The holiday season is upon us, and Great Falls is alive with festive cheer! From the 38th Annual Holiday Happenings Craft Show to the dazzling Parade of Lights and the magical New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning family outings, holiday shopping, or memorable nights out, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you make the most of the season.
Mark Your Calendars with the Edit’s Top Picks:
(See the Full Calendar of Holiday Happenings below)
38th Annual Holiday Happenings Craft Show
Over 140 vendors and artists will be set up for the largest craft show of the year. It features handmade and vintage goods.
🗓️ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
📍Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena
2024 Burn the Bird
Join Race Montana for a fun run! The first 400 Participants receive a groovy pair of specially designed ‘Burn the Bird’ socks! Events start at 8 a.m. with the 10k kicking off first, followed closely by the 5k and then the 1.3 mile walk around Gibson Park.
🗓️ 8-11 a.m, Thursday, Nov. 28
📍Gibson Park
30th Annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Great Falls
Head downtown to light up the holiday season (and the Downtown Christmas Tree🎄) at the 30th Annual Parade of Lights. This year's theme is "Holiday Luau," so put on your leis and decorate those palm trees!
🗓️ 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30
📍Downtown Great Falls
Museum Store Sunday Shopping Event
Join a special shopping event at the C.M. Russell Museum Store.. Enjoy music, snacks and holiday cheer while mingling with local artisans. It is the perfect way to shop for holiday gifts, at the same time supporting your local museum. Surprise discounts will be offered in store, online and in the custom print shop. Museum Shop Sunday is an international event with over 2,100 museums participating.
🗓️ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
📍The C.M. Russell Museum
Art of Christmas Open House & Artist Market
More than 30 artist vendors will sell artwork including pottery, jewelry, fiber-art, sculpture, woodburning and more. Don’t miss guided gallery tours, photo opps with Santa, face painting, holiday crafts and more.
🗓️ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
📍Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
41st Annual Downtown Great Falls Christmas Stroll
Celebrate the holiday season at the 41st Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Great Falls. Enjoy activities for the whole family, delicious food vendors, meet Santa, and much more!
🗓️ 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
📍Downtown Great Falls along Central Ave
Rock for Santa
Support Toys for Tots! with live music, raffle baskets, and charity fun!
🗓️ 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
📍The Do Bar
Christmas with the Great Falls Symphony & Symphonic Choir
Relive Grant Harville’s first GFSA concert conducting the Great Falls Symphony. The performance will feature Tchaikovsky’s dazzling suite from The Nutcracker, along with traditional Christmas carols, a singalong, and a surprise guest conductor. Santa will be there too!
🗓️ 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
📍Mansfield Theater
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
The Torchlight Parade starts when the sun sets and the fireworks show quickly follows as the finale. It is free to watch from the base area & the bar and kitchen will stay open later than usual.
🗓️ 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 (or as soon as it’s dark)
📍 Showdown Montana