Billings (MT) October 16, 2025 – Billings is brimming with holiday magic this season, offering unforgettable experiences with plenty of holiday cheer. From the glow of more than 10 million lights at ZooMontana’s nationally acclaimed Holiday Nights to the timeless elegance of The Nutcracker at Alberta Bair Theater, the city comes alive with festive traditions and fresh twists on beloved classics.
Holiday Nights, ZooMontana – November 28 – December 31
Named one of the top 10 zoo lights by USA Today, Holiday Nights is back and brighter than ever. ZooMontana transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland during Holiday Nights, one of Billings’ most dazzling seasonal traditions. With more than 10 million twinkling lights illuminating the grounds, visitors are invited to stroll through immersive displays that sparkle with festive magic. Families can enjoy cherished holiday moments with sleigh rides, cozy up around s’more tents, and capture the season with photo opportunities alongside Santa himself. Larger-than-life installations create enchanting backdrops for exploration, while the crisp winter air adds to the wonder of the experience. Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or reliving fond memories, Holiday Nights promises to fill every visit with warmth and holiday cheer.
Pentatonix Christmas in the City, MetraPark –November 12
Pentatonix brings their Christmas in the City Tour to Billings, promising an unforgettable evening of holiday magic. Known worldwide for their jaw-dropping vocal talent and inventive arrangements, the five-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group will fill the arena with soaring harmonies, dazzling stage production, and festive favorites that bring the spirit of the season to life. From timeless carols to contemporary holiday hits, the show blends heartwarming tradition with modern flair, making it a must-see experience for families, friends and music lovers ready to kick off the holiday season in style.
Holiday Food & Gift Festival, MetraPark – November 8 & 9
The Holiday Food and Gift Festival is the largest shopping event of the season in Billings. More than 200 vendors will be on-hand, selling everything from handmade goods to delicious holiday treats. Admission is $5 at the door, or $2 if you bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to local charity.
Christmas at the Moss, Moss Mansion – Beginning Mid-November
A Christmas Tree tour transforms every room of the historic Moss Mansion into a festive wonderland filled with beautifully themed trees. Local charities and businesses bring the season to life with their creative designs, and visitors are invited to vote for their favorites. Top trees earn cash prizes for their selected charities in both the Best of Theme and People’s Choice categories, making the experience both joyful and meaningful. Throughout the season, the home comes alive with holiday shows, tours, and parties filled with music, laughter, and delicious food. Both daytime and evening tours add extra sparkle to winter nights, as friendly docents and staff welcome guests who venture out to enjoy this truly magical holiday tradition.
Annual Holiday Parade, Downtown Billings – November 28
The Holiday Parade in Billings is pure magic, an annual tradition that kicks off the holiday season with dazzling energy and hometown pride on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Families bundle up and line the streets as more than 60 brilliantly lit and creatively decorated floats roll by, each one sparkling with holiday cheer. Music fills the air, kids’ eyes light up with wonder, and the community comes alive in a festive celebration that feels like the true start of the season. And of course, no parade would be complete without the grand finale: Santa himself waving from his sleigh, officially ushering in the holidays with a moment everyone waits for all year long.
The Nutcracker, Alberta Bair Theater – November 29 & 30
Step into a world of wonder as The Nutcracker returns to the Alberta Bair Theater, enchanting audiences with its timeless holiday magic. From the sparkling waltz of the Snowflakes to the grandeur of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance, this classic ballet captures the imagination with every pirouette and leap. Lavish costumes, breathtaking sets, and enchanting choreography transport you to Clara’s dreamlike adventure, where toy soldiers battle mischievous mice and magical lands come to life.
Festival of Trees, MetraPark –December 4-6
Each December, the Festival of Trees transforms MetraPark’s Montana Pavilion into a sparkling holiday showcase that brings the Billings community together. Hosted by the Family Tree Nurturing Center, the three-day event features elaborately decorated trees, wreaths and displays created by local businesses, schools and organizations. Visitors can wander through the festive forest during public viewing hours, shop holiday boutiques and enjoy live music and family activities. Special gala events and auctions give guests the chance to bid on their favorite trees, with proceeds supporting vital community programs.
Red Lodge Christmas Stroll, Red Lodge, MT – December 5 & 6
Red Lodge’s annual Christmas Stroll is what holiday wonder is made of. And if you haven’t experienced it, you’re missing one of the most magical traditions of the season. For two sparkling December nights, the downtown transforms into a winter celebration as shops stay open late, offering treats, warm drinks and holiday treasures. The festivities kick off with the crowd-favorite Blade Parade, where snowplows decked out in twinkling lights and festive décor steal the show in the most creative ways imaginable. From there, the streets fill with music, laughter, and the spirit of the season until shops close. Bring the kids, bundle up and check off your holiday shopping list while soaking up the small-town cheer.
A Seussified Christmas Carol, NOVA Center for the Performing Arts – December 4-14
Step into a topsy-turvy holiday world where Charles Dickens meets Dr. Seuss in this playful twist on the classic tale. A Seussified Christmas Carol transforms Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption into a rollicking romp told entirely in witty, rhymed couplets. Expect zany characters, silly names, and imaginative whimsy at every turn, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, brought to life with colorful costumes, clever staging, and plenty of laughs for audiences young and old. Perfect for families looking for something fresh and fun this holiday season, this production captures the heartwarming spirit of Dickens’ original while adding a dose of Dr. Seuss–style mischief and magic.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings, The Billings Depot – December 18
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings is a one-of-a-kind holiday concert that blends the glow of hundreds of candles with the beauty of live string music. Performed by talented musicians, familiar Christmas carols like Joy to the World, Silent Night and O Holy Night are reimagined on violins, cellos and more, creating a magical sound that fills the room with warmth and wonder. The candlelit setting adds to the enchantment, wrapping the audience in a cozy, festive atmosphere. It is an intimate and unforgettable way to celebrate the season, where the timeless charm of holiday music meets the elegance of a glowing, immersive concert experience.
A Christmas Carol, Alberta Bair Theater – December 20
Charles Dickens’ endearing tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption is getting a makeover this season with help from Narrator Dan Nickerson and the Billings Symphony. You’ll recognize many of the timeless, traditional selections including Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and Bizet’s rousing Farandole. The performance ends with an audience singalong of favorite carols and will leave you filled with warm holiday memories.
