Fun Holiday Events Around Montana

11/29/2023

Short periods of sunlight and cold temperatures closing in mark the holiday season in Montana. And the communities of the treasure state rise up to meet the darkness with twinkle lights and festive cheer. This is an ideal time of year to visit, especially if you’re hoping to embrace a regenerative style of travel and participate in these small communities by shopping locally and giving back. Fill your schedule with a few of these fun holiday events around the state.

Christmas Strolls

Supporting local businesses, taking care of holiday shopping, tasting samples, taking in live music, and entering prize drawings: it’s the Christmas stroll season. Communities around Montana come together to support local businesses and causes while having a whole lot of fun in the process.

Kalispell Christmas Stroll - Typically held the first Friday of December

Whitefish Christmas Stroll - The second Friday of December

Butte Christmas Stroll - The first Friday of December

Bozeman Christmas Stroll - The first Friday of December

Livingston Christmas Stroll - The first Friday of December

Columbia Falls Night of Lights

This holiday parade and festival puts the best local businesses and organizations on display with an evening of fun. Past events have been held on the first Friday of the month, kicking off the holiday season with the parade and craft fair featuring local artists.

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Whitefish Mountain Resort Torchlight Parade

The annual torchlight parade on the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort rings in the new year on December 31. Torches light up the parade as skiers and riders descend the hill, all in a line. And fireworks follow, really lighting up the night.

SNöFLINGA Butte

As Montana’s winter festival, SNöFLINGA promotes winter recreation and helps the community of Butte get active all year round. This three-day event takes place across several venues in town, including activities like meditation, Nordic skate skiing, curling, snowshoeing, and hockey. Held in January, SNöFLINGA rounds out the holiday season and starts the new year.

Bozeman Winter Art Walk

On December 8, Bozeman’s winter art walk brings together artists from around the community, allowing a cozy opportunity to get some holiday shopping at local businesses while you explore the art on display.

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Light Up Livingston

At the end of November, Livingston brightens up the darkening days with the annual Light Up Livingston celebration. This free community event comes with lots of giveaways, and it’s held in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, so you can support local businesses and shop for the holidays. Activities for kids and families lead up to the evening tree lighting in Depot Park.

Livingston’s Holiday Market

The first Saturday in December brings together local artists and makers who create handmade products at an affordable price at Livingston’s Holiday Market. The vendors include nonprofits and vendors with handmade crafts, baked goods, art, and other specialty items.


You could spend the whole winter wandering through Big Sky Country, exploring communities, and engaging in seasonal festivities. Make your travels more sustainable by prioritizing shopping small, experiencing local events, and finding a place to stay that takes regenerative tourism to heart. Starry Night properties across the treasure state keep comfort, giving back to the community, and being kind to the planet top of mind. Book your stay, and embrace the holiday season in Montana.