Holiday Events in Yellowstone Country
Photo by Merv Coleman. A beautiful big flake snowfall adds emotion to the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll of 2006. Red Lodge, Montana is a quaint small town at the base of the Beartooth Mountains north of Yellowstone National Park.
As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes have cleared, towns across Montana’s Yellowstone Country bring out their holiday bling! Strolls bring communities out in droves for good cheer, food, and old-fashioned revelry. In addition, you’ll find Santa, music, live performances, and one-of-a-kind gifts. So bundle up, bring your family and friends, and let the celebrations begin!
Big Timber Winter Market, Lighted Parade, and Christmas Cruise
Nov 25, Dec 2, Dec 9, 2022
You’ve got several opportunities to explore Big Timber, starting with the winter market, including local artisans, craft vendors, and downtown retailers. The following weekend starts with a Lighted Parade, chili feed, stroll, Christmas market, and tree lighting. Finally, stay warm and toasty as you drive around the Christmas Cruise, a home decorating contest.
Light Up Livingston
Nov 26, 2022
In conjunction with Small Business Saturday, Light Up Livingston happens at the end of the shopping day, where they light up 15,000 lights on three dozen trees in Depot Park. Santa, Frosty, and Elsa will be there for photos; there will be kid’s activities, a model train in the Depot basement, hot (spiked!) drinks, food trucks, a candy cane hunt, a downtown scavenger hunt with prizes, a choir, hayrides, and more. Plus, everything except food, drinks, and photos is free!
Wilsall Festival of Trees
Nov 27, 2022
In Wilsall, everyone gathers for the Festival of Trees, where they auction off beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, free food and drinks, and ornament-making stations for the kids!
Gardiner Christmas Stroll
Dec 1, 2022
Start the evening with a traditional stroll with shopping, food, kid’s activities, music, and a craft fair. End the evening with a performance by Last Best Comedy at the Gardiner School.
Christmas Stroll in Red Lodge
Dec 2-3, 2022
The stroll in Red Lodge is so popular they hold it two nights in a row! The fun starts with a tree lighting ceremony at the library, followed by a Community Lantern walk and the Blade Parade, where residents deck out their snowplows, trucks, tractors, or shovels with lights and parade down Broadway Ave. The stroll follows with retailers and restaurants staying open late. Finally, enjoy wagon rides, Santa, and some great food and libations.
Three Forks; A Stroll to Remember
Dec 2, 2022
In Three Forks, beautifully decorated trees and wreaths go up for auction, a perfect way to brighten your holiday decorations. Enjoy hot beverages at the historic Sacajawea Inn, and don’t forget pie at the Iron Horse Café!
Holiday decorations in downtown Bozeman.
Christmas Stroll Downtown Bozeman
Dec 3, 2022
Join Santa as he strolls down Main Street to light the decorations, then spend the evening enjoying food, vendors, and activities such as the Interactive Circus Village, hay rides, a gingerbread house contest, and photos with Santa. In addition, the Emerson Cultural Center hosts Winter SLAM, a local art festival, and ‘Tis the Season, a show by Bozeman’s youth performance group. Followed by a community sing-along.
Big Sky Christmas Stroll
Dec 9-11, 2022
The Big Sky Christmas Stroll extends through the weekend with family-friendly events, entertainment, and holiday cheer. Plus, the ski season will have started, and winter is off to a fantastic start. As a result, many hotels in Big Sky offer ski and stay specials this weekend before the holiday rush begins!
Belgrade Festival of Lights
Dec 9-10, 2022
The Festival of Lights in Belgrade, Montana, has gained national attention for the Christmas Convoy, which includes over 100 vehicles, including semi and dump trucks decked in lights from top to bottom and driving seven miles through the neighborhoods. Also part of the festival is the Holiday Light Park, the holiday market, Jingle Jog 5K, and an Ugly Christmas Outfit Contest.
Absarokee Wild West Snowball Festival
Dec 9, 2022
Enjoy a traditional holiday bazaar, photos with Santa, dinner and silent auction, a lighted parade, and fireworks! Take part in the Map Contest and visit local retailers for holiday specials.
West Yellowstone Christmas Stroll
Dec 17, 2022
Santa will be in West Yellowstone for the Parade of Lights, taking him to light the town tree. Enjoy shopping, food, activities, and games.