As Missoula moves into the holiday season, the tangible excitement seems to grow with every passing day. Thanksgiving is a fleeting memory as the Christmas celebrations ramp up – and with turn of the new year is just around the corner - Zootown truly starts to buzz with yuletide happenings. This year, we encourage you to give back while you gift! Shopping locally enriches our community – one of the very things that makes Missoula so quintessentially itself. There are markets, pop-ups, and holiday deals and steals offered at the brick-and-mortar favorites we all know and love.
The Missoula Makers Collective starts things off with an appearance at Holidays on Higgins, the market will be nestled in the heart of the festivities, just down the block from the tree lighting (pro tip: Santa will be at the Missoula Public Library from 11am-3pm, but he’ll be back @ the downtown X’s by 6pm!). The Missoula Made Fair is an annual occurrence that Missoulians and visitors eagerly await all year long. The University of Montana welcomes over 200 statewide artisans and nonprofits, all three floors of the Adams Center are open to the public to peruse the impressive array of booths, interact with the makers, and find the perfect gift(s) for everyone on your list. While the event is free to the public from 11am-5pm, you can beat the crowds with a VIP pass from 9-11 am.
While we love our holiday shindigs, let’s not forget the businesses that serve us all year long! Every corner of Missoula is home to local shops and treasures that are just waiting to be checked off your list. Check out some of our favorites here – or do some exploring on your own! Make a day of it and by the time you’re all wrapped up (pun intended), the Christmas light displays will be merry and bright (literally!). There are a few top secret spots that are known for their incredible illuminations that would pair perfectly with finishing all your holiday purchases - and perhaps a cup of hot chocolate or two.
Stay in the loop with our events page, see what’s on the docket all month long! From the last-minute shoppers to those who had their list checked off by Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered with the holiday happenings. Happy Holidays Missoulians, visitors and locals, cheers to another year!
