Decked Out Main Street

See twinkling lights around downtown Bozeman, where the streets are decked out in holiday cheer. When there's a soft dusting (or dumping) of snow on streetlights and sidewalks, all lit up by soft lights and welcoming storefronts; it's hard to be a Grinch. Take a wander through downtown, and pop into local shops and cafes to warm up or grab a bite.

Christmas Stroll and Winter Art Walks

Though the formal winter arts walk events have been postponed for next year to protect public health and safety in 2020, you can still get in the Christmas spirit by visiting local galleries around downtown Bozeman. Support area artists and take home a piece of Big Sky Country with an original work of art.

In 2020, the annual Christmas Stroll will take place both downtown and online rather than in person, so get involved by shopping and supporting local businesses and charitable causes. The Emerson Center for Arts and Culture is hosting an ugly sweater mask contest on its Facebook page so that you can engage online with the thriving community spirit.

Local Shops Filled with Holiday Cheer

When you visit downtown Bozeman during the holidays, you can shop at local boutiques, bookstores, and outdoor outfitters to gather gifts for your family and friends or yourself. Local shops give a delicious taste of holiday cheer, decorated window displays, unique gifts, and a lot of Montana hospitality. Shop around and enjoy the jovial ambiance, knowing your gifting goes to the good cause of supporting local Bozeman businesses. You can't go wrong with a wander down Main Street, lined with boutiques and places to stop for a tasty treat.

Local Spirit(s) To Enjoy

The holidays' spirit flows forth from all the tasty spots in Bozeman, where you can enjoy a pint of craft brew or a cocktail made from locally distilled spirits. Cozying up with a hot toddy by the fire makes the atmosphere festive fast. If you prefer drinks a little softer, you can also find delectable hot cocoa and locally made root beer or kombucha to quench your thirst. When you're ready for food, you can always find a hearty holiday feast to inspire happy smiles and full bellies, with options like pub fare, gourmet cheese plates, fresh Montana steak, and vegetarian delights to tempt your palate.

Access to a Winter Wonderland

There's certainly plenty of winter wilderness to enjoy around Bozeman. Nothing spells pure joy, like whipping down a run with fresh powder under your skis or board. And if hoofing it (or pawing) is up your alley, you can head out by horse-drawn sleigh or dogsled to catch the nip of winter festivities in a unique experience worth sharing with loved ones.

Rent or buy snowshoes and cross country skis from beloved Bozeman outfitters like Roundhouse Sports Center or Chalet Sports and head out on trails so close to town, you won't believe you can't find signs of civilization. The sight of animal tracks along the path and snow-covered trees all around you meets the calm and quiet of a natural winter landscape to make your holidays a little more magical.

For more ideas on how to spend the holidays in Montana, visit the rest of the Highline Adventures blog!