By DONNA HULL
Do you enjoy holiday celebrations as much as I do? A little snow, some sparkly Christmas lights and maybe a cup of hot chocolate to keep me warm and I’m ready to celebrate! This will be my first holiday season in Montana so I’ve been checking out all of the small town celebrations that Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley have to offer. Which ones should I choose?
Hamilton invites you to the Downtown Christmas Stroll
- November 23, 2012
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Lighting of the tree ceremony 6:00 p.m.
Hamilton starts the holiday season off with the lighting of the town Christmas tree next to the U.S. Post Office on Main Street. Stroll the sidewalks for an evening of window-shopping while carolers in Victorian period dress serenade you. Need to warm those cold hands? Burning barrels will be located around town for just that purpose.
Missoula hosts the 2012 Parade of Lights
- December 1, 2012
- 6 pm
The 10th Annual Parade of Lights is an all-day family event in Missoula. Check out the children’s activities and projects. After Santa arrives at the Florence Building, the Parade of Lights winds it’s way along North Higgins Avenue for the lighting of Missoula’s Christmas tree.
Stevensville celebrates a Montana Country Christmas
- December 7 and 8, 2012
- Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Does a hayride and caroling say Montana Country Christmas to you? Head on over to Stevensville for holiday festivities flavored with country charm. Enjoy the festive lights that decorate Main Street before staking out your spot for the Parade of Lights. Local businesses will host open houses. There might even be refreshments involved.
Don’t miss any of the holiday fun. To keep up with events check the home page at Make It Missoula. Do you have a favorite holiday event? Tell me about it in the comments. I just might see you there!
See all of Donna Hull’s blogs.
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Donna L. Hull writes about active travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. She is also the author of My Itchy Travel Feet, Breathtaking Adventure Vacation Ideas, available at Amazon Kindle, Nook and iTunes.