Missoula is alive with winter celebrations, reflective gatherings, festive markets, volunteer opportunities, and family friendly traditions. Whether you want to honor loved ones, give back to neighbors, step into a historic holiday evening, or enjoy joyful outings with children, this week offers something meaningful every day.
Tuesday, December 9
The 38th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony
5:30 PM
Missoula Children’s Theatre
Location: 200 N Adams St, Missoula
Event Info: http://www.mctinc.org
A beloved Missoula tradition for nearly four decades, the Tree of Life brings neighbors together to honor those they have lost. Each light on the tree represents a loved one whose memory continues to illuminate the season. The gathering begins with live harp music and refreshments, followed by a moving Ceremony of Life featuring music from the Chevaliers. A candlelight moment of silence leads into the illumination of the tree. Guests are welcomed afterward for fellowship and the chance to create or pick up a handcrafted memorial ornament.
Tamarack Grief Resource Center Holiday Workshop
5:30–7:00 PM
Location: 405 S 1st St W, Missoula
Event Info: https://www.tamarackgrc.org/
The holidays can stir emotions of joy and sorrow at the same time. This supportive workshop offers a warm, judgment free space to explore grief, reflect on what matters most, and discover gentle ways to find comfort throughout the holiday season. Drop ins welcome, no registration required.
DIY Sustainable Gift Making: Crafting for Climate
6:00 PM
Missoula Public Library MakerSpace
Location: 455 E Main St, Missoula
Event Info: https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/
Create handmade, eco friendly holiday gifts while enjoying snacks, conversation, and community. Climate Smart Missoula will share ideas for meaningful climate conversations and sustainable gifting traditions. All skill levels welcome.
Holiday Toy Drive
December 9–20
This Old Frat House
Location: 1221 Arthur Ave, Missoula
Event Info: https://thisoldfrathouse.com/
With Toys for Tots not operating in Missoula this season, this grassroots community drive ensures no child goes without a gift. Donations of toys, clothing, games, books, and essentials will stock the free Magic Season of Sharing Pop Up Store opening on December 21. The effort also encourages sustainability by reducing landfill waste and giving gently used items a second life.
Wednesday, December 10
Scoops & Brews for Keep Missoula Housed
4:00–7:00 PM
The Trough
Location: 2106 Clements Road, Missoula
Event Info: https://thetroughmissoula.net/
Enjoy ice cream, beer, or wine while supporting emergency housing assistance for families experiencing crisis. One dollar from every purchase goes directly to Keep Missoula Housed, a nonprofit working to prevent homelessness and stabilize households across Missoula.
Downtown Missoula Holiday Party
5:00–7:00 PM
The Historic Florence
Location: 111 N Higgins Ave, Missoula
A festive evening hosted by the Missoula Downtown Association, The Historic Florence, and TDS Fiber. The celebration features live jazz, beverages, and Silk Road appetizers. It is a warm, lively gathering for members and guests to connect and celebrate the season in one of downtown’s most iconic venues.
Thursday, December 12
Ugly Sweater Skate
6:00 PM
Glacier Ice Rink
Location: 1101 South Ave W, Missoula
Register: Ugly Sweater Skate
Pull out your most wonderfully terrible sweater and hit the ice. This community favorite includes a free small cocoa for participants and a prize for the winning sweater. Sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union.
Holiday Lantern Tours (Opening Night)
First Tour: 6:00 PM
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Location: 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula
One of Missoula’s most enchanting traditions returns with living history vignettes across five historic buildings. Guests travel through decades of Montana holiday celebrations, meeting costumed reenactors who share stories of the season. Tours last 60 to 90 minutes and end with cookies and cocoa.
Tours offered: 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 12
Annie at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Multiple Showtimes Dec 4–21
Location: 200 N Adams St, Missoula
Tickets: Reserve Here
This heartwarming musical follows Annie from a New York orphanage to the FDR White House, filling the theater with joy, humor, and unforgettable songs. A perfect holiday outing for families and musical lovers.
