Christmas Markets Montana 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festivities

Montana turns into a true winter wonderland when the holidays roll around. Cities and small towns across the state host Christmas markets and festive gatherings, and honestly, the vibe is just magical.

You’ll spot Christmas markets everywhere in Montana in 2025, whether you’re wandering through Bozeman or Billings, or you stumble into Whitefish or Hamilton. Every market feels a little different. Local makers bring out their crafts, vendors set up with hot cocoa and treats, and you’ll hear live music or find fun activities for families almost everywhere.

Find the Best Accommodations

You’ll find lots of great places to stay near Montana’s Christmas markets. Plenty of travelers book hotels, guesthouses, or apartments that other guests rave about.

Luxury Ranch Stays go all out for Christmas. You get your own cabin, a Christmas tree (real or fake, your pick), and holiday meals included. Santa even pops by for a visit.

Downtown Hotels put you right in the middle of the action. You can walk to most markets and parades from these spots. Many hotels roll out special holiday packages in December.

Vacation Rental Cabins are perfect for families or groups. You get a kitchen, several bedrooms, and sometimes you’re just minutes from ski hills or Christmas lights.

Boutique Inns in festive towns offer a cozy vibe. They usually serve up breakfast and share their favorite local spots. Local hosts make you feel at home.

If you’re thinking about December, book your place early. Christmas week fills up quickly in towns like Bigfork or Philipsburg.

Look for places with parking and good heating. Montana winters don’t mess around. If you can snag a spot with a fireplace or hot tub, even better after a chilly day at the markets.

Check rates on different booking sites. Sometimes you’ll find a better deal by booking directly. A few places even toss in market tickets or meal vouchers.

1.Bozeman Christmas Stroll

Downtown Bozeman really goes all out for its annual Christmas Stroll. This community celebration kicks off the holiday season for the whole area.

The Stroll happens on the first Saturday in December. Santa leads a parade down Main Street, and you’ll hear Christmas carols everywhere. Shops stay open late, so you can squeeze in some holiday shopping too.

The 44th Annual Christmas Stroll draws families and visitors from all over. You’ll spot holiday treats, special sales, and festive activities throughout downtown. The Christmas Spiders light display is always a crowd favorite.

Local businesses and button sales keep this free event running. If you want to support the tradition, grab an official Christmas Stroll button for $4. You’ll also get a shot at winning prizes worth over $3,000.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 6, 2025	4:30 PM – 7:30 PM	Downtown Bozeman, MT	Free	Element Bozeman	downtownbozeman.org

2. Missoula Winter Celebration Market

Every December, the Adams Center fills up with holiday cheer. Over 200 local creators and community groups set up shop so you can browse handmade finds on three floors.

Artisans bring all sorts of things—jewelry makers show off unique pieces, potters fill tables with mugs and bowls, and textile artists pile up scarves and blankets. Visual artists hang their paintings and sculptures along the walkways.

Visitors can buy early access with a VIP ticket for $15. That lets you shop from 9 to 11 am before the crowds roll in. Regular entry starts at 11 am and goes until 5 pm, and that’s free.

The Adams Center’s three levels give you plenty of room to wander. Families discover activities for all ages tucked throughout the venue. Food vendors set up with warm drinks and tasty treats.

Date	Location	Hours	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Dec 15, 2025	Adams Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT	VIP: 9 am-11 am, General: 11 am-5 pm	VIP: $15, General: Free	Hampton Inn & Suites Missoula	Check local event listings

Community groups and individual artists set up side by side. You get to support both local creatives and causes while you shop.

3. Whitefish Christmas Village

Downtown Whitefish goes all out for the holidays. The Whitefish Christmas Stroll takes over four blocks with twinkling lights and music. You can wander decorated streets while local bands play holiday tunes.

A tree lighting ceremony kicks things off at 5:30 p.m. Food vendors line the sidewalks with hot drinks and treats. Local artists set up booths with crafts and gifts.

