Christmas in Bozeman 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 town, you are sure to find something special to do. Find out my 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 20, 2025
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 29, 2025
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, Rare Bird Vintage, and Country Bookshelf.
Also the parking garage is free that day!!! Yay!
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Belgrade Holiday Market – December 13, 2025
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 13th 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 unique and 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 6, 2025
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!
Pro Tip: 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. Check out 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. The Bozeman Christmas stroll wraps up at 7:30pm.
Belgrade Holiday Hoopla – December 13, 2025
Belgrade’s version of the holiday stroll is back and renamed Belgrade Holiday Hoopla. They many holiday celebrations happening while you wander down Main Street listening to carolers. The Belgrade Holiday Hoopla is from 5pm to 7:30pm.
Manhattan Christmas Stroll – December 12, 2025
The Manhattan Christmas Stroll is for you if you want to experience a small town Montana celebration. This year the stroll is happening on Friday, December 12th from 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Here you can enjoy hay rides, a visit with Santa (less stressful and busy than Bozeman’s Santa), delicious food vendors, a live Nativity scene and the best part, a 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 too! Take a drive around and admire the festive light displays!
Livingston Christmas Stroll – December 5, 2025
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. Spend a wonderful evening in a fantastic little town. Festivities start at 4pm and Santa arrives at 4:30pm.
Pro Tip: Book a table at Campione and eat some amazingly delicious Italian food while you are in Livingston!
Big Sky Christmas Stroll – December 12-14, 2025
Big Sky goes all out for its Christmas Stroll. It lasts a few days with many different 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.
Big Sky Town Center just updated part of the schedule so here are all the details I have for the 2025 Christmas season. I will update this page when times are announced.
The celebrations kick off in Meadow Village Center on December 12th. Last year, they kicked off at 5:20pm with the Tree Lighting Ceremony! As of right now, it just says the stroll celebration will be in Meadow Village. There are many more activities planned for the 13th, so maybe they switched the schedule up a bit this year.
December 13th is the main event with many activities happening this day. It starts off with a pre-party at Beehive Brewery. After that there will be a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks at Fire Pit Park, Santa’s Holiday Lounge at BASE, the Big Sky Winter Market at The Wilson Hotel, wagon rides, carolers, pray for snow party and a window display contest.
The last day festivities include day two of the holiday window contest and the showing of the Nutcracker at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center 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! Belgrade doesn’t just do one event, but goes all out. Below are some of the events you can expect to see.
Holiday Light Park – November 23, 2025 – January 19, 2026
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!
If you want to be there for the lighting of the Holiday Park, “Flip The Switch Night” is on November 23 at 6pm.
Jingle Jog – December 13, 2025
For a fun run filled with ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats, sign up for this 5k Jingle Jog and run in Christmas style. The race starts at 10 am.
After the race, you can enjoy a warm lunch by the Local Saloon and a free pint for racers over 21 years old at the Rhino.
Also, if you run, you will automatically be entered into the Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest! The ugly sweater contest will be held after the race at 11:30am at the Rhino Lounge.
Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest – December 13, 2025
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.
The Ugly Holiday Outfit Contest will be held at the Rhino Lounge at 11:30am.
Belgrade Holiday Hoopla – December 13, 2025
Part of Belgrade’s Festival of Lights is the Holiday Hoopla which is Belgrade’s Christmas Stroll. There’s more info above but the stroll is on December 13th from 5:00pm – 7:30pm.
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Bozeman Winter Art Walk – December 12, 2025
Celebrate Christmas in Bozeman with some art! This year the Bozeman Winter Art Walk is on December 12th from 6pm-8pm.
Throughout the summer months, Bozeman has art walks monthly 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.
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 5-6, 2025
The Belgrade Truck Convoy is a very unique event that you don’t want to miss if you are in Bozeman at Christmas time. It is one of my favorite events!
The Truck Convoy started in 2020 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 5th, the decorated dump trucks, semi trucks, and snow plows will be parked at the Gallatin Valley Speedway. They don’t have the times for this year on their website, but last year it was from 5pm-9pm.
