Get ready for a festive adventure in Helena with our detailed guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide reveals the holiday wonders of Helena.
One of the highlights of the season is the cherished Christmas in the Cathedral, where the stunning architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for festive music and seasonal celebrations. The Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker enchants audiences with its graceful performances and beloved story, creating a magical experience for families. And don't forget about the Helena Civic Center Holiday Markets, where local artisans showcase their crafts and holiday treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Helena
- Christmas in the Cathedral
- Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Helena Civic Center Holiday Markets
- Intermountain Festival of Trees
- Annual Festival of Wines - Coats for Kids Benefit Event
- Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll (Anaconda)
- Gaelic Storm at the Mother Lode Theatre (Butte)
- Dillon's Parade of Lights and Christmas Stroll (Dillon)
- Rob Quist and Great Northern featuring Halladay Quist Special Holiday Concert (Butte)
- Tim Montana at the Mother Lode Theatre (Butte)
See these and even more events listed below!
Helena Holiday Light Displays
Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light parade and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Anaconda Christmas Stroll features a light parade, tree lighting ceremony, and late-night shopping with local businesses. Enjoy photos with Santa, live window mannequin competition, and warm hot cocoa amidst the cozy charm of this small-town celebration.
Where: Anaconda | More Info: Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll
Dillon's Parade of Lights and Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday light parade and festive downtown stroll.
Description:
Join Dillon, Montana, for a festive holiday celebration featuring a parade of lights, Christmas tree lighting, and a stroll through decorated downtown shops. Enjoy warming barrels, hot cocoa, gift wrapping, and cookie decorating.
Where: Dillon | More Info: Dillon's Parade of Lights and Christmas Stroll
Helena Holiday Markets and Shopping
Helena Civic Center Holiday Markets
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling handmade and specialty holiday items.
Description:
The Helena Civic Center Holiday Markets offer a variety of vendors selling gifts and seasonal items, providing a great opportunity to find unique holiday presents.
Where: Helena | More Info: Helena Civic Center Holiday Markets
Sheridan Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with interactive activities and prizes.
Description:
The Sheridan Christmas Stroll is a festive event featuring free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make-your-own ornaments, wagon rides, in-store specials, and Christmas carolers. Businesses throughout Sheridan County participate, offering unique shopping experiences and activities.
Where: Sheridan | More Info: Sheridan Christmas Stroll
Boulder Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique local vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts.
Description:
The Boulder Holiday Bazaar at Jefferson High School North Gymnasium features local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal items. The event offers a variety of unique products and a chance to support local businesses.
Where: Boulder | More Info: Boulder Holiday Bazaar
Helena Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Classical ballet production with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker is a traditional, award-winning production featuring over 92 dancers, guest artists from Diablo Ballet, and professional Queen City Ballet Alumni. The performance highlights captivating storytelling and a magnificent score by Tchaikovsky.
Where: Helena | More Info: Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker
Christmas in the Cathedral
What to Expect:
Holiday concert in a historic cathedral setting.
Description:
Usher in Helena's longest and greatest holiday tradition with an evening of reflection, celebration, and sounds of the season in the profoundly reflective Cathedral of St. Helena. These 70-minute performances are a cherished holiday experience.
Where: Helena | More Info: Christmas in the Cathedral
Butte Symphony Series: Let's Celebrate
What to Expect:
World premiere of Isabelle Pearson's Heimweh.
Description:
The Butte Symphony Series: Let's Celebrate features violinist Marcia Henry Liebenow performing Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole, Ralph Vaughn Williams' The Lark Ascending, and Grieg's Symphonic Dances, along with the world premiere of Isabelle Pearson's Heimweh. This extraordinary program showcases the emotional journey and mood that Butte Symphony represents.
Where: Butte | More Info: Butte Symphony Series: Let's Celebrate
Rob Wolf with Michael Armstrong
What to Expect:
Golden age country music with soulful sounds and heartfelt lyrics.
Description:
Rob Wolf and Michael Armstrong bring a nostalgic, soulful sound to the stage with their blend of golden age country music, featuring steel guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, complemented by heartfelt lyrics and high-tenor vocals.
Where: Butte | More Info: Rob Wolf with Michael Armstrong
November Comedy Night - Covellite Theatre
What to Expect:
Live comedy performances in a historic theater setting.
Description:
The Covellite Theatre in Uptown Butte, Montana, hosts November Comedy Night featuring a lineup of local comedians and stand-up performances in its historic 350-seat proscenium stage venue.
Where: Butte | More Info: November Comedy Night - Covellite Theatre
Tim Montana at the Mother Lode Theatre
What to Expect:
Hard-rocking country artist performing at his hometown venue.
Description:
Tim Montana, a hard-rocking country artist from Butte, Montana, brings his unique blend of fiery country rock to the Mother Lode Theatre. Raised in Butte, Tim has risen through the ranks with his guitar since age six. He has collaborated with notable artists like Billy Gibbons and Kid Rock, and his 2024 album, Savage, features hooks that hit harder and distortion that's louder.
Where: Butte | More Info: Tim Montana at the Mother Lode Theatre
Rob Quist and Great Northern featuring Halladay Quist Special Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Family performance with a father-daughter duo.
Description:
Join award-winning singer-songwriter Rob Quist and his daughter Halladay Quist for a special holiday concert featuring the iconic sounds of Great Northern. This event promises a night of heartfelt music and family talent, blending traditional and contemporary styles.
Where: Butte | More Info: Rob Quist and Great Northern featuring Halladay Quist Special Holiday Concert
Gaelic Storm at the Mother Lode Theatre
What to Expect:
Dynamic Celtic music performance with traditional Irish and Scottish tunes.
Description:
Gaelic Storm, a Celtic band from Santa Monica, CA, known for their traditional Irish and Scottish music, will perform at the Mother Lode Theatre in Butte, MT. With over 2,000 live shows under their belt, this multi-national band brings a dynamic energy to each performance.
Where: Butte | More Info: Gaelic Storm at the Mother Lode Theatre
Helena Other Holiday Activities
Intermountain Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday decorations and silent auction benefiting Primary Children’s Hospital.
Description:
The Intermountain Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and other festive items donated by community volunteers. All funds raised support Primary Children’s Hospital, providing care to families in need.
Where: Helena | More Info: Intermountain Festival of Trees
Annual Festival of Wines - Coats for Kids Benefit Event
What to Expect:
Semi-formal wine-tasting event with silent auction and raffles.
Description:
The Annual Festival of Wines is a semi-formal wine-tasting event featuring over 60 wines, microbrews, and appetizers. The event benefits the Coats for Kids program, which provides new winter coats and boots to local children in need.
Where: Helena | More Info: Annual Festival of Wines - Coats for Kids Benefit Event
Candy Harvest at Edgewater Farms
What to Expect:
Candy-fueled adventure with a giant combine harvester.
Description:
At Candy Harvest at Edgewater Farms, participants can enjoy a spooktacular time by catching candy launched from a giant combine harvester. The event features multiple candy harvest sessions throughout the day, making it a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
Where: Townsend | More Info: Candy Harvest at Edgewater Farms
Drink and Draw with Kari Workman: Portrait Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive art session with refreshments.
Description:
Join Kari Workman for a portrait workshop where you can draw and drink, combining creativity with socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.