Holiday Fun

Family activities around the Bozone this winter.

After a hectic summer and fall, it’s time to relax and spend time with family before the ski season really picks up. Here’s a selection of events and activities in the Gallatin Valley to enjoy with family and friends of all ages.

Santa Run for Education 5k
The Santa Run for Education once again kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, December 2 at 9am. Benefiting the Bozeman Schools Foundation, this annual road race is a community-oriented event. There are cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers, and medals for top finishers in each age group. But more importantly, three Bozeman schools will win $1,000 each, and two school-affiliated clubs or teams will each be awarded $500 based on participation. Wear a costume to take the holiday spirit up a notch. Then, after the race, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while mingling with other folks.

12 Days of Bikemas
A Bozeman classic, 12 Days of Bikemas is a great way to get in the holiday spirit and support sustainability at the same time. All you have to do is bike (or walk) downtown between December 13 and December 24. Then log your trips on the Bikemas dashboard to be eligible for daily prizes from downtown business sponsors. It’s that easy—run your holiday errands on foot or bike, then win prizes. If there’s a town that loves to both get moving and support local businesses, it’s Bozeman.

Festival of Lights
Belgrade really knows how to do the holidays right. Events going on throughout the season include a Holiday Market, Jingle Jog 5K, and Ugly Christmas Outfit contest where you can win cash prizes, all on December 9. There's also a month-long light park, where each evening you can enjoy a wonderland of sparkling lights, a giant lit-up ornament, light tunnels, and more. And, on December 14 at 6pm at the light park, honor the memory of loved ones during a special ceremony filled with song and light.

Christmas Convoy & Truck Village
Fill a thermos with hot chocolate and watch over 100 dumptrucks, semi-trucks, garbage trucks, logging trucks, and more parade through Belgrade on December 9. They’ll light up the town on a 7-mile loop, bringing lights and Christmas joy to the community. Come early with friends and family for a front-row seat along the route, or take a look at the map to plan an exciting day.

Bozeman Christmas Stroll
On December 2, take a stroll downtown between 4:30 and 7:30 pm to join the Downtown Bozeman Association for their 43rd Annual Christmas Stroll. There will be lots of participating businesses, sponsors, vendors and other local organizations all there to join in on the holiday spirit.