Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the season in Great Falls with our ultimate guide. Whether you're deeply rooted in Great Falls or just branching out, this guide will light up your holidays.
One event to explore is the Great Falls Holiday Festival, where festive lights and community spirit abound, making it a charming destination for families. Another highlight is the Big Sky Christmas Celebration, known for its enchanting atmosphere and local artisan market. And the Billings Christmas Fair is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring unique crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Great Falls Holiday Light Displays
Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Festively decorated floats and Santa lighting the city's Christmas tree.
- Description
- The 25th Annual Parade of Lights in downtown Great Falls features a procession of festively decorated floats beginning at 6th Street and traveling down Central Avenue. Santa will light the city's beautiful Christmas tree after the parade, celebrating the holiday season.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Parade of Lights
Great Falls Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Stroll
- What to Expect
- Strolling through a beautifully decorated downtown with local performances.
- Description
- The Christmas Stroll transforms downtown Great Falls into a picturesque holiday showcase. Visitors can explore charming shops adorned with decorations, enjoy the aroma of seasonal treats, and experience local entertainment throughout the event. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with laughter and community spirit, making it a perfect opportunity to embrace the season.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Christmas Stroll
Great Falls Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Great Falls Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Annual Christmas tree lighting with local school choir performances and petting zoo.
- Description
- The Great Falls Holiday Festival is a free community event celebrating the beginning of the holiday season with an annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while local school choirs perform. Visit the petting zoo and pony rides before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to light the tree. Children can share their holiday wishes with Santa, and a live nativity will be featured.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Great Falls Holiday Festival
Magical Christmas Ballet 2024
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, perfect for all ages.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Magical Christmas Ballet 2024
Pictures with Santa
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet, whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, perfect for friends and family of all ages.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Pictures with Santa
Great Falls Other Holiday Activities
Banff Mountain Film Festival
- What to Expect
- Inspiring films showcasing adventure and nature.
- Description
- The Banff Mountain Film Festival features epic films showcasing adventure, nature, and human achievement, highlighting the world's most breathtaking landscapes and inspiring stories.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Banff Mountain Film Festival
Showdown Montana
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of skiing and community events.
- Description
- Showdown Montana offers a variety of winter activities, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The mountain features 34 trails with 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% expert terrain. It also hosts various events like the Canned Food Drive and Ski with Santa.
- Where
- Neihart | More Info : Showdown Montana
Silver Crest Trails
- What to Expect
- Groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Description
- Silver Crest Trails offer 14.2 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing paths in Montana, providing a serene winter experience with easy to intermediate difficulty levels.
- Where
- Neihart | More Info : Silver Crest Trails
Santa’s Village
- What to Expect
- New family roller coaster simulating reindeer flight.
- Description
- Santa’s Village is a Christmas-themed park offering unlimited rides, shows, and attractions. The park features a brand new family roller coaster, the Midnight Flyer, which simulates flying with reindeer. It includes various rides, animal attractions, and great food options, ensuring a fun experience for all visitors.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Santa’s Village
Polar Plunge
- What to Expect
- Supporting local athletes through icy water challenges.
- Description
- The Great Falls Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, clubs, organizations, and schools to support local Special Olympics Montana athletes by jumping, running, or slowly crawling into frigid icy waters.
- Where
- Great Falls | More Info : Polar Plunge