It’s December in Montana, and you know what that means. The fast-paced, often stressful holiday season is in full swing, and you probably have a few family traditions to uphold. Whether you love them or hate them, it won’t feel like Christmastime without them. How many of these things can you make happen this season?
- Go to your town’s tree lighting ceremony or holiday parade.
Mark Holloway / Flickr Usually held on Thanksgiving weekend or the first weekend in December, you’ll have the chance to head downtown and experience your first annual dose of Christmas cheer.
- Head to Billings and see ZooLights at ZooMontana.
ZooMontana Facebook If you’ve never been, make this the year you go. It’s a beautiful sight.
- Go on a drive until you find the neighborhoods with the best Christmas lights.
Kirt Edblom / Flickr
- Head to Lewistown and go on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo’s North Pole Adventure.
Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train Facebook Obviously this won’t be possible every year, but when you can get tickets, you’ll love it.
- Give back to the less fortunate.
Dan King / Flickr Helping those in need, especially children, has been a tradition since Montana’s early history. Participate in a toy drive or donate to a local charity that provides some holiday help.
- Visit a craft fair or holiday market.
Little Red Truck Vintage Market Facebook Shopping local not only supports small businesses, it makes you feel good. Plus, holiday markets are extremely fun. This photo is from Missoula’s Little Red Truck market.
- Enjoy the first real snowfall however you see fit.
Liz / Flickr Usually by mid-December most parts of Montana have been blanketed by snow at least once. Hit the slopes, go sledding or relive your childhood and make some snow angels.
- Spend a weekend in Bigfork.
Ron Kroetz / Flickr Montana’s Christmas Village will get you into the spirit fast.
- Chop your own Christmas tree.
Lori L. Stalteri / Flickr Skip the lot this year and go on the hunt for the perfect tree. It’s more fun that way.
- Do some last-minute online shopping.
Paulsh / Flickr Many Montanans live a couple of hours (or more) from a good shopping center. Luckily, despite rumors to the contrary, we DO have internet access. And we use it.
- Bake cookies. Eat entirely too many of them.
Andrea / Flickr At this point, it’s considered tradition, right?
- Find your nearest downtown area and enjoy the decorations.
David Schott / Flickr Whether you live in a tiny town or a more populated area, you’ll probably find that your Main Street’s halls have been decked (like Miles City’s, pictured here).
If you need a little help getting into the holiday spirit this year, head to one of Montana’s best Christmas towns.
Mark Holloway / Flickr
Usually held on Thanksgiving weekend or the first weekend in December, you’ll have the chance to head downtown and experience your first annual dose of Christmas cheer.
ZooMontana Facebook
If you’ve never been, make this the year you go. It’s a beautiful sight.
Kirt Edblom / Flickr
Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train Facebook
Obviously this won’t be possible every year, but when you can get tickets, you’ll love it.
Dan King / Flickr
Helping those in need, especially children, has been a tradition since Montana’s early history. Participate in a toy drive or donate to a local charity that provides some holiday help.
Little Red Truck Vintage Market Facebook
Shopping local not only supports small businesses, it makes you feel good. Plus, holiday markets are extremely fun. This photo is from Missoula’s Little Red Truck market.
Liz / Flickr
Usually by mid-December most parts of Montana have been blanketed by snow at least once. Hit the slopes, go sledding or relive your childhood and make some snow angels.
Ron Kroetz / Flickr
Montana’s Christmas Village will get you into the spirit fast.
Lori L. Stalteri / Flickr
Skip the lot this year and go on the hunt for the perfect tree. It’s more fun that way.
Paulsh / Flickr
Many Montanans live a couple of hours (or more) from a good shopping center. Luckily, despite rumors to the contrary, we DO have internet access. And we use it.
Andrea / Flickr
At this point, it’s considered tradition, right?
David Schott / Flickr
Whether you live in a tiny town or a more populated area, you’ll probably find that your Main Street’s halls have been decked (like Miles City’s, pictured here).
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