Article by Brittany Schimke | Photos by Seth Croft

Take a moment to imagine classic lyrics from the beloved Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by Andy Williams; let it come to life in vivid detail:

“With the kids jingle-belling, and everyone telling you, ‘Be of good cheer’…

Marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow…

And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near…”

This iconic song paints a picture-perfect holiday scene, and now… Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana makes it all a reality. From twinkling lights to heartwarming Christmas carolers, it’s a holiday evening fit for a Christmas card, except you get to walk through this one! With over 15 million lights, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa, and carolers filling the air with festive tunes, it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year coming to life.

Bringing Christmas Cheer One Song at a Time

Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana returns for its third season on November 29th, building on the popular Zoo Lights. The partnership between Zoo Lights and Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana creates an exciting walk-through experience that is even bigger, brighter, and more festive, transforming a beloved local tradition into a complete holiday wonderland.

“Caroling out in the Snow…” The Holiday Nights are all about bringing a special season and experience to our community and creating traditions for the families here to experience. Sheri Hanson-Smith, Volunteer Coordinator, joyously shares how this special time brings so much nostalgia to the Christmas season: “Hometown magical Christmas moments that you get to experience with your family and friends.”

 Caroling groups from across the area will share their talents throughout the season, including Westwinds from West High School, Laurel Roadrunners 4-H Club, City Kids 4-H Club, Montana Fiddle Club, Jacket Voices, and Stillwater String Quartet. But there is still time to sign up. If your group or organization wants to join the holiday fun, email sheri@holiday-nights.com. Getting groups from all over our community is important to the event organizers. Sheri shares, “It's about community and getting everyone involved.”

With groups ranging from high school choirs to local bands, each evening features a unique lineup of carolers who creatively spin Christmas favorites. Expect everything from violins to guitars alongside classic voices, filling the night with music and nostalgia. Some groups even dress for the occasion, adding to the whimsical charm. “Be of good cheer…”

Cozying Up in Blitzen’s Lounge  

Picture the Pavilion transformed into Blitzen’s Lounge: a cozy haven where you can enjoy a warm drink, savor special hot cocoa, or even sip a holiday cocktail as you listen to the carolers on stage. Blitzen’s Lounge invites you to soak in the Christmas spirit, hum along with the tunes, and find yourself swept into a picture-perfect Hallmark Christmas moment.

 Holiday Nights’ Josh Benson, Managing Partner, fondly recalls one such moment: “Last year, I walked down Candy Cane Lane, and it was lightly snowing. The lights were reflecting, and a Billings Symphony artist was playing the violin. It was such a classic ‘Hallmark’ moment, pure holiday magic…the carolers bring so much more than just music playing, [they] add such a huge element, and it so magical.”

The carolers and Christmas music are only half of the experience at Holidays Nights at Zoo Montana. On some nights, the caroling groups walk through the amazing light displays, singing beautiful Christmas songs and letting Christmas moments unfold right in front of you.

Magical Moments for All Ages

In addition to the twinkling lights and music, Holiday Nights is packed with activities to make your family’s hearts glow:

●     “Marshmallows for toasting…” Cozy S’mores Tents invites you to gather around a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores kits, and each tent has a different wintery holiday setup just for your family. Reserve a tent to create a warm space, complete with gourmet s’mores by The Cracked Egg from Laurel on December 20th.

●     Mrs. Claus Craftroom offers little ones an escape from the cold with cookies, coloring, crafts, and even an opportunity to drop off letters to Santa on December 1st. It takes Christmas magic to a new level for your children, offering differing experiences in the same magical spot!

●     For couples, there’s a special proposal area, decked out with twinkling lights and set against a dreamy backdrop of holiday cheer—a perfect place to pop the question and fully experience “hearts glowing when loved ones are near.”

Lights, Music, Action!

In the zoo’s amphitheater, a 5-minute video montage of classic Christmas movie scenes plays on a loop, paying homage to those unforgettable holiday musical moments. The video also highlights the event’s sponsors and the mission behind Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana, a testament to the community’s shared love of tradition and celebration.

Beyond the amphitheater, dazzling light displays are awaiting at every turn. New highlights include a 50-foot tree you can walk inside, a 25-foot globe adorned with animals, an enchanted forest, and a 12-foot moon—ideal for photos. Beloved Christmas icons like Santa and princesses will also appear, spreading joy and creating memories embodying the most wonderful time of the year.

A Night to Remember

Whether you come for the lights, the carolers, or the cozy s’mores tents, Holiday Nights is all about celebrating together. Mark your calendars: November 29th through December 31st, with the Holiday Nights Drive Through ONLY nights on December 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th. Skip the lines by pre-purchasing tickets, reserving a s’mores tent, or exploring special event options online at holiday-nights.com. Parking is available on-site for $5, with free parking across the street.

Come and experience the Christmas magic at Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana. It brings the community together to enjoy caroling and soak up the mesmerizing Christmas lights. Follow on social media to see who’s caroling and which themes are in store each night. Every evening offers something unique, so enjoy multiple nights, bring friends, and make Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana a new family tradition. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and you’ll find it right here, in the heart of our community.

Originally printed in the December 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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