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Holiday Events in The Gallatin Valley: The Ultimate Local Guide

As the first snow settles in and everyone starts stringing up their holiday lights, the whole Gallatin Valley gets this cozy, small-town magic that’s hard to beat. Whether you’ve been here forever or you’re just getting to know the area, the holiday season is full of local markets, community events, and little moments that make this place feel like home. Here are some of my favorite things happening this winter.

1. Huffing for Stuffing — Thanksgiving Morning Run

When: November 27, 2025
Where: Starts near the Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman

  • This beloved community race is more than just a run — it’s a fundraiser for the HRDC Gallatin Valley Food Bank. You can participate in a 10K, 5K (timed or untimed), or a kids’ run.

2. Kick Off the Christmas Season with the ‘Christmas Stroll’

One of the most beloved traditions in Bozeman is the Christmas Stroll, held annually in downtown Bozeman. This year, the 45th Annual Christmas Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

What to Expect:

  • A parade down Main Street featuring Santa Claus, carolers, and the lighting of downtown holiday decorations.
  • A Gingerbread House Contest — local bakers and families show off their creative entries and you can vote for your favorites.
  • Vendor booths: food trucks, nonprofit activity tents, and warming areas where you can sip hot cocoa and enjoy festive fun.
  • Santa photos: head to the Baxter Hotel for a classic holiday snapshot (button purchase required for access).

Support the Tradition:
The Stroll is free to attend, but purchasing the official Stroll button (around $4) helps fund the event. The buttons also enter you in prize drawings — in past years, prizes have included Bridger Bowl lift tickets, Downtown Dollars, and more.

3. Explore Local Art with the Winter Art Walk

If you love art, the Winter Art Walk is a can’t-miss. On Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, more than 30 downtown galleries and businesses open their doors for a festive evening.

  • Browse local art, meet the artists, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
  • Do some holiday shopping while immersing yourself in the creative heartbeat of Bozeman.

4. Belgrade Christmas Truck Convoy

One of Belgrade’s most charming holiday traditions, the Christmas Truck Convoy turns an ordinary winter evening into a cozy, small-town spectacle. Local drivers decorate their semis, dump trucks, and work rigs with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of holiday lights. The result is a glowing parade of color and cheer that winds through neighborhoods, spreading joy to families bundled up along the sidewalks.

  • This year the ‘Truck Village’ will take place on December 5th, if you’d rather view the trucks parked you can head to the Gallatin Speedway that night to check them out.
  • If you would rather see the trucks drive by while you sit back and relax you can view them the following night December 6th for the ‘Truck Convoy’.

Keep an eye out on their Facebook Page Montana Convoy Foundation for more info regarding times and routes.

5. Shop Local at Holiday Markets

Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market: Holiday Edition

  • Taking place at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on November 29, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
  • Over 80 vendors will offer handmade goods, homegrown foods, and locally crafted holiday gifts.
  • There’s a suggested $1 donation at the door to support the nonprofit that runs the market.

Bozeman Yule Festival & Christmas Market

  • Scheduled for December 21 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
  • Features Santa visits, cookie decorating, a makers market, and even a gingerbread house contest.
  • A great spot to find one-of-a-kind, handmade Montana gifts while soaking in holiday cheer.

6. Family-Friendly Entertainment

Gingerbread House Contest

  • A community favorite during the Stroll. You can view the entries and vote for your favorites.
  • Often hosted by the American Legion and displayed in downtown Bozeman in the days leading up to the Stroll.

The Nutcracker (Yellowstone Ballet Company)

  • Friday, November 29th – Saturday, November 30th @ Willson Auditorium: Talented local dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to life!

Broadway in Bozeman 

  • Tuesday, December 2nd @ Brick Breeden Fieldhouse: Each year features a new show, and this season presents ‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas,’ a spectacular performance blending iconic holiday tunes with dazzling multimedia effects and the unmistakable Mannheim sound.

A Christmas Carol

  • Select weekends in December @ The Ellen Theatre: Experience this beloved holiday classic on stage, complete with ghosts, redemption, and all the ‘Bah Humbug’ charm of Dickens’ original story.

The Nutcracker (Montana Ballet Company)

  • Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th @ Willson Auditorium: One of my personal favorites!

Bozeman Symphony Holiday Spectacular 

  • Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 14th: Sing along to timeless holiday tunes and join in the festive fun at this long-standing seasonal tradition.

7. Holiday Giving & Community Spirit

  • During the Stroll, nonprofit booths offer holiday-themed activities and raise awareness for their causes.
  • The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) hosts a booth at the Stroll where you can grab hot cocoa, meet community members, and support land conservation.
  • Looking to give back? Local Redditors often highlight donation and volunteering options around the holidays (for example, toy drives, gift programs, and more).
  • Hope & The Holidays is a local nonprofit that helps ensure children in Bozeman get holiday gifts.

