The holiday season in Bozeman is idyllic. Winter sets in, bringing with it shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the coziness of the mountains under their blanket of snow. Community events, traditions, and celebrations bring people together, spreading joy and good cheer. As the snow increases, outdoor adventure expands with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. It's just the right combination of winter fun.
In Bozeman, Montana, Christmas is truly a winter wonderland. Here are 10 ways to celebrate the holidays in Bozeman this year.
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1. The Christmas Stroll
The annual Christmas Stroll takes place in early December. Join Santa as he leads a parade down Main Street to sing carols and light holiday lights. Enjoy hayrides, live music, food trucks, and retail specials. Bring the whole family to Downtown Bozeman this winter, warm up with hot drinks and libations, and get in the holiday spirit.
2. Broadway in Bozeman
Every year, Broadway in Bozeman showcases a variety of shows at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, such as Annie, Mean Girls the Musical, and Jesus Christ Superstar. After a long day on the slopes, take a seat and enjoy the show!
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3. Celebrate Christmas at Big Sky Resort
You can't experience the holidays in Montana without a little bit (hopefully a lot!) of skiing. The Big Sky Resort! hosts several Christmas-themed activities for people of all ages. Take pictures with Santa Claus in the Mountain Village Plaza, or ski with Mr. Claus (and Mrs. Claus) at the top of Swift Current on Christmas Eve. And don't forget to watch the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show from Mountain Village!
4. Holiday Shopping This Winter in Downtown Bozeman
For those who enjoy the traditional day of shopping before Christmas, you'll have two options to shop local: Small Business Saturday, sponsored by Downtown Bozeman, and the Gallatin Valley Holiday Farmers Market, held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Both are held on November 27th, so you can get all of your shopping done in one day! Get ready for your Bozeman, Montana, Christmas, and support local businesses.
5. Partner with Hope & The Holidays
Children everywhere deserve to get gifts on Christmas, and the same is true in Bozeman, Montana. Hope & The Holidays is a local non-profit that makes sure Bozeman children (18 and younger) receive gifts on Christmas and feel the magic of the holidays.
You can donate gifts directly to the organization, by Amazon or through a drop-off box. In December, you can even volunteer to help distribute the gifts across town. See how you can get involved to make a child's wish come true.
6. The Nutcracker
What's a Bozeman, Montana, Christmas without The Nutcracker? Montana Ballet kicks off its performance of this classic holiday show at the Willson Theater in early December. Be sure to get your tickets in advance!
7. Go Tree Hunting
If you're spending the whole winter in Downtown Bozeman, you may be in search of a live tree. You'll find a great selection of trees and wreaths at Gallatin Valley Mall, on North 7th Street and Main Street. We suggest renting snowshoes and spending a day enjoying the quiet of the mountains, followed by an evening of tree-trimming. Don't forget the hot cocoa – we like the mix from La Chatelaine. It's rich and sophisticated, made with darker chocolate than the standard cocoas.
8. Winter Art Walk in Downtown Bozeman
Over 30 galleries in Downtown Bozeman participate in the Winter Art Walk on December 13th, many featuring artists' openings and receptions, along with hors d'oeuvres and complimentary refreshments. It's another excellent way to enjoy local shopping and catch up with friends this Christmas in Bozeman, Montana.
9. Tour the Christmas Lights
Admiring the holiday lights is another favorite pastime. Main Street is adorned and well worth photographing, but several other spots admire the lights. Willson Avenue, Montana Hall at Montana State University, South 3rd Avenue past Kagy Boulevard, and the neighborhoods around Ferguson and Fowler Avenues all light up and are worth a drive this winter in Downtown Bozeman.
10. Christmas Day Skiing
Many people enjoy skiing on Christmas Day, either cross country at Crosscut Mountain Ranch or downhill at Bridger Bowl. If you dawn your ugliest holiday sweater or Santa Claus beard, you're sure to get you a thumbs up as you shred down the hill.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Ranking the 14 Best Hot Springs in Montana
- Winter in Bozeman, By the Numbers
- What Makes Bozeman the Best Mountain Town to Visit This Winter
- Where to Rent Winter Gear in Bozeman, Montana
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