While bears hibernate in winter, Montana residents soak up every season. Even in winter there is no shortage of things to do, including downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing or rekindling memories of childhood winters by sledding on a local hill. The cold and snow also doesn’t stop Montanans from gathering and celebrating the season. A series of annual winter events should be part of your vacation plans.
November – December
Find gifts, wreaths, garlands and more at the Snowline Christmas Market; November 21-December 13, 2025.
Kick off the winter holiday season with Holidays at the Conrad Mansion, with events taking place all month long.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Craft Brewers Cup Hockey at Woodland Ice Center in downtown Kalispell; December 5-7, 2025.
The Brash Winter Rodeo Series is held at the Majestic Valley Arena; November -March.
See live performances at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Glacier Symphony: Handel’s Messiah, Glacier Symphony: The Nutcracker with San Diego Ballet.
January
Kick off the new year at the Flathead Lake Polar Plunge in Bigfork; January 1, 2026.
Montana vs. Washington State Winter Classic; January 17, 2026.
Dirty Dancing in Concert; January 23, 2026.
Frosty the Brewfest; January 24, 2026.
January shows at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center: Dirty Dancing in Concert and Glacier Symphony: West Side Story with Alpine Theater Project.
February
Watch the Bar Stool Ski Races during Cabin Fever Days in Martin City; February 14, 2026.
February performances at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center: Stella Cole, International Guitar Night and The Jungle Book: A Family Musical.
