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Holiday Event Roundup 2025
The holiday season is packed with festive fun across Billings and the surrounding communities. This roundup highlights some of the most cheerful, seasonal events happening throughout December, but there’s plenty more to explore. For a full lineup of concerts, markets, kid-friendly activities, and community gatherings, make sure to browse our Event Hub. You’ll find something for every schedule and every kind of holiday celebration.
This community also shows incredible generosity during the holidays. If you’re looking for ways to give back or support local nonprofits, be sure to check out our Holiday Giving blog for a list of meaningful ways to spread kindness this season.
Holiday Traditions & All-Season Fun
Holiday Nights at ZooMontana
November 28–December 31
ZooMontana becomes a glowing winter village with 15+ million lights, giant displays, festive décor, and immersive holiday scenes the whole family can explore all season long. New features in 2025 include a 50-foot digital tree, a 41-foot geo dome, expanded character visits, the TDS Fiber Forest, children’s activities, and a special Christmas Drone Show on December 23.
Billings Christmas Lights — Community Light Map & Tour
A local Facebook group gathers all the must-see Christmas light displays across Billings and updates an easy-to-follow map for families to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to hop in the car, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and tour the city’s brightest and most festive homes all season long. Check out their map!
December Events
Festival of Trees 2025
The Montana Pavilion transforms into a sparkling holiday showcase for this beloved community tradition. Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated trees and wreaths and soak in the magic of the season all weekend long.
- When: December 5–7 | various times
- Where: Montana Pavilion at MetraPark
- Cost: $5–$15
First Friday: Holiday Stroll 2025
Downtown Billings comes alive for the 24th annual Holiday Stroll, filled with extended shopping hours, warm drinks, festive treats, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- When: December 5 | 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Billings
- Cost: Free
Trees for Hope Grand Opening
Enjoy a festive Family Fun Day with photos, cocoa, holiday snacks, and activities at the Trees for Hope lot, supporting Adult & Teen Challenge.
- When: December 6 | 12:00–3:00 p.m.
- Where: Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road
- Cost: Free
Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song
A fast-paced, hilarious parody of over 30 Broadway hits, complete with outrageous costumes and spot-on impressions.
- When: December 6 | 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Alberta Bair Theatre, 2801 3rd Avenue North
- Cost: $52–$67
Waltz in Winter Wonderland
Dress up for a magical night of dancing at the Depot, complete with a free waltz lesson, music, and elegant holiday ambiance.
- When: December 11 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Where: Billings Depot, 2310 Montana Avenue
- Cost: $20 ($10 students), table for 8: $140
Cookie Takedown
A festive cookie decorating party supporting Laurel’s wrestling programs, complete with bottomless cocoa, a keepsake mug, and holiday fun.
- When: December 12 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- Where: The Front Porch, Laurel
- Cost: $15
Christmas Caroling at Rimrock Mall
Join the community for an hour of Christmas carols inside the mall; no singing experience needed!
- When: December 12 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
- Where: Rimrock Mall (meet at food court)
- Cost: Free
Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas
Celebrate Christmas with Grammy-winner Mark O’Connor, blending bluegrass and American roots music into a warm, lively holiday concert.
- When: December 12 | 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Alberta Bair Theatre
Holiday Spectacular
The Bozeman Symphony presents a festive program of classic holiday works, singalongs, and stunning vocal performances.
When:
- December 12 | 7:30 p.m.
- December 13 | 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
- December 14 | 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Willson Auditorium, Bozeman
- Cost: $30 and up
2nd Annual Share the Love Saturday: Misfit Toys Billings
A free toy-shopping event where families can choose gently loved toys for Christmas gifts—no questions asked.
- When: December 13 | 9:00 a.m.
- Where: Canvas Church, 550 32nd Street West
- Cost: Free
Holiday Market 2025
Shop local, nature-inspired gifts at this annual outdoor market hosted by the Montana Audubon Center.
- When: December 13 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Where: Montana Audubon Center
- Cost: Free
DIY Embroidered Snowflake Workshop
Create your own embroidered snowflake using vintage fabrics and beginner-friendly patterns in this cozy craft workshop.
- When: December 13 | 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Frae Collective
- Cost: $30
A Seussified Christmas Carol
This whimsical spin on Dickens' classic brings colorful Seussian charm to the stage with quirky characters and rhyming couplets.
- When: December 14 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Where: NOVA Center for the Performing Arts
- Cost: $12–$22
The Nutcracker Ballet
An all-new local production featuring original choreography, digital backdrops, and a cast of 100+ dancers.
When:
- December 13 | 2:00–3:45 p.m.
- December 13 | 7:00–8:45 p.m.
- December 14 | 2:00–3:45 p.m.
- Where: Petro Theater, MSUB
- Cost: $25
Bellissimo! Handbell Choir
Enjoy shimmering holiday harmonies and classic carols performed by the Bellissimo! Handbell Choir.
When:
- December 14 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- December 14 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
- Where: Peace Lutheran Church
- Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Evening Tours at Moss Mansion
Explore the mansion after dark, enjoy the Christmas trees, and vote for your favorite.
When:
- December 16 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- December 17 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- December 18 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- Where: Moss Mansion
- Cost: $15–$20
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
An intimate candlelit concert featuring a live string quartet at the Billings Depot.
- When: December 18 | 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Billings Depot
- Cost: $28–$45
Live Nativity
Walk through a live Nativity with animals, cocoa, and family-friendly Christmas atmosphere.
When:
- December 19 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
- December 20 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
- Where: Open Bible Christian Center
- Cost: Free
Last Chance Christmas Craft Show
Shop 65 local artists and makers during this final weekend holiday craft market.
When:
- December 20 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- December 21 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Where: Miller’s Horse Palace
- Cost: Free
A Christmas Story (with Santa in the Theater!)
Enjoy two screenings of the beloved 1983 holiday film, complete with Santa’s appearance between shows.
When:
- December 20 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- December 20 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- Where: Art House Cinema and Pub
- Cost: $9
Christmas Carol 2025
The Billings Symphony retells Dickens’ classic with narration, orchestral favorites, and a carol singalong.
- When: December 20 | 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Alberta Bair Theatre
- Cost: $20–$77
Solstice Ball
A glamorous, formal evening inside the Moss Mansion with dancing, cocktails, desserts, and Gilded Age holiday ambiance.
- When: December 20 | 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Where: Moss Mansion
- Cost: $50
Holiday Nights: Light Up the Sky (Christmas Drone Show)
Holiday Nights hosts a one-night-only Christmas Drone Show with choreographed lights and festive animations.
- When: December 23 | Evening
- Where: ZooMontana
- Cost: Varies
Moss Mansion Holiday Party
Enjoy champagne, desserts, holiday music, and Christmas trees throughout the mansion during this festive evening.
- When: December 23 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
- Where: Moss Mansion
- Cost: $30
It’s a Wonderful Life
A special screening of the beloved 1946 Christmas classic at Art House Cinema.
- When: December 23 | 7:00–9:30 p.m.
- Where: Art House Cinema and Pub
- Cost: $9
A Cozy Creekside Christmas Dinner
Celebrate with a creekside holiday meal featuring comforting seasonal dishes in a relaxed, scenic setting.
When:
- December 25 | 12:00 p.m.
- December 26 | 12:00 p.m.
- December 27 | 12:00 p.m.
- Where: Rock Creek Resort, Red Lodge
- Cost: $65
