Get ready for a magical holiday in Billings with our detailed guide. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide ensures everyone enjoys the season in Billings.
One of the season’s highlights is the captivating Holiday Parade, which lights up the streets with festive floats and cheerful participants. Experience the delightful ZooLights, where the zoo is transformed with stunning light displays and holiday-themed exhibits. And the Christmas Stroll is something you definitely don't want to miss, with local shops and vendors offering unique holiday treats and gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Billings Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Billings
- Holiday Parade
- ZooLights
- Festival of Trees
- Christmas at the Moss Mansion
- WinterFair
- Nutcracker Ballet
- ArtWalk
- Ice Skating Rink Opening
Billings Holiday Light Displays
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays
Description:
ZooMontana comes alive after dark with a dazzling display of animal-themed light installations. Illuminated sculptures of exotic creatures guide visitors along winding paths, creating an immersive nocturnal safari experience. You can encounter glowing giraffes and twinkling tigers as you explore the grounds. The event not only entertains but also educates, highlighting conservation efforts for endangered species. ZooLights began in 2015 as a way to utilize the zoo during winter months and has since become a beloved annual tradition in Billings.
Website:
Billings Holiday Markets and Shopping
WinterFair
What to Expect:
Celebration of local artisans and crafters
Description:
WinterFair spotlights the talents of Montana's artisans and crafters in a vibrant marketplace. The event brings together a diverse array of handmade goods, from intricate beadwork to rustic wood carvings. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. WinterFair has been supporting local artists for over three decades, playing a crucial role in preserving Montana's rich artistic heritage. The air fills with the scent of pine and cinnamon as attendees explore booths showcasing the unique creations of the region's most skilled makers.
Website:
Billings Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated themed trees
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms the Montana Pavilion into a forest of creativity. Local artists and organizations showcase their talents by decorating trees with elaborate themes, from whimsical fairy tales to elegant winter wonderlands. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction. The event supports local charities, continuing a tradition of community giving that began in 1986. Each tree tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse culture and interests of Billings residents through imaginative ornaments and decorations.
Website:
Billings Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Collaboration between professional and local dancers
Description:
The Alberta Bair Theater comes alive with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker, featuring a unique collaboration between professional ballet dancers and local talent. This production blends world-class choreography with the enthusiasm of Billings' aspiring performers. Audience members can marvel at the graceful movements set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The Nutcracker has been a Billings tradition for over 50 years, evolving to showcase the growing talent in the local dance community. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport viewers to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers.
Website:
Billings Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Montana
Description:
Billings transforms its downtown into a moving spectacle of holiday cheer with Montana's largest holiday parade. Floats adorned with twinkling lights glide through the streets, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of marching bands. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa while watching the procession. This annual tradition dates back to 1927, making it a cherished part of Billings' cultural heritage. The parade showcases the community's creativity and spirit, with local businesses and organizations contributing their own unique float designs.
Website:
Christmas at the Moss Mansion
What to Expect:
Period-accurate holiday decorations in a historic mansion
Description:
The Moss Mansion opens its doors for a journey through time during the holiday season. Each room of the historic home is adorned with period-accurate decorations, reflecting Christmas celebrations from the early 1900s. Visitors can admire the intricate details of vintage ornaments and garlands. The mansion, built in 1903, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Billings' founding families. Guided tours reveal the stories behind the Moss family's holiday traditions, bringing to life the customs of a bygone era in Montana's history.
Website:
ArtWalk
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of downtown galleries and studios
Description:
Billings' vibrant art scene takes center stage during the holiday ArtWalk. This self-guided tour invites art enthusiasts to explore downtown galleries and studios, showcasing works from local and regional artists. Visitors can engage directly with creators, learning about their inspirations and techniques. The event highlights Billings' growing reputation as a cultural hub in Montana, with roots tracing back to the city's first galleries in the 1970s. Holiday-themed exhibitions add a seasonal touch to the diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces on display.
Website:
Ice Skating Rink Opening
What to Expect:
Outdoor rink in the heart of downtown
Description:
Centennial Ice Arena kicks off the winter season with the opening of its outdoor rink in the heart of downtown Billings. The rink offers a classic winter experience against the backdrop of the city skyline. Skaters can glide across the smooth ice surface, accompanied by the crisp sound of blades cutting through frost. The tradition of outdoor skating in Billings dates back to the early 1900s when residents would skate on frozen ponds. Today's rink continues this legacy, providing a gathering place for community members to embrace the winter chill.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas Stroll (Red Lodge)
What to Expect:
Historic mountain town setting
Description:
Red Lodge's charming main street becomes a winter postcard during the annual Christmas Stroll. The historic mining town's Victorian-era buildings provide a picturesque backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors can sip mulled wine while browsing local shops for unique gifts. The event honors Red Lodge's rich history, with some businesses operating in the same locations for over a century. Roaming carolers in period costumes add to the old-world atmosphere, transporting attendees to Christmases past in this quaint mountain community.
Website:
Christmas in the Country Bazaar (Laurel)
What to Expect:
Rustic, country-themed holiday market
Description:
Laurel's Christmas in the Country Bazaar brings rural charm to holiday shopping. This rustic market showcases handcrafted goods with a distinctly Montana flair, from hand-tooled leather goods to homemade preserves. Visitors can sample locally produced honey and jams while browsing the stalls. The event celebrates Laurel's agricultural heritage, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1908. The bazaar's country atmosphere is enhanced by the aroma of fresh-baked pies and the soft twang of acoustic guitar, creating a warm and inviting holiday experience.
Website:
Christmas in the Country Bazaar