The holiday season is a magical time of year, and Montana is a wonderful place to experience the wonder of Christmas. From snow-covered mountains to cozy towns, Big Sky Country has a special charm during the winter months. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are 7 magical ways to experience Montana at Christmas:
Montana's winter landscapes are a true marvel, with snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. One of the best ways to experience the state's natural beauty during the holiday season is to take a scenic drive through the countryside. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, turn up the holiday tunes, and hit the road to take in the breathtaking views.
Experience a Classic Christmas in a Montana Town
Montana's small towns are a big part of its charm, and during the holiday season, they're even more special. Many towns, like Bigfork and Whitefish, go all out with festive decorations, holiday events, and cozy shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down Main Street, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Top Montana Towns to Visit at Christmas
- Bigfork: This charming town on the shores of Flathead Lake is a holiday wonderland, with decorated shops, restaurants, and a festive atmosphere.
- Whitefish: This mountain town is a winter sports enthusiast's paradise, with skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, as well as a cozy downtown area with shops and restaurants.
- Helena: Montana's capital city has a rich history and a festive atmosphere during the holiday season, with decorated buildings, holiday events, and a visit from Santa.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding at a Montana Resort
Montana is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, with resorts like Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, and Whitefish Mountain Resort offering world-class slopes and breathtaking views. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's something for everyone at Montana's ski resorts.
Top Montana Ski Resorts
- Big Sky Resort: Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Big Sky Resort offers over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and breathtaking views.
- Bridger Bowl: This local favorite near Bozeman offers steep terrain and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
- Whitefish Mountain Resort: Located in the picturesque town of Whitefish, this resort offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Take a Sleigh Ride Through the Montana Countryside
There's something magical about taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside, and Montana offers plenty of opportunities to do just that. Snuggle up under a blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy the peaceful scenery as you glide through the snow.
Top Places for a Sleigh Ride in Montana
- Big Sky: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- West Yellowstone: Located just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, this charming town offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered woods.
- Glacier National Park: Take a guided sleigh ride through the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Go Ice Skating at a Montana Rink
Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and Montana has plenty of outdoor and indoor rinks to choose from. Grab your skates, hold hands with loved ones, and enjoy the fresh air and exercise as you glide across the ice.
Top Ice Skating Rinks in Montana
- Big Sky Ice Rink: Located in the heart of Big Sky, this outdoor rink offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a fun, festive atmosphere.
- Whitefish Ice Rink: This outdoor rink in the charming town of Whitefish offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Glacier Ice Rink: Located in the scenic town of Kalispell, this indoor rink offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons.
Visit a Montana Christmas Tree Farm
There's something special about choosing your own Christmas tree from a local farm, and Montana has plenty of options to choose from. Take a stroll through the snow-covered rows, breathe in the fresh air, and find the perfect tree to take home.
Top Christmas Tree Farms in Montana
- Big Sky Christmas Tree Farm: Located in the heart of Big Sky, this farm offers a wide variety of trees, including Fraser fir, Douglas fir, and blue spruce.
- Whitefish Christmas Tree Farm: This farm in the scenic town of Whitefish offers a fun, festive atmosphere and a wide variety of trees to choose from.
- Helena Christmas Tree Farm: Located just outside the state capital, this farm offers a wide variety of trees, including Fraser fir, Douglas fir, and blue spruce.
Attend a Montana Holiday Event
Montana has a rich cultural scene, and during the holiday season, there are plenty of events to choose from. From parades and festivals to concerts and performances, there's something for everyone.
Top Holiday Events in Montana
- Big Sky Christmas Stroll: Take a stroll through the charming town of Big Sky, with decorated shops, restaurants, and a festive atmosphere.
- Whitefish Winter Carnival: This fun event in the scenic town of Whitefish features live music, ice sculpture contests, and a festive parade.
- Helena Christmas Parade: Located in the state capital, this festive parade features floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa.
We hope you've enjoyed these 7 magical ways to experience Montana at Christmas. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Big Sky Country has something special to offer during the holiday season. From scenic drives and skiing to sleigh rides and holiday events, there's something for everyone in Montana at Christmas.
Montana Christmas Image Gallery
What's your favorite way to experience Montana at Christmas? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share your own holiday photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #MontanaChristmas.