Thanksgiving in Montana's Yellowstone Country
For those visiting during Thanksgiving week, you’re in for a treat. Downhill and Nordic skiing opens, our shops are decked in holiday decor and restaurants provide a cozy atmosphere with delicious local foods to share with family and friends. There are festivities, Shop Local Saturday, and so far this season, a great snow pack building! We've rounded up a few of the highlights, but wherever you're visiting, there's plenty of room to get out and enjoy the best of Montana's Yellowstone Country.
West Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Ski Festival takes place Nov. 26-30 in West Yellowstone. At the start of the Nordic season, enthusiasts come from across the nation for clinics, races, demonstrations, indoor expos, presentations and kid’s camps. You can follow the West Yellowstone trails report for those itching to get on your snowmobiles.
Big Sky
If you’re in Big Sky, the opening day of Big Sky Resort is Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving. Montage offers a Thanksgiving Feast from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, but you can also opt for a take-home feast (please place your orders a minimum of 72 hours in advance).
Big Sky Resort, Photo by Ryan Turner
Bozeman
Down the road in Bozeman, the Thanksgiving tradition Huffing for Stuffing starts from the Museum of the Rockies. The fundraiser for HRDC draws roughly 4,000 runners and walkers for a 10K, 5K, Fun Run and Kids’ Run. It’s a local favorite and a great way to jump-start your day. If you’re looking for dinner, The Club Tavern and Grill host both sit-down and take-out options.
Paradise Valley
If you’re in Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge hosts Kid’s Thanksgiving Crafts, Adult Candle Making from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Thanksgiving dinners at The Grill and the Fireside Room. While there, you may want to take a wildlife-watching drive through Lamar Valley, the only road in Yellowstone that remains open to vehicles year-round.
Sage Lodge, Photo by Sam Rouda
Big Timber
In Big Timber, the historic Grand Hotel hosts dinner from noon to 6 p.m. If you’re looking for fresh air and exercise, Natural Bridge Falls is a beautiful drive, and the boardwalks make it easy for all ages to explore.
Red Lodge
Start Thanksgiving Day with the annual Turkey Trot at 10 am starting at the Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds. Red Lodge Mountain opens Nov. 29, and the Festival of Trees takes place Nov. 30 in conjunction with Small Business Saturday.
Livingston
On Saturday, explore shopping in Downtown Livingston, then gather with the community at Depot Park to Light up Livingston, where Santa sprinkles magic dust, and over 100,000 lights brighten 36 trees throughout the park. It’s a beautiful site and a wonderful event with kid’s activities (including a candy cane hunt), hayrides, carolers, and food and beverage trucks.
No matter where you visit, the streets are decked for the season, and our residents will greet you with a warm welcome.
Photo by Elise Sterch