Saturday, December 13
Santa’s Wonderland at the Very Merry Market
9:00 AM
Stevensville Elementary School
Location: 300 Park Ave, Stevensville
A festive market overflowing with holiday cheer. Children and adults can visit Santa, create crafts, shop local artisan stalls, sip cocoa, watch classic Christmas movies, and write letters to the North Pole.
Enchanted Christmas Village
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
9 Mile School House
Location: 18815 Remount Road, Huson
Step into a nostalgic Christmas village full of hands on fun. The day includes train rides, pony rides, caroling, face painting, fireside storytelling, wreaths, cookie kits, local food, cocoa, and photos with Santa. A charming escape from holiday crowds.
Free Downtown Carriage Rides
12:00–3:00 PM
Pickup: East Pine St near the Missoula Art Museum Park
Info: https://www.missouladowntown.com/holidays-downtown-2025/
Climb aboard a horse drawn carriage and enjoy a festive ride through decorated downtown Missoula. Rides are free and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Pony Rides & Santa Claus at Caras Nursery
12:00–4:00 PM
Caras Nursery
Location: 2727 S 3rd St W, Missoula
Event Info: https://www.carasnursery.com/events/pony-rides-mrmrs-santa-clause
A cozy family afternoon featuring s’mores, pony rides, story time with Mrs. Claus, holiday shopping, and Santa visits.
Cookie Decorating and Crafts with a Special Guest
2:00 PM
Missoula Public Library
Location: 455 E Main St, Missoula
Event Info: https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/
A twenty year tradition at the library, this event invites families to decorate cookies, make festive crafts, and enjoy a visit from Santa during his mid month break.
Festive Feast
6:00 PM
9 Mile School House
Location: 18815 Remount Road, Huson
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festive-feast-2025-tickets-1974262144219
A beautifully prepared dinner featuring holiday dishes, wine pairings, entertainment, and the cozy charm of a historic schoolhouse. Proceeds support Special Olympics of Missoula.
Bayern’s Second Christmas Tree Lighting
5:00 PM
Bayern Brewery
Location: 1507 Montana St, Missoula
Event Info: https://www.bayernbrewery.com/
Experience a candlelit tree lighting inspired by traditional 16th century European celebrations. A warm community evening filled with light and friendship.
Holiday Lantern Tours (Saturday)
Tours at 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Location: 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula
Continue your journey through Montana’s holiday past. This interactive experience brings history to life through character encounters, candlelit pathways, and immersive storytelling.
Sunday, December 14
Missoula Holiday MADE Fair
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Adams Center, University of Montana
Location: 32 Campus Drive, Missoula
Tickets: https://griztix.evenue.net/events/MF
Shop three levels of artists and makers offering handmade gifts, decor, clothing, art, and more. VIP early entry is available, and general admission begins at 11 AM. Guests are encouraged to donate a non perishable food item for the Missoula Food Bank.
Breakfast with Santa and the Carousel Ponies
9:00–10:30 AM
A Carousel for Missoula
Location: 101 Carousel Dr, Missoula
Info: http://carouselformissoula.com
Enjoy Carousel rides, a light breakfast, and special time with Santa. Children age four and under attend free.
Hope in Motion: A Holiday Climate Gathering
5:00–8:00 PM
Free Cycles
Location: 732 S 1st St W, Missoula
Event Info: https://livableclimate.nationbuilder.com/end_of_year_celebration
Celebrate community and climate action with Families for a Livable Climate. Enjoy a potluck meal, cozy bonfire, singing, dancing, and hands on crafts. All are welcome.
Holiday Lantern Tours (Final Night)
6:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Location: 3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula
Last chance to experience this magical living history program. Step into Montana’s winter traditions, meet historical characters, and end the evening with cookies and cocoa.
A Week Filled with Community, Celebration, and Connection
From heartfelt remembrance to joyous winter adventures, Missoula offers countless ways to connect this week. Whether you are strolling through a holiday village, supporting local nonprofits, or creating new traditions with friends and family, this season promises warmth and wonder.
