December 2025: Must-See Events & Traditions in Bozeman

Here’s a week-by-week look at the season so you can plan your stay or pick your nights out.

Early December: Lights, Music & the First Snowy Nights

December 2 – Christmas Spiders Installation & Lighting Prep | Main Street
Bozeman’s iconic “Christmas Spiders” — the web-like lights that stretch over Main Street — go up with help from the Bozeman Fire Department. Streets close in the morning while the crew hangs the lights, and it’s a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse (and a great time for photos before the crowds arrive).

• Time: 8 a.m.–Noon

• Cost: Free

December 2 – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
The Broadway in Bozeman series brings Mannheim Steamroller back for a high-energy, multimedia holiday show. Expect classic carols with their signature sound—big, polished, and family-friendly.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Tickets: ~$40–$100 (broadwayinbozeman.com)

December 3 – Lights on Montana Hall | MSU Campus
Montana State University kicks off its own holiday season with the annual lighting of Montana Hall. Carols, hot drinks, and the campus coming to life under twinkling lights make this a favorite for students and locals alike.

• Time: 6–8 p.m.

• Cost: Free

Through the Month: Theatre & Classic Stories

December 5–21 – A Christmas Carol | The Ellen Theatre
Dickens’ classic comes to life at the historic Ellen Theatre right on Main Street. Local actors, ghostly visits, and a heartwarming finale—this is Bozeman’s version of big-city holiday theatre, but cozier.

• Times: Evenings, schedule at theellen.org

• Tickets: ~$25–$49

December 6: The Night Downtown Bozeman Shines

45th Annual Christmas Stroll | Downtown Bozeman
If you choose one night to be downtown, make it this one. The Christmas Stroll is Bozeman’s signature holiday event.

• Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m.

• Where: Main Street, Downtown Bozeman

• Cost: Free (optional $4 Stroll button for prizes and support)

What to look for:

• Santa’s arrival and his parade down Main Street

• The official lighting of the Christmas Spiders overhead

• Carols by the Chief Joseph Middle School Choir

• Hayrides, food trucks, and festive drinks from local favorites like Bacchus Pub

• A gingerbread house contest at the American Legion

• Shop-local specials and late-night browsing

Over 6,000 people typically attend—it’s lively, joyful, and a true snapshot of Bozeman’s community spirit.

Also on December 6:

• Sleigh Rides at Gallatin River Lodge

• Time: 1–5 p.m.

• Cozy, horse-drawn rides through snowy fields, cocoa in hand, and plenty of photo moments.

• Cost: ~$50/person (reservations recommended)

• Cowboy Christmas Sale & Chili Feed | Gallatin Gateway

• Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (81770 Gallatin Rd.)

• Western-themed holiday market with handmade goods, live music, and a hearty chili feed.

• Cost: Free entry; pay for what you eat and buy

December 7: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa | Field & Stream Lodge Co.
Start your Sunday with waffles, cocoa, and some face time with Santa. Book a room for the night before and you may find tickets bundled with your stay.

• Time: 8–11 a.m.

• Cost: Approx. $25/adult, $15/child

Mid-December: Giving Back & Neighboring Town Cheer

December 12 – Hope & The Holidays Gift Distribution
This local initiative helps make Christmas brighter for kids in need. You can donate toys via Amazon or in-person, or volunteer to help with distribution. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to plug into Bozeman’s giving spirit.

• Time: Evening start; various locations

• Cost: Free (volunteer or donate)

December 13 – Belgrade Holiday Market | Belgrade High School
Just a short drive from Bozeman, Belgrade’s market showcases local makers who don’t have a storefront—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind ornaments, artwork, and treats.

• Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

• Cost: Free entry

December 12-14: A Big, Festive Soundtrack

Bozeman Symphony Holiday Spectacular | Willson Auditorium
The Bozeman Symphony brings out the holiday heavy-hitters: Sleigh Ride, the Hallelujah Chorus, and a full carol sing-along. Guest tenor Terrence Chin-Loy and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir round out a feel-good program that sells out fast.