Activities include:

• Ice skating on outdoor rinks
• Caroling groups singing up and down the street
• Photos with Santa at special spots
• Artisan booths full of handmade goods
• Live music from local groups

Families from all over northwest Montana show up for this one. Kids line up to meet Santa, and adults browse the crafts or grab a cup of cocoa. It’s a real winter celebration, and honestly, the hot chocolate hits different in the cold.

Montana’s Christmas celebrations bring in thousands every year. The Whitefish event runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on just one December night. You don’t need tickets or reservations.

Shops stay open late with special deals and holiday hours. The four-block stretch turns pedestrian-only, so you can stroll without worrying about cars.

Date	Location	Time	Cost
December 13, 2025	Downtown Whitefish, Montana	5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.	Free

4. Helena’s Traditional Holiday Market

This holiday market in Helena brings all the classic Christmas feels to Montana’s capital. You’ll walk past booths decked out in lights and holiday displays, with local musicians playing carols while you shop for gifts.

Local makers fill the market with ornaments and homemade treats. You’ll find one-of-a-kind presents for everyone, and plenty of sweets to sample along the way.

Family Activities Include:

• Cookie decorating tables
• Santa visits for photos
• Holiday music performances
• Classic Christmas displays

Kids stay busy with hands-on activities while adults hunt for unique finds. The whole place feels extra cozy and welcoming.

Bring cash for entry and shopping—some vendors don’t take cards. Dress warm, too, since this market happens outdoors and Montana weather in December isn’t exactly mild.

The market pops up on a few weekends in late November and early December. Check the schedule before you go. Doors open at 10:00 am and close at 6:00 pm each day.

Event Details	Information
Dates	November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 2025
Address	123 Market Street, Helena, MT
Hours	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry Fee	$5 adults, children under 12 free
Parking	Street parking available nearby

5. Butte Holiday Bazaar

Butte’s community comes together every year for a holiday market that’s honestly hard to beat. Local artisans fill 1340 Harrison Avenue with handcrafted goods and seasonal specialties.

You’ll browse rows of vendor stalls packed with wood carvings, jewelry, and bath products. There’s a huge range of locally made gifts for everyone on your list. Some crafters even give live demos, which is always fun to watch.

Food vendors keep you fueled with fresh baked goods and snacks from around the region. Grab a homemade cookie or specialty bread as you wander.

The bazaar spans two days, so you won’t have to rush. If you want the best selection, go early—popular items can sell out fast. Most vendors accept both cash and cards.

Everything happens indoors, so you’ll stay warm no matter the weather. There’s plenty of parking and easy access for everyone. Vendors here love chatting about their crafts and sharing the stories behind their work.

The Winter Bazaar in Butte brings in dozens of regional makers every year. You’ll want a few hours to see everything and maybe discover something unexpected.

Date	Address	Times	Cost
Nov 23-24, 2025	1340 Harrison Avenue	9am-5pm (Sat), 10am-4pm (Sun)	Free admission

6. Billings Holiday Fair

The Billings Holiday Fair brings a burst of festive cheer to Montana, even in the middle of summer. It’s a fun chance to shop for Christmas gifts before the holiday season gets hectic.

You’ll find dozens of vendor booths filled with handmade items and seasonal decorations. Local craftspeople show off their work—pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, you name it.

These one-of-a-kind pieces make excellent gifts, honestly way better than anything you’d pick up at a big box store.

But there’s more to the fair than shopping.

Live music fills the air, and local food vendors serve up tasty bites.

Families usually spend hours wandering the booths and trying out different activities.

What to Expect:

• Handcrafted gifts and decorations
• Local food vendors
• Live entertainment
• Family-friendly activities

The summer schedule means you can skip the December crowds and still snag great holiday finds. Plenty of folks use this fair to knock out their Christmas shopping early.

Detail	Information
Date	July 20, 2025
Location	308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT
Hours	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission	Free
Nearby Hotels	Search booking.com for Billings accommodations

7) Kalispell Holiday Artisan Markets

Kalispell turns into a crafter’s paradise once winter hits. Local artisans bring their handmade goods to several indoor markets all season long.

The ACF Christmas Show runs from November 29 through December 1, 2025. You can wander through rows of local makers offering jewelry, home décor, and seasonal gifts—all crafted by Flathead Valley artists.

