Where to see holiday lights in Montana this winter | The Montana Independent
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A lighted sign at ZooMontana in Billings, Dec. 6, 2023. (Screenshot from KTVQ News/YouTube)

Across Montana, communities are preparing for annual holiday lights displays and celebrations.

From a massive light display at ZooMontana in Billings to the annual tree-lighting ceremony and Christmas Strolls in Lewistown and Whitefish, there are opportunities for everyone to get into the holiday spirit.

Here are some of the highlights.

Bigfork

The annual Bigfork Holiday Parade of Lights will take place on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., starting at Grand and Electric avenues. Afterward, Santa will pose for pictures with guests at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts until 8 p.m. Organizers call it “a small, community minded parade” and a chance to support local businesses. https://bigfork.org/event/parade-of-lights-2/

Billings

The annual Billings Holiday Nights light display will be at ZooMontana from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, featuring more than 10 million lights and a 50-foot digital Christmas tree. The walk-through display will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults age 13 and up, $11 for kids ages 4 to 11, and free for anyone age 3 or under. Discounts are available for military personnel, older guests, and families. Parking is $5 per vehicle, $10 during surge times. On Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19, guests can drive through the ZooLights display during those same hours for $10 per car and $20 per bus, camper, or trailer. https://www.holiday-nights.com/

Bozeman

The 44th annual Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll will be between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Santa Claus will oversee caroling and the holiday display lighting on Main Street. The free event is supported by the sale of souvenir Christmas Stroll Buttons, available across Bozeman. https://downtownbozeman.org/event/christmas-stroll-2024 

Butte

On Dec. 6, the Uptown Butte Christmas Stroll will take place between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and will feature the annual Children’s Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. https://mainstreetmontana.com/index.php?view=article&id=922&catid=8

Columbia Falls

This year, the Columbia Falls Lions Club will host the annual Columbia Falls Night of Lights Parade, stepping off at 522 9th St. West at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. https://glaciermt.com/montana-event/39350 

Lewistown

The annual Lewistown Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 6. The Main Street stroll will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the parade on Main Street at 5:30 p.m. https://lewistownchamber.com/chamber-events/christmas-stroll 

The Bright Country Nights Holiday Light Show, an annual drive-through event, will take place at the Central Montana Fairgrounds on Dec. 6 (6-8 p.m), Dec. 7 (6-9 p.m.), and Dec 8 (6-9 p.m.). Donations accepted. https://www.facebook.com/brightcountrynightsmt/

Missoula

The Holidays on Higgins celebration in downtown Missoula will be on Dec. 7. The free event will include photos with Santa at the Missoula Public Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a kickoff with stationary floats, vendors, and burn barrels on Higgins, and a 6 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony. https://www.missouladowntown.com/holidays-on-higgins/ 

Polson

The Parade of Lights in downtown Polson will be Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The event will include parade floats, food vendors, and an appearance by Santa. https://www.polsonchamber.com/holiday/ 

Whitefish

Whitefish will host its annual Christmas Stroll downtown on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. The celebration features caroling, photos with Santa, vendors, and a tree-lighting ceremony and will be around 115 Central Ave. https://www.facebook.com/events/1151127079358161/

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