Christmas in Bozeman, MT is a cozy way to spend the holidays. You have a pretty good chance of snow which, in my opinion, makes it feel even more like Christmas. Along with the snow, Bozeman and the nearby towns have many ways to enjoy the holidays from special events to support the community and purchase that perfect gift, Christmas strolls, twinkly holiday lights and much more. Depending on when you are visiting, you are sure to find something special to do during your trip. Find out my 8 favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Bozeman, MT below.

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Go Christmas Shopping

Bozeman’s downtown has a collection of great small community owned shops. There are other bigger stores as well like Athleta, but so many small shops that make shopping there fun. Bozeman holds a few different special events to bring the community out to shop.

Ladies’ Night – November 21, 2024

The first special event is Ladies’ Night which is held at the end of November every year. Check the website for exact dates, but it is usually a Thursday evening from 5-8pm. 

My friends and I never missed a Ladies’ Night. It is a fun filled evening of shopping, discounts, good food and drinks! We got a lot of shopping done and enjoyed each other’s company alongside hundreds of other women. 

Many businesses have discounts that evening and hand out free beverages and have giveaways. If you plan to eat dinner out, be sure to make a reservation. This is a very popular event! 

Small Business Saturday – November 30, 2024

Another way to give back to the community and participate in sustainable tourism is by shopping small. Small Business Saturday is dedicated to this by having a special day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With so many local businesses in Bozeman, it is a great way to support them and Bozeman residents. 

Many of the small shops also offer discounts on this day. Some great local businesses in downtown Bozeman that we love are Rocky Mountain Toy Company, Treeline Coffee Roasters, Damselfly, Evrgreen, Revolvr, Heyday, Mavens Market, The Montana Scene, and Country Bookshelf. 

Also the parking garage is free that day!!! Yay!

Belgrade Holiday Market – December 14, 2024

If you like to shop handicrafts and even smaller businesses that don’t have a storefront, come check out the Belgrade Holiday Market. This year it is on Saturday, December 14th from 9am-3pm at Belgrade High School Special Events Center. 

You will find over 100 local and home based businesses that sell amazing items of all sorts. You can buy great gifts here with items ranging from candles, chocolates, homemade jellies, to boutique clothing, furniture and dog accessories. 

Bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and do some holiday crafts as well!

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Join A Community Christmas Stroll

In Montana, a Christmas parade is not enough. It is always a stroll and a really enjoyable way to spend Christmas in Bozeman, MT. The first time you see it, you might be confused. We sure were.

The Bozeman Christmas Stroll was the first one we attended. We were waiting on the side of the street for the parade to begin when all of a sudden a pack of people and Santa on a wagon came walking down the street. Huh? Then they stopped at each intersection and the lights came on. Then it was over. We were so confused.

After attending more of these strolls, we have figured it out and enjoyed the festive celebration. Here’s what to expect below. 

Bozeman Christmas Stroll – December 7, 2024

After that first Bozeman Christmas Stroll in 2016, we learned a lot and honestly it has changed a little throughout the years. First, it has become much more popular. If you plan to go, get there early, so you can get a good spot in the street. Hang out near one of the intersections with the hanging Christmas spiders. Yes, that sounds weird because well they are kinda weird, but they are a Bozeman Christmas tradition. 😂 

The Christmas Stroll starts at 4:30pm and this is when Santa starts his trek down the street singing carols and lighting the holiday lights. You can either walk behind him and sing and do the countdown at each stop or wait till he arrives where you are.

Additionally, there are many fun things to do during this time such as getting your picture taken with Santa Claus. If you want to visit Santa, you need to buy a button. They are sold all over town. The $4 buttons help support the Christmas Stroll and keep it going every year! Right after Santa goes through town, head to the Baxter Hotel for pictures first. The line gets crazy long if you don’t! 

If Santa is not on the list, you will still have fun. Enjoy the Gingerbread House Contest, tasty food options, other vendors that will be handing out fun goodies for the kids, and head to the Emerson for an art project and a family-friendly performance. 

Belgrade Holiday Hoopla – December 14, 2024

Belgrade’s version of the holiday stroll is back and renamed Belgrade Holiday Hoopla. They have a carnival theme this year with many holiday celebrations happening while you wander down Main Street listening to carolers. 

Manhattan Christmas Stroll – December 12, 2024

The Manhattan Christmas Stroll is for you if you want to experience a small town celebration. Enjoy hay rides, Santa (less stressful and busy than Bozeman’s Santa), delicious food vendors, a live Nativity scene and the best part, the fireworks display that lights off at 7:30pm. It is at a perfect time so that the little kids do not have to stay up too late.

Manhattan also has a residential light contest, so you can see many of the houses in the small town decoratively lit! Take a drive around and admire the festive light displays!

Livingston Christmas Stroll – December 6, 2024

The Livingston Christmas Stroll is another great one for a small town festival feel. Hop on a wagon ride, warm up at a fire pit and shop at the local shops. A wonderful evening in a fantastic little town. Festivities start at 4pm and Santa arrives at 4:30pm. 

Big Sky Christmas Stroll – December 13-14, 2024

Big Sky goes all out for its Christmas Stroll. It lasts 2 days with many events each day. If you don’t know, Big Sky has 3 different sections. You have the ski resort up the mountain, Town Center and Meadow Village Center. 

The fun happens in Meadow Village Center on December 13th starting at 5:20pm with the Tree Lighting Ceremony! You can take photos with Santa, enjoy a wagon ride, do a scavenger hunt (prizes and fun for the kids), listen to Christmas carols and much more. 

