3
- Art Walk & Holiday Stroll in Kalispell Dec. 3
- Missoula Parade of Lights Dec. 4
- Whitefish Christmas Stroll Dec. 10
- Ronan Parade of Lights Dec. 17
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.
- Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Holiday Pops! Dec. 3 – 5
- Glacier Symphony’s Handel’s Messiah Dec. 3 – 5 and Holiday Classics and Festive Brass, Flathead Valley Dec. 18 + 19
- Missoula Community Theatre’s You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Dec. 9 – 19
- Alpine Theatre Project’s Yuletide Affair, Whitefish Dec. 19 – 21
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.
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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