Around Town: Events for 12/5-12/8
As the holiday season ramps up, there are SO many fun things for you and your children to enjoy. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites that are coming up in the next couple of days. Don’t miss the great shopping opportunities listed at the bottom.
A great way to celebrate the snowy weather, without braving the cold is with a stop by Moving Mountains Therapy Center on Thursday, December 5th for their FREE Winter Wonderland from 5:30-7:30pm. This fun, family event will have a photo booth, crafts, and games!
Looking for a little history with your holidays? The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is hosting their annual Holiday Lanterns Tour each evening the 6th-8th. This all ages walking tour is an interactive experience. Tickets ($10-15 for non-members) are limited, so reserve your spot now!
If you need a little kid free time on Friday, December 6th, The YMCA will have their monthly Parent’s Night Out from 6pm-10pm. Cost is $27 for the first child (or $21 w/ Y membership) and $15 for each additional child ($10 w/ Y membership).
You can’t miss out on the annual Parade of Lights. Honestly, we could do an entire post JUST about The Parade of Lights. With FREE activities for kids all day long on Saturday, December 7th (we stopped counting at 25 activities), there is literally something for everyone. There are activities available as early as 9:30am and they include crafts, performances, and more. The entire day culminates with the actual parade at 6pm down Higgins Ave and finishes with caroling, cocoa, and the lighting of the holiday tree near the XXXX’s.
Round out the weekend with a tour of the Festival of Trees (free and open multiple days and times) and make sure to book your reservations for Teddy Bear Tea ($5 per person), which is happening Sunday, December 8th & 15th. Best for ages 2-10, children can bring their favorite stuffed animal to enjoy music, stories, a craft and a visit from Mrs. Clause and Santa.
Ready to do some holiday shopping? There are three awesome events this weekend which support local artisans and businesses:
Thanks to Missoula Urban Indian Health Center, the Indigenous Art Market is happening Friday, December 6th from 5pm-7:30 at the Downtown Dance Collective. Stop by to browse and purchase all kinds of Indigenous art, including canvas paintings, beadwork, leatherwork, and more!
Friday AND Saturday (12/6 & 12/7), Little Red Truck’s European Christmas Market is back at the fairgrounds! A fun way to find both homemade and vintage items, even kids won’t mind joining. Friday night, Santa will be there from 6pm-8pm, and Saturday there is free face painting from 11am-1pm. Kids 12 and under are free to attend, Adult tickets are $8 for entry to both days, or $5 for Saturday only.
Sunday, December 8th, The 13th annual, Missoula Holiday MADE Fair will have over 200 local artists and makers covering three levels of the Adam’s Center. From 10am-11am, you can purchase a VIP pass for $10 to try to beat the rush (and support a local nonprofit), but free entry is available from 11am-6pm.