Spending part of your Holiday Season in Missoula is a joy, and the month of December is jam-packed with festive things to do. In addition to enjoying our frosty, outdoor climate, the Garden City offers up holiday events to suit every whim. Here are a few holiday activities ideas to consider!

Holiday Shopping

All Saturdays in December – Winter Farmer’s Market: 10:00 am – 2 pm
Located in downtown Missoula, this outdoor public market features produce, meats, baked goods, coffee, fruit preserves, bath and body products, clothing, and arts and crafts by local vendors. Be sure to bundle up and enjoy the chill in the air as you shop and stroll.

December 14 – Holiday MADE Fair: 11:00 am – 6 pm
The MADE Fair held in the Adams Center on the UM campus features over 170 local and regional artists that make unique, hand-made products. The fair features a full day of shopping, art, community activities, local information, and even a visit from Santa for the kids from 2 pm – 5pm. You’ll find gifts here you won’t find anywhere else.

Seasonal Entertainment

Various Dates – Winter Wonderettes – Missoula Community Theatre

This entertaining musical features four gals trying to save the Christmas party at a hardware store when Santa turns up missing. This playful performance is family-friendly and is fun for everyone. For more information and show times, visit the MCT website.

December 12-14 – The Nutcracker Ballet: Various show times
This year features the 30^th annual production of The Nutcracker performed by The Garden City Ballet, Missoula’s ballet company. This magical performance of the holiday favorite features the talents of Missoula area dancers and actors as well as professional guest artists. All performances take place at the Montana Theatre on the University of Montana campus. For show times or to purchase tickets, visit GrizTix.

December 31 – First Night Missoula 2015: 12 noon – 12 midnight
First Night Missoula is a city-wide, alcohol-free celebration of the arts put on by the Missoula Cultural Council. This year’s event will showcase 80 performances and activities in more than 30 venues throughout downtown Missoula, the University of Montana campus, and Southgate Mall. Some sample events include the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre, and the Spotlight High School Talent Competition. Admission buttons to all events are $15 in advance and $18 the day of the event. Children 7 and under are free. Shuttle service is included with the price of admission. For more information or to find button purchase locations, click here.

Finally, although not holiday-specific, those who love sports might want to attend a Missoula Mauler’s hockey game located at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. We posted about the Mauler’s last month on our blog – learn more about this excellent and exciting young hockey team and find their complete home schedule included.

Enjoy the holidays in Missoula!