Christmas Weekend PICKS: Thursday, December 21st thru Sunday, December 24th
Ho Ho Ho! It’s time to gather with your family and misfit friends for the holiday! The MUG has compiled the most comprehensive list of events from Thursday thru Sunday in Missoula and around Western Montana, all right here for you to make your own Christmas Weekend PICKS!
Thursday marks the shortest day of the year with the Winter Solstice officially happening at 8:27 pm. We’ll be happy to see the days start getting longer, and all our ski areas will start catching up on the snow that’s been pretty light so far this season. Most are open, but not a lot of base. If you’re itching to go, it’s a good time to shake off the rust on the lower / easier runs, and you’ll be ready for the big pow when it happens.
Since Christmas Eve will be Sunday, most of the getting-out activities are stacked heavy Thursday thru Saturday. There are Ugly Christmas Sweater parties all over, and still plenty of live music to take in. There are over 50 local music shows of one kind or another in the area throughout the weekend… we have options!
If you’re running behind on your gift shopping, there are still a small handful of holiday craft shows and markets to wrap up your gift gathering. Tick-tock, ya filthy animals – wrap it up! Help keep your money circulating in Montana, do your gift shopping with local vendors and businesses.
No matter what direction you wanna get outta town, you can’t go wrong. Lots of holiday activities and events are happening not only around Missoula, but all the way up the Flathead and the Bitterroot valleys, east to Phillipsburg and Anaconda, and out west past Alberton. If you’re headed up to Whitefish and Glacier, there are some outstanding pit stops to make along the way.
Get out and enjoy our locally-owned bars & restaurants with Montana grown / made food and beverages – they need your business! Try a new local brew! Support our local artists and vendors at the winter holiday craft markets. Take the family for a brisk winter hike. Catch a classic movie screening or a stand-up comedy night. Stretch that big brain at one of the local trivia nights. Sing your favorite karaoke song, or catch a live music show. Enjoy safely and responsibly.
Please confirm event details at the source before you go. Last minute changes are common, especially due to holiday timing and weather. With each event listing, we try to include a web page or event link with more information you can check for changes.
“This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year’s threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath.” — Margaret Atwood
Do you have a Western Montana event coming up that you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
THURSDAY, December 21
Ugly Sweater Party w/ Tommy Edwards Sr. at The Gunsight Saloon
Gunsight Saloon 624 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia FallsJoin the fun Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm when Tommy Edwards Sr. rocks the Ugly Sweater Party at the Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls
Ugly Sweater Solstice Party at Kettlehouse
Kettlehouse Tap House Bonner 605 Cold Smoke Avenue, BonnerUgly Sweater Solstice Party at Kettlehouse Brewing Co. in Bonner Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm with music from The Noisemakers
Winter Solstice Celebration at MontaVino Winery
Montavino Winery & Tasting Room 38 1st Ave E, Ste D, KalispellWinter Solstice Celebration at MontaVino Winery in Kalispell Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Mighty Travis at The Hops Montana
The Hops Montana 2412 US Hwy 93 North, VictorThe Mighty Travis Yost takes over from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Hops in Victor
Imagine Ireland at Imagine Nation Brewing Company
Imagine Nation Brewing 1151 W. Broadway Street, MissoulaImagine Ireland music at Imagine Nation Brewing in Missoula every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Kimberlee Carlson Trio at Bitter Root Brewing
Bitter Root Brewing 101 Marcus Street, HamiltonKimberlee Carlson Trio at Bitter Root Brewing in Hamilton Thursday at 6:00 pm
Thursday Night Bingo at Glacier Brewing Company
Glacier Brewing 610 10th St E, PolsonThursday Night Bingo at Glacier Brewing Company in Polson from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mike Johnston at Draught Works
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaSinger-songwriter Mike Johnston brings blues, country and rock originals to Missoula's Draught Works at 6:00 pm Thursday
TNR – Blue Mountain Hike
Blue Mountain Parking Lot & Trailhead Blue Mountain Road & Forest Hill Lane, MissoulaMeet at 6:00 pm Thursday for an evening hike in Missoula with the TNR crew at the main Blue Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot
21 Questions Trivia Thursdays at The Revolver
The Revolver 221 E Park Ave, Anaconda +1 more21 Questions Trivia at The Revolver in Anaconda every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Brent Jameson in The Red Room Lounge at Latitude 48 Bistro