8. Experience the Lights: Neighborhood Tours & Displays

No holiday guide is complete without a mention of Bozeman’s festive lighting displays:

  • One of the most talked-about spots is the “Bah Humbug” house, located near South 3rd Avenue. Many times, people even tune their car radios to a specific station to sync up with its light/audio show.
  • For a more community-driven experience, check out neighborhoods like Belgrade, where residents decorate homes and luminaries light up on Christmas Eve.
  • The Christmas Stroll also features beautifully decorated windows and storefronts, thanks to downtown businesses competing in the Stroll’s Window Decorating Contest.

Practical Tips & Insider Advice

  • Arrive early for the Christmas Stroll: parking downtown fills up fast. Locals recommend carpooling.
  • Bring cash, especially for vendor booths — some may not take cards, or lines may be faster with cash.
  • Dress warmly: evenings in Bozeman in December are cold, so layers, hats, and gloves are a must.
  • Buy your Stroll button early: not only does it support the event, but buttons also allow access to Santa photos and help you enter raffle drawings.
  • If you’re an artist, business, or nonprofit, there are participation opportunities: from designing the Stroll poster (there’s a contest) to applying for vendor booths or in-store holiday activities.

Why These Events Matter

The holiday season in Gallatin Valley isn’t just about festive lights or seasonal shopping — it’s a celebration of community. Events like the Christmas Stroll and local markets bring together families, local businesses, nonprofits, and artists in a shared moment of joy. They reinforce the bonds that make Bozeman and the surrounding valley feel like more than just a place to live — they make it a home.

If you’re planning your holiday calendar, mark these events down, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the warmth of the season under the Big Sky’s winter stars.

Happy holidays!

XOXO

Samantha Page

"Downtown Bozeman, Montana decorated with festive holiday lights and storefront decorations, capturing the spirit of Christmas in the Gallatin Valley."

November 20, 2025

November 20, 2025

/

If we were sitting down over coffee, I’d probably tell you how much I love this valley—and not just because it’s home.

I was born and raised here in the Gallatin Valley, and it’s shaped everything about who I am: my love for the outdoors, my appreciation for tight-knit communities, and my belief that home is truly where your roots are.

01 / Connection

02/ Honesty

03/ Patience

04/ Service

05/ Community

Things that matter to me:

Hey, I"m Samantha

Holiday Events in The Gallatin Valley: The Ultimate Local Guide

As the first snow settles in and everyone starts stringing up their holiday lights, the whole Gallatin Valley gets this cozy, small-town magic that’s hard to beat. Whether you’ve been here forever or you’re just getting to know the area, the holiday season is full of local markets, community events, and little moments that make this place feel like home. Here are some of my favorite things happening this winter.

1. Huffing for Stuffing — Thanksgiving Morning Run

When: November 27, 2025
Where: Starts near the Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman

  • This beloved community race is more than just a run — it’s a fundraiser for the HRDC Gallatin Valley Food Bank. You can participate in a 10K, 5K (timed or untimed), or a kids’ run.

2. Kick Off the Christmas Season with the ‘Christmas Stroll’

One of the most beloved traditions in Bozeman is the Christmas Stroll, held annually in downtown Bozeman. This year, the 45th Annual Christmas Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

What to Expect:

  • A parade down Main Street featuring Santa Claus, carolers, and the lighting of downtown holiday decorations.
  • A Gingerbread House Contest — local bakers and families show off their creative entries and you can vote for your favorites.
  • Vendor booths: food trucks, nonprofit activity tents, and warming areas where you can sip hot cocoa and enjoy festive fun.
  • Santa photos: head to the Baxter Hotel for a classic holiday snapshot (button purchase required for access).

Support the Tradition:
The Stroll is free to attend, but purchasing the official Stroll button (around $4) helps fund the event. The buttons also enter you in prize drawings — in past years, prizes have included Bridger Bowl lift tickets, Downtown Dollars, and more.

3. Explore Local Art with the Winter Art Walk

If you love art, the Winter Art Walk is a can’t-miss. On Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, more than 30 downtown galleries and businesses open their doors for a festive evening.

  • Browse local art, meet the artists, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
  • Do some holiday shopping while immersing yourself in the creative heartbeat of Bozeman.