• Friday, December 12, 2025 - 7:30 pm

•  Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm

•  Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 2:30 pm

• Tickets: ~$20–$60 (bozemansymphony.org)

December 19–20: Yule Festival & Christmas Market

Bozeman Yule Festival & Christmas Market
An indoor-outdoor mash-up of Santa visits, cookie decorating, local vendors, and a gingerbread house contest with a $250 prize on the line.

• Times:

• Friday: 5–8 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Location: Gallatin County Fairgrounds

• Cost: Approx. $10/adult, $5/child; gingerbread contest entry ~$20

Ongoing December Favorites

You don’t have to plan around a specific event to enjoy Bozeman at Christmas—some experiences are available all month long.

Downtown Lights & Shopping

• Main Street stays lit through New Year’s, with the Christmas Spiders overhead and window displays glowing each evening.

• Local favorites like Rocky Mountain Toy Company and Country Bookshelf are perfect for last-minute gifts.

• On Stroll night, downtown offers free parking in the garages; street parking is generally easy on non-event evenings.

Neighborhood Light Tours

Neighborhoods such as the Ferguson/Fowler area are known for impressive residential displays. Check visit-bozeman.com for a self-guided holiday lights map, load everyone into the car, and make an evening of it.

The Nutcracker

If you like to ease into the season, Yellowstone Ballet Company stages The Nutcracker at Willson Auditorium right after Thanksgiving (Nov 29–30).

• Tickets typically run $25–$50 and it’s a great tradition for families and ballet lovers alike.

Skiing, Santa & Torchlight Parades

December is also prime ski season:

• Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort often host Santa ski days and torchlight parades mid- to late-December.

• Big Sky’s Meadow Village usually kicks off holiday festivities around Dec 12 with on-snow fun, music, and après-ski options.

Rentals, lessons, and family-friendly terrain make it easy to combine a ski day with a festive evening back in town.

Arts, Exhibits & Local Collections

• Bozeman Art Museum often features winter and abstract exhibitions—December 2025 includes the New Frontiers show through Dec 13 (free entry).

• The Lewis & Clark Motel is home to a long-running nutcracker display, with more than a thousand nutcrackers gathered over decades—quirky, charming, and very on-theme for the holidays.

Community Drives & Food Collections

Beyond toy drives, look for efforts like “Pack the Patrol Car” food drives and other community campaigns. They’re a big part of why Bozeman’s holidays feel grounded, not just decorative.

Why Christmas in Bozeman Feels Different

Bozeman sits in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by mountains but filled with just enough city energy to keep things interesting. At Christmas, that mix really shines:

• Small-Town Heart, Big Experiences
  You can catch a professional-level symphony concert in the afternoon, then walk to a historic theater for A Christmas Carol, then step out into a Main Street lit up like a movie set.

• Ranch Roads & Truck Parades
  Just beyond town, places like Belgrade host events like lit truck parades along rural routes—a reminder that you’re still in the heart of Montana ranch country.

• Tradition That Evolves
  Bozeman keeps adding new touches—like eco-friendly LED lighting and nonprofit spotlights—without losing its long-running favorites like the Christmas Spiders, the Stroll, and community drives.

• A Sense of Belonging
  Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for a long weekend, it’s easy to feel welcomed into the rhythm of the season. Grab a cocoa, join the carols, volunteer for an evening—you’ll feel like part of the story faster than you expect.

Planning Your Trip

• Stay Near the Action:
  If you want to walk to the Stroll, theatre, and most downtown events, look at lodging near Main Street, such as historic buildings like The Baxter or other downtown hotels and vacation rentals.

• Book Ahead for Tickets:
  Events like A Christmas Carol, Mannheim Steamroller, The Nutcracker, and the Bozeman Symphony Holiday Spectacular typically sell quickly—reserve as soon as dates open.

• Stay Updated:
  Schedules can shift, especially for outdoor and ski-area activities. Check local calendars and social feeds like:

• @DowntownBozeman

• @VisitBozeman