Red Room Lounge 147 Central Ave, WhitefishBrent Jameson live in Whitefish from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday in Latitude 48 Bistro's Red Room Basement Bar
Open Mic Thursday Night at VFW Post 3596 in Plains
Plains VFW Post 3596 201 West Lynch Street, PlainsThursday night's a good reason to get out for Open Mic Music, Poetry and Comedy at 6:30 pm at VFW Post 3596 in Plains, Montana
Trivia Night Thursdays at Iron Griz
Iron Griz: American Bistro 515 South Avenue E., MissoulaBring your brainy-est friends to sign up for Trivia Night Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Iron Griz: American Bistro in Missoula
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Bash
Zootown Arts Community Center 216 W. Main Street, MissoulaJoin the unofficial holiday party for creatives, non-traditional workers and small business owners at the Jingle & Mingle Holiday Bash at The ZACC in Downtown Missoula Thursday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Country Dance Lessons at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaGet in the swing of things with free Country Dance Lessons every Thursday at the Sunrise Saloon in Missoula beginning at 8:00 pm
Karaoke Thursday Nights at Kegler’s Pub in Ravalli Fun Center
Ravalli Fun Center 300 Skeels Avenue, HamiltonKeglers Pub & Casino presents Karaoke Thursday Nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the Ravalli Fun Center in Hamilton - come sing your heart out!
Karaoke Thursdays at Missoula Eagles Lodge
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #32 2420 South Avenue West, MissoulaKaraoke at the Missoula Eagles Lodge 8:00 pm to Midnight every Thursday night - come sing your heart out!
Ugly Sweater and Karaoke Party at The Dark Horse Bar
Dark Horse Bar 1805 Regent Street, MissoulaDJ Nite Wolf hosts the Ugly Sweater and Karaoke Party from 9:00 pm til closing time Thursday, December 21 at Missoula's Dark Horse Bar
Friday, December 22
Neal Elder at Smelter City Brewing
Smelter City Brewing 101 Main Street, AnacondaNeal Elder at Smelter City Brewing in Anaconda Friday at 5:00 pm
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Philipsburg Brewing
Philipsburg Brewing Co 101 W. Broadway Street, PhilipsburgFind out who's gaudy and who's nice at Philipsburg Brewing Company's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday
Holiday Market & live music w/ Devon Heavenshire at Imagine Nation Brewing
Imagine Nation Brewing 1151 W. Broadway Street, MissoulaGet it done, ya filthy animals! Last chance to get something local & thoughtful at the Holiday Market at Imagine Nation Brewing in Missoula Friday, December 22 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; live music with Devon Heavenshire from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Live music w/ Quinny V at Waters Edge Winery
Waters Edge Winery 2593 Hwy 2 East, KalispellQuinn VanGaalen rolls out new tunes at Waters Edge Winery in Kalispell Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Hannah King at The Gunsight Saloon
Gunsight Saloon 624 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia FallsHannah King presides over the proceedings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, December 22 at The Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls
Winter Car Meet at The River Coffee Company
The River Coffee Company 1275 US Hwy 2 W, KalispellWinter Car Meet with ElevatioN Cars of Kalispell at The River Coffee Company on Fridays at 7:00 pm
Festivus Party with Tommy Edwards & Chance Cole at Andy’s Crafthouse
Andy's Crafthouse 8030 MT Hwy 35, BigforkFestivus Party with Tommy Edwards & Chance Cole at Andy's Crafthouse in Bigfork Friday at 7:00 pm
Absent Wilson Conspiracy at Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery
Ten Spoon Winery & Vineyard 4175 Rattlesnake Drive, MissoulaAbsent Wilson Conspiracy at Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery in Missoula Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Travis Yost at Cranky Sam Public House
Cranky Sam Public House 233 W. Main Street, MissoulaThe Mighty Travis Yost will shed just the right light on your Friday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Cranky Sam Public House in Downtown Missoula
WMMC Friday Open Mic at The Red Poppy
Red Poppy Building 1 Eisenhower Street West, RonanFriday Night Open Mic with Western Montana Musicians Cooperative from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at The Red Poppy in Ronan
Karaoke Night at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloKaraoke Night with Kaleidoscope Entertainment at The Jack Saloon in Lolo every Friday night from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
The Grinch Returns at Cutler Bros. Theatre
Cutler Bros. Theatre 301 Main St, Deer LodgeThe Grinch Returns at Cutler Bros. Theatre in Deer Lodge Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Sing Along with Lando at Stave & Hoop
Stave & Hoop 223 N. Higgins - Alley Entrance, MissoulaUgly Sweater Sing Along with Lando at Stave & Hoop in Missoula Friday at 7:30 pm until Lando gets tired...