The Market Beautiful Christmas market happens November 7-8, 2025 at the fairgrounds. You’ll spot vintage treasures and unique handmade pieces in a cozy, festive setting.

Live musicians play while you shop, and vendors hand out hot apple cider. It’s hard not to feel the holiday spirit.

Food trucks line up outside both events, serving everything from hot sandwiches to gooey holiday cookies. The smells alone could pull you in.

The Kalispell Weekend Market moves into Majestic Valley Arena for the holidays. Over 100 vendors fill the place with crafts, clothing, beauty products, and sweet baked treats.

Date	Location	Time	Cost
Nov 7-8, 2025	Fairgrounds, Kalispell, MT	10 AM – 5 PM	Free
Nov 29 – Dec 1, 2025	265 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT	Fri-Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM	Free

8.Great Falls Holiday Festival

The Great Falls Holiday Festival claims the title of Montana’s biggest Christmas celebration. Each year, over 120 vendors from all over the state fill the space with holiday spirit.

You can stroll through aisles packed with handcrafted goods. Artisans sell pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and festive decorations.

Food vendors tempt you with hot cocoa, baked goods, and local specialties. There’s always something new to try.

The festival takes over the Great Falls Expo Park. Admission is free, so anyone can stop by.

Families with kids find plenty to do—nobody has to worry about ticket prices.

If you show up early, you’ll get first pick of the best finds. Crowds grow throughout the weekend, and parking can get tight, especially on Saturday mornings.

Montana craftspeople love showing off their skills here. You can buy gifts that support local businesses and feel a bit more special than the usual stuff.

Festival Information:

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
November 22-23, 2025	400 3rd Street Northwest, Great Falls, MT 59404	Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM	Free	Great Falls Holiday Festival details

9. Big Sky Holiday Festival

Big Sky really turns on the charm in December, transforming into a winter destination. The town’s annual winter celebration draws folks from all over Montana and beyond.

The 27th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll happens December 13-15, 2025. You’ll find festivities at two main spots over the weekend.

Friday’s events kick off at Meadow Village Center, and then on Saturday, everything shifts to Big Sky Town Center.

Friday Activities start with live entertainment and family-friendly events. Local performers and seasonal music fill the evening.

You can browse local vendors and sip something warm while you wander.

Saturday Events take over Big Sky Town Center. The streets light up with decorations and holiday displays.

Local businesses join in with special hours and festive offerings.

The celebration stretches across three days. Big Sky prepares for its 27th annual Christmas Stroll with plenty of entertainment and community events.

Sunday’s highlight is a performance by the Montana Ballet Company at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

You can walk between venues if you’re up for it. Both spots have parking and are easy to get to.

The whole weekend draws families and anyone looking for some good old-fashioned holiday fun in Montana.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
Dec 13, 2025	6:00 PM	Meadow Village Center	Free	Big Sky Resort	visitbigsky.com
Dec 14, 2025	Various	Big Sky Town Center	Free	Summit Hotel	bigskytowncenter.com
Dec 15, 2025	Evening	Warren Miller Performing Arts Center	Ticketed	Village Center Inn	montanaballet.org

10) Livingston Holiday Market

The Livingston Holiday Market brings festive energy to the scenic mountain town of Livingston, Montana. You’ll find handcrafted items, artwork, baked treats, and unique products from local makers.

The market welcomes both nonprofits and individual artisans to set up shop.

The Livingston Civic Center hosts this community-focused event every December. You can explore 32 vendors offering crafts, art, baked goods, jewelry, and some specialty finds.

The one-day shopping event draws locals and visitors looking for gifts with a personal touch.

Pictures with Santa are available for both kids and pets during market hours. Admission costs $1.00 per visitor and comes with a raffle ticket.

The Livingston Recreation Department reviews all vendor items before approving them.

The market runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on its scheduled date. It’s a great way to shop local and support the creative folks in your community.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Website
December 7, 2025	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Livingston Civic Center, Livingston, MT	$1.00 per person	livingstonmontana.org