Holidays on Higgins
Visitors can walk along North Higgins Avenue to explore interactive stationary floats and watch Santa Claus ascend a fire truck ladder to illuminate the holiday tree. The festivities feature an outdoor makers market, burn barrels, live caroling, and dance performances, alongside complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides. Guests can also visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos and participate in special activities hosted by downtown businesses.
What to Expect
Downtown celebration featuring stationary floats, tree lighting, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Duration
Full day.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Missoula
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Missoula Partnership and Missoula Downtown Association
Food & Drink
Free hot chocolate is available, with spiked cocoa, adult beverages, mocktails, food, and coffee also offered by onsite bars and vendors.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free. Photos with Santa, carriage rides, and evening events are free; some daytime activities for children and adults may have a small fee.
- Hours: All day; evening festivities 3:00–7:00 PM; tree lighting 6:00 PM; photos with Santa 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (line by 2:15 PM).
- Parking: Parking is free on weekends in downtown parking spaces, including parking garages. Leased garage spaces are available for public use on evenings and weekends. Mountain Line offers zero-fare service, and all routes come downtown.
- Pets: The page strongly suggests leaving dogs at home. Dogs that come must be leashed, well-trained around people and children, and kept at least ten feet from food vendors.
Tips & Advice
- Dress in warm layers with a hat and gloves, since it's December in Montana and the burn barrels along the street won't be enough.
- Bring your own camera for Santa photos at the library, because no professional photographer is there, and get in line early before the cutoff.
- Ride Mountain Line downtown for free, or use the free weekend parking in downtown spaces and garages, including leased garage spaces.
- Head to the Missoula Downtown Foundation tent for free hot chocolate, or get it spiked at one of the two Rhino bars on site.
- For a carriage ride, line up on the corner of East Pine between Higgins Ave. and the Missoula Art Museum, since rides are first come, first served.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the evening portion of Holidays on Higgins runs an hour longer.
- Free photos with Santa at the Missoula Public Library during the day. Santa arrives by carriage to a caroler greeting, and you bring your own camera.
- Free horse-drawn carriage rides from Out West Wagon Rides run on Saturdays and Sundays the first three weekends of December, first come, first served.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stationary parade?
The floats stay in place, and you walk along North Higgins Avenue to see them at your own pace. Many are interactive, with games, photo ops and other activities.
What food and drink is there?
Free hot chocolate is at the Missoula Downtown Foundation tent. You can get it spiked, or buy an adult beverage or mocktail at one of the two Rhino bars. Lighthouse Coffee, Funk It Coffee, pizza, Pelz and other vendors are there too.
How do photos with Santa work?
They're free, upstairs on the second floor of the Missoula Public Library. Bring your own camera, since there's no professional photographer. The line closes before Santa leaves, so get there early.
Where should I park?
Parking is free on weekends in all downtown spaces, including garages. Leased garage spaces are open to the public too, and you won't be ticketed or towed. Mountain Line buses are zero-fare, and every route comes downtown.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with setup, teardown and onsite activities. Email info@missouladowntown.com to get involved.
More Christmas Events Near Missoula
More Christmas Events near Missoula
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.