The holiday season in Bozeman is straight out of a hallmark movie. Yes, winter means shorter days and cooler temperatures, but what better way to experience the coziness of the mountains? Add a roaring fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa, and you're in business.
Between sparkly Christmas lights, community celebrations that'll make even the grinchiest of grinches smile (yep, even your cranky Uncle Scrooge), and freshly fallen snow, there are plenty of reasons you should celebrate the holidays in Bozeman. Here are the 10 best activities to do if you're visiting during November or December!
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When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 4:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Where: Downtown Bozeman
The Christmas Stroll kicks off every year in early December when Santa leads a parade down Main Street to light up the town. You'll find hayrides, live music, food trucks, and shop deals throughout downtown. Grab a hot cocoa (or something stronger) and soak up the holiday vibes during this family-friendly event.
You'll find a variety of shows in Bozeman that celebrate the holiday season (view even more events here)! Here are some popular ones in 2025:
Looking for the best stores to go holiday shopping? Bozeman's got you covered. From one-of-a-kind boutiques like HeyDay and Intrigue Ink to national favorites at the Gallatin Valley Mall, Bozeman's got everything you need.
Mark these dates on your calendar for extra discounts and deals:
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.
When: Friday, December 12, 2025 from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Where: Downtown Bozeman
Just take it from us — the Winter Art Walk is worth bundling up for. Local artists take over downtown shops and galleries with their work, and most spots serve free drinks and snacks while you browse. The artists usually hang around to talk shop, making it an easy way to support local talent, grab a unique gift, and catch up with friends in one go.
Sometimes the best part of the holidays is getting out of town for a bit. Here are five nearby spots that make a great day trip from Bozeman:
Belgrade (10 minutes west): People love the Christmas Convoy on December 6th, where close to 100 semi-trucks decked out in lights parade through town. Belgrade's Festival of Lights has numerous events, like the Jingle Jog, Holiday Market, and Holiday Hoopla on December 13th.
Livingston (30 minutes east): Livingston is full of holiday events. The Historic Christmas Stroll happens December 5th with wagon rides, fire pits on Main Street, photos with Santa and Frosty, and stores open late. Catch the Community Christmas Craft Fair and Holiday Market on the first Saturday of December.
Three Forks (30 minutes west): The Christmas Stroll is on December 13th with a lighted parade, carriage rides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, merchant bingo, caroling, and a gingerbread contest.
Big Sky (45 minutes south): Big Sky's Christmas Stroll takes place on December 13th at the Meadow Village Center and December 14th at the Town Center, featuring tree lighting, a winter market, wagon rides, and more. The town center is decked out in decorations, you can ski at Big Sky or check out The Enchanted Forest, during which the resort decorates trees in a forest with Christmas lights.
Ennis (60 minutes south): Ennis keeps it simple with their Spirit of Christmas Stroll on December 5th, where guests can experience a tree lighting and merchants stay open late with treats. It's pure small-town Montana charm, and you can hit Norris Hot Springs on the way back for a soak.
Bozeman goes all out with holiday lights. Main Street gets most of the attention thanks to its so-called "spiders," everyone's favorite Christmas tree-esque garland decorations.
Don't stop there, though — there's plenty more to see. Cruise down Willson Avenue, check out Montana Hall at MSU, or loop through the neighborhoods around Ferguson and Fowler where locals seriously commit to the decorations. Don't miss the "Bah Humbug" house (you'll see why it's called that) on 902 W. Babcock. South 3rd past Kagy is another solid route if you're making a night of it.
You can't go wrong just walking around Downtown Bozeman's neighborhoods, either — you'll find plenty of brightly adorned homes.
When: Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gallatin County Fairgrounds
The Bozeman Yule Festival takes over the Gallatin County Fairgrounds with a Christmas Makers Market, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and a gingerbread house contest that gets surprisingly competitive (there's a $250 cash prize on the line).
Grab some last-minute gifts from local vendors, enjoy festive drinks and food, and check out the gingerbread entries while you're at it. Best part? Your $5 entry ($10 for groups) goes straight to CASA/GAL of Gallatin County to support foster youth.
You can't experience the holidays in Montana without a little bit (hopefully a lot!) of skiing! Many people enjoy skiing on Christmas Day, either cross country skiing at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center 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.
You can also head to Bridger on December 30th for the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display.
If you're spending the whole winter in Bozeman, you may be in search of a live tree. You can either cut one down yourself (make sure you get a permit first!), or grab one from a lot in town.
You'll find a great selection of trees and wreaths at Gallatin Valley Mall, on North 7th Street and Main Street. Follow it up with an evening of tree trimming and some hot cocoa, and you're golden!
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