12 Days, 12 Treats: A Billings Holiday Pairing Guide

December 2025

by Hannah Olson & Maloree Murphy

1) Holiday Nights ZooMontana

December 1-31

Step into a winter wonderland at ZooMontana, where over a million dazzling lights, festive displays, and glowing pathways transform the zoo into a magical holiday destination. Enjoy cozy fire pits, holiday treats, visits with Santa, and the joyful spirit of the season–perfect for families, date nights, and anyone ready to make merry under the Montana stars.

Local Pairing: A Snowflake from Meadowlark Brewery

2) Billings Christmas Lights Map: Scavenger Hunt

Throughout Billings December 1-31

Grab some cocoa, pile into the car, and hit the road for a twinkling tour of Billings’ brightest holiday displays! This year’s Christmas Lights Map comes with a fun scavenger hunt twist. Spot everything from dancing Santas to candy-cane arches as you explore neighborhoods decked out in festive cheer. Perfect for families, friends, or date night adventures, it’s your guide to the Magic City’s most dazzling lights.

Local Pairing: A Steamy B-town and fresh popcorn from Soda Station

3) Moss Mansion Events

Moss Mansion December 1-31

The Moss Mansion is aglow with twinkling lights, glittering trees, and festive cheer, hosting a lineup of unique holiday events that make the season sparkle. From spirited mysteries and elegant balls to festive tours and parties, there’s something magical happening in every corner of this beautifully decorated historic home all month long.

Local Pairing: A Boulevardier at The Waiting Room

4) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical

Billings Studio Theatre December 4-7 & 11-14

The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage at Billings Studio Theatre! Join Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and all your favorite characters on a heartwarming journey of friendship, courage, and discovering what makes you shine bright. With festive music and timeless charm, it’s a must-see holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

Local Pairing: A Chocolate Peppermint Frappe and a BIG cookie from Poly’s Place.

5) WinterFair

Yellowstone Art Museum

December 5

Celebrate the season and shop local at this beloved arts and crafts market, where regional artists and makers showcase handmade gifts, décor, jewelry, and more. Enjoy festive music, warm drinks, and a joyful holiday atmosphere as you find one-of-a-kind treasures that make giving (and keeping) extra special.

Local Pairing: A Maple Pancake Shake and fries from The Burger Dive (downtown)

6) A Seussified Christmas Carol

A Seussified Christmas Carol

Nova Center for the Performing Arts December 4-7 & 11-14

At NOVA, Charles Dickens meets Dr. Seuss in this whimsical, rhyming retelling of the classic holiday tale! Full of clever wordplay, colorful characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, this family-friendly show turns “Bah, Humbug!” into pure holiday joy.

Local Pairing: A Spumoni and Espresso at Ciao Mambo

7) First Friday Holiday Stroll

Downtown Billings

December 5

Downtown Billings comes alive with twinkling lights, festive window displays, and the cheerful buzz of holiday shoppers during this annual First Friday celebration. Enjoy extended shop hours, live music, tasty treats, and free photos with Santa as you stroll under the Skypoint and soak in the spirit of the season.

Local Pairing: A Brown Butter Bourbon Rice Krispie and black coffee from Marble Coffee Co.

8) Festival of Trees

Montana Pavilion at Metra Park

December 5-7

Kick off the holiday season at the Festival of Trees, a beloved community tradition featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday décor, all supporting Family Tree Nurturing Center. Enjoy festive activities, live entertainment, a holiday market, and the elegant Gala Dinner & Auction, all while celebrating the spirit of giving and togetherness.

Local Pairing: The Polar Bear from Classy N' Sassy Coffee

9) The Nutcracker with Billings School of Classical Ballet

Petro Theater

December 13-14

Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker as the Billings School of Classical Ballet brings Clara’s enchanting Christmas Eve dream to life. With dazzling costumes, exquisite choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, this local production captures the wonder and tradition of the holiday season for audiences of all ages.

Local Pairing: A Kettlehouse Milkshake IPA from 406 Kitchen & Taproom

10) A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live!

Alberta Bair Theater

December 14

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang for a heartwarming live adaptation of the beloved TV classic. Complete with the original Vince Guaraldi jazz score, dancing, and all the charm of the holiday favorite, this family-friendly performance reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

Local Pairing: The Mini Churros from Art House Cinema and Pub

11) Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

Billings Depot

December 18

Get swept away by the warm glow of candlelight and the sounds of the season in this enchanting concert at the Billings Depot. A live string quartet will perform beloved holiday classics creating a magical, multi-sensory experience that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

Local Pairing: The Carrot Cake and a House Old Fashioned from Walker’s

12) A Christmas Carol with Billings Symphony

Alberta Bair Theater

December 20

Rediscover the magic of Dickens’ timeless tale as the Billings Symphony brings A Christmas Carol to life through a powerful blend of music and storytelling. With sweeping orchestration, rich narration, and heartwarming holiday spirit, this one-night performance is a moving celebration of redemption, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Local Pairing: A Dirty Docs' Preferred from Doc Harper’s Tavern

Originally printed in the December 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Maloree Murphy

With a background in nonprofit leadership and communications, she’s passionate about storytelling that connects people and strengthens community. When she's not chasing her toddler, she thrives on coffee and conversation.

Hannah Olson

Hannah has been in Billings for over ten years and earned both a bachelor's in English and a master's in public relations from MSU Billings. She owns Narrator Creative Consulting and is a freelance writer. The greatest thing in her life is her 8-year-old daughter, Vienna.

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