On December 14th, head to Town Center where Big Sky has a Winter Market at the Wilson Hotel. Along with the market, enjoy more wagon rides, holiday carols and even fireworks at 5pm! 

Check the Big Sky website for detailed time and event information. 

Belgrade Festival of Lights

Belgrade’s Festival of Lights is filled with holiday joy! Below are some of the events you can expect to see. 

Holiday Light Park – November 24, 2024 – January 10, 2025

Make your way to Belgrade Senior Center Park to walk through the holiday light park display. One of the few displays you can see around the area. It is beautifully done with a giant ornament, Memorial lights tunnel and more! 

Jingle Jog – December 14, 2024

For a fun run filled with ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats, sign up for this 5k Jingle Jog and run in Christmas style. After the race, you can enjoy a warm lunch by the Local Saloon and a free pint for racers over 21 years old. Also, if you run, you will automatically be entered into the Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest! 

Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest – December 14, 2024

The Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest is not just ugly sweaters, it is the full outfit! This fun event is great for all ages. Even if you don’t dress up, come and see all the amazing outfits that the participants are wearing. There are some incredible prizes for the winners too. 

Belgrade Holiday Hoopla – December 14, 2024

Part of the Festival Lights is the Holiday Hoopla which is Belgrade’s Christmas Stroll. There’s more info above but the stroll is on December 14th from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. 

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Bozeman Winter Art Walk – December 13, 2024

Throughout the summer months, Bozeman has art walks where people come out and meander through the art galleries and celebrate art and the community. Because of the cold, there’s only one special art walk in the winter. It is on December 13th this year from 6-8pm. 

There will be over 30 galleries and businesses participating with artists’ openings and receptions. Come and be captivated by the paintings, photography, and sculptures, each crafted with passion and dedication by talented local artists.

Belgrade Truck Convoy – December 6-7, 2024

The Belgrade Truck Convoy is a very unique event that you don’t want to miss if you are in the Bozeman area. The Truck Convoy started during COVID as a way to have a parade and celebrate the holidays while still keeping everyone safe. It was such a hit that it has continued year after year. 

On December 6th, the decorated dump trucks, semi trucks, and snow plows will be parked at the Gallatin Valley Speedway from 5-9pm. There will also be food trucks at this Truck Village. If you can’t make the convoy on the 7th, this is your next best option to view the trucks decorated with lights!

The real fun begins on December 7th when the trucks drive a 7-mile route through Belgrade. Find an approved spot to park on the road along the route, dress warm, sit on your car, and cheer the trucks along.

Another option is to park nearby the route and watch from the road. It is seriously one of the best events to celebrate Christmas in Bozeman, MT. 

To see the route click on this map. It is an old map from 2023, but the route will stay the same this year in 2024. 

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Go See The Nutcracker – December 7-8, 2024 and December 15, 2024

Every Christmas season, the Montana Ballet Company puts on a production of the Nutcracker Ballet in Bozeman. This year, the ballet will be performed in the Willson Auditorium on December 7th at 2pm and 7pm and December 8th at 12pm and 4pm. You will need to purchase tickets in advance for this traditional holiday performance. Buy your tickets to the Nutcracker here. 

The December 15th performance will be held in Big Sky, Montana at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. You can reserve your tickets to this show here. 

See A Cave By Candlelight

Once a year, the Lewis and Clark Caverns turn out the electrical lights in the caves and instead the guides hand out candle lanterns to their guests. The candlelight tours are only offered on the weekends around Christmas time and bring a new magical perspective to visiting the caves. 

During this 2-mile trip through the caves you carry a candle lantern to light the way. The trail inside the caves will require some turning, bending, crouching and a slide, so if you are unable to do those movements, this is not the tour for you. It isn’t too difficult though. 

Tickets go on sale in December. You can reserve your Lewis and Clark candlelight tour here.  

Special Holiday Events At The Ski Resorts

Skiing in Bozeman is really special. There are two ski resorts to choose from, each with their pluses and minuses. Want more information on these ski resorts? Check out our post comparing Big Sky and Bridger Bowl.

Another fun way to celebrate Christmas in Bozeman, MT is by visiting one of these ski resorts and participating in their fun Christmas events. 

Big Sky Ski Resort Christmas Events

Enchanted Forest Lighting Ceremony – December 11, 2024

Put on your snow boots and take the Ramcharger 8 ski lift up the mountain in time for the lighting of twinkly lights in the forest. Slowly wander around the beautiful area and enjoy a hot chocolate by the heat of a campfire. The lights turn on at 5:30pm and tickets are $10 a person and include a complimentary warm beverage. 

Reindeer Visits – December 20 and December 23, 2024

Come see Santa’s reindeer and learn all about them at this unique experience in Mountain Village Plaza. 

Pictures with Santa – December 21 and 23, 2024

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Mountain Village Plaza to take pictures and hear the little ones’ requests for Christmas. 

Ski With Santa – December 24 – 25, 2024

Christmas Eve you can take to the slopes with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves before they head to the North Pole to start delivering presents. There are specific times and places they will be skiing on December 24th, so check out their schedule here. 

In addition, they return for some fun after Santa delivers presents. You can see them skiing the slopes throughout Big Sky Resort on Christmas Day. 

Torchlight Parade – December 24, 2024

Watch a stream of lights descend the mountain and a fireworks show from Mountain Village on Christmas Eve. 

Bridger Bowl Torchlight Parade and Fireworks – December 30, 2024

Visit Bridger Bowl on December 30th for their torchlight parade and fireworks show. Arrive at 4pm for a spaghetti dinner and enjoy the light show as the ski instructors ski down the mountain. View beautiful fireworks from the base area after the torchlight parade. 

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