As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes have been cleared away (and in some cases, before), the Christmas decorations come out in most American households – and Montana is no exception. Christmas in Montana is absolutely magical. Towns all over the state are decked out in lights and décor and host a slew of fun festivities. Some towns, though, really shine during Christmas in Montana. Ever find yourself wondering, what are the best Christmas towns in Montana? Well, wonder no more! Which is your favorite Christmas town in Montana? Let us know.
- Darby
Triple Creek Ranch / Facebook Darby’s Triple Creek Ranch is the place to be during the month of December. They offer a true Cowboy Christmas experience with old-fashioned fun in the snow, horseback riding, sledding, and ice fishing. You can even choose a real or artificial tree for your cabin and decorate it with the ranch’s ornaments or ornaments you bring from home. Curling up by the fire in your decorated cabin is the perfect way to end your holiday. For more info, check out this amazing winter getaway in Montana. Darby, MT 59829, USA
- Whitefish
Whitefish Mountain Resort Facebook Whitefish has been voted one of Montana’s “most beautiful towns” by several publications, and it’s especially charming during the holiday season. In early December, the annual Christmas Stroll takes place downtown and includes a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa, and more. Montana at Christmas has never been so magical! Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
- Bigfork
Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Bigfork is known as “Montana’s Christmas Village.” This little community goes big when it comes to decorating and celebrating, and the holiday spirit is palpable. Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
- Philipsburg
management / Flickr It’s no surprise that the charming tourist destination of Philipsburg comes alive during the holiday season. Beautiful Christmas lights and decorations line the streets, turning them into a Montana winter wonderland. Philipsburg, MT 59858, USA
- Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman Facebook There’s no better place to be than downtown Bozeman at Christmas if you enjoy Christmas light displays. Their Christmas Stroll is the most beloved holiday tradition. Bozeman, MT, USA
- Billings
ZooMontana Facebook Not only does Billings have an annual holiday parade on the day after Thanksgiving, but the state’s biggest city is also home to ZooMontana. Every year, Zoo Lights takes over the zoo in December, creating a magical drive-through experience. Billings, MT, USA
- Lewistown
Enjoy Lewistown Montana Every winter, the Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns into the Polar Express and takes families on train rides to the North Pole. But the holiday season kicks off right after Thanksgiving with the annual Christmas Stroll parade. Santa comes riding into town during the Parade of Lights, and stores stay open late to tempt shoppers. Lewistown, MT 59457, USA
- Fort Benton/Chouteau County
Chouteau County Country Christmas / Facebook The Fort Benton area takes part in the Fort Benton/Chouteau County Country Christmas celebration, a vintage holiday celebration in Montana’s oldest town. The Virgelle Mercantile is one of the vendors. Fort Benton, MT 59442, USA
So, what do you think? Are these the best Christmas towns in Montana? Ever visited any (or all) of the towns mentioned above? Did we miss your favorite place to celebrate Christmas in Montana? Tell us!
Triple Creek Ranch / Facebook
Darby’s Triple Creek Ranch is the place to be during the month of December. They offer a true Cowboy Christmas experience with old-fashioned fun in the snow, horseback riding, sledding, and ice fishing. You can even choose a real or artificial tree for your cabin and decorate it with the ranch’s ornaments or ornaments you bring from home. Curling up by the fire in your decorated cabin is the perfect way to end your holiday. For more info, check out this amazing winter getaway in Montana.
Darby, MT 59829, USA
Whitefish Mountain Resort Facebook
Whitefish has been voted one of Montana’s “most beautiful towns” by several publications, and it’s especially charming during the holiday season. In early December, the annual Christmas Stroll takes place downtown and includes a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa, and more. Montana at Christmas has never been so magical!
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Bigfork is known as “Montana’s Christmas Village.” This little community goes big when it comes to decorating and celebrating, and the holiday spirit is palpable.
Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
management / Flickr
It’s no surprise that the charming tourist destination of Philipsburg comes alive during the holiday season. Beautiful Christmas lights and decorations line the streets, turning them into a Montana winter wonderland.
Philipsburg, MT 59858, USA
Downtown Bozeman Facebook
There’s no better place to be than downtown Bozeman at Christmas if you enjoy Christmas light displays. Their Christmas Stroll is the most beloved holiday tradition.