There will also be food trucks at this Truck Village. If you can’t make the convoy on the 6th, this is your next best option to view the trucks decorated with lights!
The real fun, in my opinion, begins on December 6th 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 2024, but the route should stay the same this year in 2025. I will check closer to the date and update the map!
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See A Performance Of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas By Chip Davis – December 2
Coming this December 2nd to the theatre at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse is a special Christmas performance. Chip Davis comes to Bozeman with his show that features classic Christmas songs in the Mannheim Steamroller style.
It is a 40th anniversary since the first Christmas album and it is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Grab your Christmas concert tickets at the Mannheim Steamroller website.
Enjoy A Performance of A Christmas Carol – December 5-21, 2025
Montana Theatreworks is presenting the Dickens holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, at the Ellen Theatre this year. Performances are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December with one performance on Thursday, December 18th.
Be sure to grab your tickets in advance at the Ellen Theatre’s website.
Go See The Nutcracker – December 6-7, 2025 & December 14, 2025
Every Christmas season, the Montana Ballet Company puts on a production of the Nutcracker Ballet in Bozeman and Big Sky.
This year, the Nutcracker will be performed in the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman on December 6th at 2pm and 7pm and December 7th at 11:30am. You will need to purchase tickets in advance for this traditional holiday performance. Buy your tickets to the Nutcracker here.
The December 14th performance will be held in Big Sky, Montana at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center at 5pm. You can reserve your tickets to the Big Sky show here.
See A Cave By Candlelight
Once a year, the Lewis and Clark Caverns turn out the electrical lights in the caves and 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.
This year the candlelight tour dates are December 20-22, 2025 and December 27-29, 2025.
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 on December 2nd. 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 Montana is by visiting one of these ski resorts and participating in their fun Christmas events.
Big Sky Ski Resort Christmas Events
The event calendar at Big Sky Resort is finally showing Christmas events this year. I have updated the page with details. I will continue to check the official website and add any additional information I find here.
Here’s a link to Big Sky Resort’s event calendar too.
Enchanted Forest – December 17, 2025 – March 28, 2026
The Enchanted Forest lighting ceremony date and information has not been announced yet, but the dates that the magical forest lights will be lit are below.
Put on your snow boots and take the Ramcharger 8 ski lift up the mountain in time for a walk through the forest surrounded by twinkly lights. Slowly wander around the beautiful area between 5pm and 9pm throughout the winter season.
Bundle up for the 1 kilometer path that usually takes around 1 hour to complete. The Enchanted Forest is a ticketed attraction that range in price throughout the season. There are discounts for season-pass holders. Kids 2 and under are free.
Grab your tickets to the Enchanted Forest at Big Sky Resort here.
Letters To Santa – December 21-24, 2025
Big Sky has a new event this Christmas for the children. They have arranged a special post at the top of Lone Peak Tram where kids can drop off their Christmas letters to Santa Claus. Drop offs are between 9am and 2:30pm.
You can pick up special postcards at lift ticket windows or at any of the hotel front desks for the kids to write their wishes to Santa for Christmas.
Access to Kircliff at the top of Lone Peak Tram does require a pass that has tram access or a Kircliff scenic ticket. Kids 6 and under are only $1 a day for a lift ticket and Kircliff is free for them.
Pictures With Santa Claus – December 23 & 24, 2025
You can take a photo with Santa on the mountain! You will find him at the Explorer Gondola mid-station on December 23 and 24th between 12pm and 2:30pm.
Each family will get 2 digital photos.
Christmas Eve Church Services – December 24, 2025
If you are traveling and still want to go to a church service on Christmas Eve, you can still attend a Christmas Eve service at the Talus Room at the Summit Hotel. Catholic Mass is at 5pm and non-denominational service starts at 7pm.
Fireworks And Torchlight Parade – December 24, 2025
On Christmas Eve, head to the mountain village plaza to enjoy the torchlight parade down the mountain. After the skiers are down, stay for the spectacular fireworks show that happens every Christmas Eve in Big Sky, Montana. The torchlight parade starts at 8pm.
Bridger Bowl Torchlight Parade and Fireworks – December 30, 2025
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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