Christmas Stroll & Holiday Parade
Downtown Billings kicks off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Stroll on Nov. 27. Santa arrives at the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) office, located at 2815 2nd Ave. N., for photos. All kids—and those who are kids at heart—are welcome to share their wish list and pose for a photo (your camera or ours for $5 donation).
A trio in costume perform as they march during the 2014 Holiday Parade. This year's parade in downtown Billings is set for Nov. 27.
From 6 to 9 p.m. downtown merchants open their doors and welcome strollers with merchandise specials and good cheer. Be sure to plan a “meet up” with friends to enjoy the holiday decorations, food, fun and wine tree raffle.
The atmosphere turns up a notch at 7 p.m. as the annual Christmas Parade begins on the corner of 3rd Ave. N. and N. 27th St. The parade turns south on 32nd (just outside Q2-TV studios) for one block, then swinging back east along 2nd Ave. N., wrapping up at the federal courthouse.
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As is tradition, announcements and Community Seven TV will broadcast live under Skypoint. With approximately 100 entries, the festive floats, holiday music and sparkling lights at night make this parade a fun event for all. This year’s theme, “A Gingerbread Christmas” is sure to produce creative entries with the arrival of Santa as the grand finale. Arrive early for best viewing, bring cocoa—or purchase a warm beverage from downtown merchants—dress warm and plan to make an evening of it in downtown Billings.
Nov. 27, Santa arrives, 3:30 p.m.; Stroll, 6 to 9 p.m.; Parade, 7 p.m.
Downtown Billings
ArtWalk
Celebrate the season with the Holiday ArtWalk in downtown Billings. Nearly 30 galleries and other merchants will open their doors for visitors to “meet and greet” with owners, artists, entertainers and long-lost friends alike. Many offer refreshments and snacks along with art demonstrations. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that “something special” for your “special someone” while supporting the vibrant Billings arts community.
Downtown parking is free, as is ArtWalk itself. See artwalkbillings.com or find ArtWalk Billings on Facebook for a map, complete list of participating businesses and bus stops.
If you miss the Holiday ArtWalk, or are an “ArtWalk aficionado,” mark the February ArtWalk on your calendar now. It’s a great way to kick off a new year.
Dec. 4, 5 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 5, 5 to 9 .m.
Downtown Billings
Christmas at the Moss
It stands as a cornerstone of downtown Billings—and dressed up for the holidays, the crisp lights on the majestic façade are eye-popping. A visit to the Moss Mansion and Historic House should be on everyone’s Christmas list.
Learn about turn-of-the-century life as the Preston Boyd Moss family lived it with an added bonus. Local non-profits decorate 17 trees with a “Deck the Halls through the Decades” theme and visitors cast their votes for favorite “People’s Choice” and “Best Theme Interpretation.” You will be astonished with the creativity and splendor.
Nov. 11 – Jan. 10: Tuesday – Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Moss Mansion
Candlelight Tours of Moss Mansion
The elaborately decorated Christmas trees sparkle at night during Candlelight Tours. Enjoy a traditional tour of the mansion and learn how the Moss family celebrated the holidays. Live music, libations and dessert are included. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 for a couple; reservations recommended.
Dec. 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 6 to 9 p.m.
Moss Mansion
Billings Symphony & Chorale’s Nutcracker Ballet
The dance is as timeless as the music. Attend the Nutcracker Ballet and steep yourself in classical holiday magic. From pint-sized sugarplum fairies to a “Clara” you may recognize, the dance, dress and music will both entertain and entrance. More than 25 local dancers and the prestigious Billings Symphony Orchestra team up with the San Diego Ballet to bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale to life. This is a true multi-generational event.
Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.
Alberta Bair Theater
Holiday Tours
For those who prefer the warmth of a cozy vehicle, viewing the holiday lights may become a favored tradition. Several Billings transportation businesses offer a variety of fun ways to view area Christmas lights from the nostalgic to the unique. Call A-Limo at 406-252-2536 to schedule a customized tour for 1-14 of your closest friends, and bring the hot cocoa. These drivers know all the best spots. Advance reservations recommended.
Or, consider a nostalgic tour of Billings with a Christmas light trolley tour with cider or hot chocolate and cookies from Montana Fun Adventures. Tours start at 5:30, 7:15 or 9 p.m. the month of December. For variety, try one of their Wacky Light tours. Mrs. Santa will drive you in a warm touring bus with large viewing windows that seat up to 13 people. Pack up the kids, warm up the cider and travel to decorated theme neighborhoods. Call 406-254-7180 or visit montanafunadventures.com for details or reservations.
Total Transportation brings various means of all-ground transportation tours for your group—from only one or two to a large group of 25. Take a horse-drawn carriage, an old-fashioned hay ride, stretch limo, bus tour or load your group into the trolley for a light tour. Tours available Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Call (406) 252-1778 to book a ride; advanced reservations are recommended.