4. Belgrade Christmas Truck Convoy

One of Belgrade’s most charming holiday traditions, the Christmas Truck Convoy turns an ordinary winter evening into a cozy, small-town spectacle. Local drivers decorate their semis, dump trucks, and work rigs with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of holiday lights. The result is a glowing parade of color and cheer that winds through neighborhoods, spreading joy to families bundled up along the sidewalks.

  • This year the ‘Truck Village’ will take place on December 5th, if you’d rather view the trucks parked you can head to the Gallatin Speedway that night to check them out.
  • If you would rather see the trucks drive by while you sit back and relax you can view them the following night December 6th for the ‘Truck Convoy’.

Keep an eye out on their Facebook Page Montana Convoy Foundation for more info regarding times and routes.

5. Shop Local at Holiday Markets

Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market: Holiday Edition

  • Taking place at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on November 29, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
  • Over 80 vendors will offer handmade goods, homegrown foods, and locally crafted holiday gifts.
  • There’s a suggested $1 donation at the door to support the nonprofit that runs the market.

Bozeman Yule Festival & Christmas Market

  • Scheduled for December 21 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
  • Features Santa visits, cookie decorating, a makers market, and even a gingerbread house contest.
  • A great spot to find one-of-a-kind, handmade Montana gifts while soaking in holiday cheer.

6. Family-Friendly Entertainment

Gingerbread House Contest

  • A community favorite during the Stroll. You can view the entries and vote for your favorites.
  • Often hosted by the American Legion and displayed in downtown Bozeman in the days leading up to the Stroll.

The Nutcracker (Yellowstone Ballet Company)

  • Friday, November 29th – Saturday, November 30th @ Willson Auditorium: Talented local dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to life!

Broadway in Bozeman 

  • Tuesday, December 2nd @ Brick Breeden Fieldhouse: Each year features a new show, and this season presents ‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas,’ a spectacular performance blending iconic holiday tunes with dazzling multimedia effects and the unmistakable Mannheim sound.

A Christmas Carol

  • Select weekends in December @ The Ellen Theatre: Experience this beloved holiday classic on stage, complete with ghosts, redemption, and all the ‘Bah Humbug’ charm of Dickens’ original story.

The Nutcracker (Montana Ballet Company)

  • Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th @ Willson Auditorium: One of my personal favorites!

Bozeman Symphony Holiday Spectacular 

  • Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 14th: Sing along to timeless holiday tunes and join in the festive fun at this long-standing seasonal tradition.

7. Holiday Giving & Community Spirit

  • During the Stroll, nonprofit booths offer holiday-themed activities and raise awareness for their causes.
  • The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) hosts a booth at the Stroll where you can grab hot cocoa, meet community members, and support land conservation.
  • Looking to give back? Local Redditors often highlight donation and volunteering options around the holidays (for example, toy drives, gift programs, and more).
  • Hope & The Holidays is a local nonprofit that helps ensure children in Bozeman get holiday gifts.

8. Experience the Lights: Neighborhood Tours & Displays

No holiday guide is complete without a mention of Bozeman’s festive lighting displays:

  • One of the most talked-about spots is the “Bah Humbug” house, located near South 3rd Avenue. Many times, people even tune their car radios to a specific station to sync up with its light/audio show.
  • For a more community-driven experience, check out neighborhoods like Belgrade, where residents decorate homes and luminaries light up on Christmas Eve.
  • The Christmas Stroll also features beautifully decorated windows and storefronts, thanks to downtown businesses competing in the Stroll’s Window Decorating Contest.

Practical Tips & Insider Advice

  • Arrive early for the Christmas Stroll: parking downtown fills up fast. Locals recommend carpooling.
  • Bring cash, especially for vendor booths — some may not take cards, or lines may be faster with cash.
  • Dress warmly: evenings in Bozeman in December are cold, so layers, hats, and gloves are a must.
  • Buy your Stroll button early: not only does it support the event, but buttons also allow access to Santa photos and help you enter raffle drawings.
  • If you’re an artist, business, or nonprofit, there are participation opportunities: from designing the Stroll poster (there’s a contest) to applying for vendor booths or in-store holiday activities.

Why These Events Matter

The holiday season in Gallatin Valley isn’t just about festive lights or seasonal shopping — it’s a celebration of community. Events like the Christmas Stroll and local markets bring together families, local businesses, nonprofits, and artists in a shared moment of joy. They reinforce the bonds that make Bozeman and the surrounding valley feel like more than just a place to live — they make it a home.

If you’re planning your holiday calendar, mark these events down, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the warmth of the season under the Big Sky’s winter stars.

Happy holidays!

XOXO

Samantha Page

"Downtown Bozeman, Montana decorated with festive holiday lights and storefront decorations, capturing the spirit of Christmas in the Gallatin Valley."
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