Bozeman, MT, USA
ZooMontana Facebook
Not only does Billings have an annual holiday parade on the day after Thanksgiving, but the state’s biggest city is also home to ZooMontana. Every year, Zoo Lights takes over the zoo in December, creating a magical drive-through experience.
Billings, MT, USA
Enjoy Lewistown Montana
Every winter, the Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns into the Polar Express and takes families on train rides to the North Pole. But the holiday season kicks off right after Thanksgiving with the annual Christmas Stroll parade. Santa comes riding into town during the Parade of Lights, and stores stay open late to tempt shoppers.
Lewistown, MT 59457, USA
Chouteau County Country Christmas / Facebook
The Fort Benton area takes part in the Fort Benton/Chouteau County Country Christmas celebration, a vintage holiday celebration in Montana’s oldest town. The Virgelle Mercantile is one of the vendors.
Fort Benton, MT 59442, USA
The towns mentioned above aren’t the only places you’ve got to visit this winter in Montana. Check out other fun things to do in Montana at Christmas.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Towns In Montana November 26, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo Aside from the best Christmas towns in Montana, where else can I celebrate Christmas? One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Montana is The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough. During the holiday season, the resort hosts A Montana Christmas, a magical event filled with seasonal festivities and plenty of snow, of course. Sleigh rides, gourmet holiday spreads, and personal visits from Santa are just a few of the ways resort visitors can experience the magic of the season. Where can I view Christmas lights in Montana? The best Christmas towns in Montana aren’t the only places you can get your fill of Christmas lights in Montana. Missoula is another festive town that does Christmas in a big way. During the holiday season, twinkling Christmas lights and displays pop up all over Missoula. The downtown area is particularly stunning, as it’s decked out in giant snowflakes, Christmas trees, and sparkling lights. Residential displays are also plentiful. What else can I do during winter in Montana? Winter in Montana is known for its freezing temps. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to warm up. One great way to combat winter in Montana is a visit to Chico Hot Springs Resort. Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, it offers the quintessential Montana Experience. Guests can enjoy the namesake hot springs as well as fine dining, a saloon, gift shop, full-day spa, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. Plus, the resort is just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Towns In Montana
November 26, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
Aside from the best Christmas towns in Montana, where else can I celebrate Christmas? One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Montana is The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough. During the holiday season, the resort hosts A Montana Christmas, a magical event filled with seasonal festivities and plenty of snow, of course. Sleigh rides, gourmet holiday spreads, and personal visits from Santa are just a few of the ways resort visitors can experience the magic of the season. Where can I view Christmas lights in Montana? The best Christmas towns in Montana aren’t the only places you can get your fill of Christmas lights in Montana. Missoula is another festive town that does Christmas in a big way. During the holiday season, twinkling Christmas lights and displays pop up all over Missoula. The downtown area is particularly stunning, as it’s decked out in giant snowflakes, Christmas trees, and sparkling lights. Residential displays are also plentiful. What else can I do during winter in Montana? Winter in Montana is known for its freezing temps. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to warm up. One great way to combat winter in Montana is a visit to Chico Hot Springs Resort. Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, it offers the quintessential Montana Experience. Guests can enjoy the namesake hot springs as well as fine dining, a saloon, gift shop, full-day spa, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. Plus, the resort is just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Montana is The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough. During the holiday season, the resort hosts A Montana Christmas, a magical event filled with seasonal festivities and plenty of snow, of course. Sleigh rides, gourmet holiday spreads, and personal visits from Santa are just a few of the ways resort visitors can experience the magic of the season.
Where can I view Christmas lights in Montana?
The best Christmas towns in Montana aren’t the only places you can get your fill of Christmas lights in Montana. Missoula is another festive town that does Christmas in a big way. During the holiday season, twinkling Christmas lights and displays pop up all over Missoula. The downtown area is particularly stunning, as it’s decked out in giant snowflakes, Christmas trees, and sparkling lights. Residential displays are also plentiful.
What else can I do during winter in Montana?
Winter in Montana is known for its freezing temps. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to warm up. One great way to combat winter in Montana is a visit to Chico Hot Springs Resort. Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, it offers the quintessential Montana Experience. Guests can enjoy the namesake hot springs as well as fine dining, a saloon, gift shop, full-day spa, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. Plus, the resort is just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park.
