Tis the season for all things "holiday," and no place does it better than Missoula, Montana. Downtown becomes a winter wonderland of twinkle lights and garland, while the snowy landscape and stunning mountains create the perfect festive atmosphere. At the heart of Missoula's holiday celebrations is Holidays on Higgins, formerly the Parade of Lights. This annual event held in December is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season, spend quality time with friends and family, and start your holiday shopping, all while enjoying the vibrancy of downtown Missoula. Holidays on Higgins will be held on Saturday December 7, 2024 this year.
Pictures with Santa: Enjoy free pictures with Santa from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Missoula Public library. Please be in line by 2:15pm at the latest, and be sure to bring your camera!
A Christmas Story Musical: From 2pm-4pm, enjoy the Christmas classic, A Christmas Story, live on stage at MCT featuring festive cookies for all.
Missoula Makers Collective Market: Starting at 4pm, browse booths featuring 30+ makers and creators-- the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Holiday Stroll: From 4pm-7pm, take a stroll down Higgins and take in the stationary festive floats stretching from Broadway to the XXXXs.
Tree Lighting: The holiday season officially begins at 6pm when Santa lights the tree in downtown Missoula!
The Holidays on Higgins calendar is expansive, featuring many events for children to enjoy throughout the day.
10am-9pm: Face painting, festive coloring, and cocao bar @ Scared Ally
11am-3pm: Letters to Santa @ Noteworthy Paper & Press
11am-3pm: Kid's ornament making @ Cranky Sam's Public House
11am-5pm: Painting Santa's cookie plate or ornaments @ ZACC (Zootown Arts Community Center)
12pm-5pm: BOGO Carousel rides @ A Carousel for Missoula
12pm-4pm: Free holiday classics and hot cocoa @ The Roxy
12pm-close: Annual Snowflake Challenge ($2 to benefit Watson’s Children’s Center) @ Draught Works Brewing
1pm-3pm: Free cookie decorating @ Mary's Mountain Cookies
1pm-4pm: Cookie Decorating @ Bernice's Bakery
In addition to the many festive events and activities, downtown Missoula is home to a plethora of eateries, bars and breweries, and shops and boutiques to enjoy. Many local establishments host special events for adults during Holidays on Higgins as well. Be sure to enjoy a seasonal cocktail at Montgomery Distillery or a winter ale at Dram Shop, or grab a season hot beverage at one of Missoula's many coffee and tea shops.
11am-5pm: Christmas Open House @ Montana Antique Mall
11am-3pm: Beaded Snowflake Craft @ Bathing Beauties Beads
12pm-4pm: Origami peace crane ornaments and hot chocolate @ Jeanette Rankin Peace Center
12pm-4pm: Blend and label your own tea @ Lake Missoula Tea Company
3pm-7pm: Pine cone crafts, cocoa bar, and Queer Makers Market @ Western Cider