Moneypenny live at The Rustic Hut
The Rustic Hut 5415 US Hwy 93 South, FlorenceMoneypenny returns to The Rustic Hut in Florence with their brand of rockin' blues 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Friday, December 22
Karaoke Friday at Plains American Legion Post 129
American Legion Post 129 450 Railroad Avenue, ParadiseKaraoke every other Friday from 8:00 pm til 2:00 am at American Legion Post 129 in Paradise, Montana
Big Sky Drive at Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaBig Sky Drive at Sunrise Saloon in Missoula Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00 pm
Mudslide Charley at the Union Club
Union Club Bar & Grill 208 E. Main Street, MissoulaMudslide Charley at the Union Club Friday in Missoula at 9:00 pm
Karaoke at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkFriday & Saturday Night Karaoke at The Sitting Duck in Woods Bay on Flathead Lake starting at 9:00 pm
Loki Karaoke Fridays at The Sportspage
The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge 101 Heritage Lane, PolsonBring your best songs to sing with Loki Karaoke hosted by KJs Hope and Brandon every Friday from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson
SATURDAY, December 23
Missoula Valley Winter Market at Southgate Mall (Scheels Entrance)
Southgate Mall 2901 Brooks Street, MissoulaThe Missoula Valley Winter Market happens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every Saturday from November 11 through December 30, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm January 6 through April 13 inside Southgate Mall near the Scheels entrance
Joe Archibeque live at Glacier Brewing Company
Glacier Brewing 610 10th St E, PolsonJoe Archibeque live at Glacier Brewing Company in Polson Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The Mighty Travis Yost at The Knotty Nymph
Knotty Nymph Restaurant & Bar 5388 US Hwy 93, ConnerThe Mighty Travis Yost will hold court from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, December 23 at The Knotty Nymph in Conner
Angel & Davey at Sacred Waters
Sacred Waters Brewing 3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, KalispellAngel & Davey at Sacred Waters Brewing Co. in Kalispell Friday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wildwind and Merry Mullet Party at Sacred Waters Brewing Co.
Sacred Waters Brewing 3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, KalispellWildwind and Merry Mullet Party at Sacred Waters Brewing Co. in Kalispell Saturday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Chris Pumphrey at Old Bull Brewing
Old Bull Brewing 16862 Beckwith Street, FrenchtownChris Pumphrey at Old Bull Brewing in Frenchtown Saturday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Party at Ninepipes Lodge
Ninepipes 69286 Hwy 93, CharloDance the night away with All That's Music Entertainment at the Ugly Sweater Party at Ninepipes Lodge in Charlo Saturday at 7:00 pm
WMMC Saturday Community Jam at The Red Poppy
Red Poppy Building 1 Eisenhower Street West, RonanEvery Saturday is Jam Night from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with the Western Montana Musicians Cooperative at The Red Poppy in Ronan
The Northern Lights Band at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloThe Northern Lights Band squeezes in one more Saturday night show before Christmas from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm Saturday, December 23 at The Jack Saloon in Lolo
Karaoke Night at Lolo Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs Resort 38500 US Hwy 12, LoloKaraoke Night at Lolo Hot Springs Saturday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
The Grinch Returns at Cutler Bros. Theatre
Cutler Bros. Theatre 301 Main St, Deer LodgeThe Grinch Returns at Cutler Bros. Theatre in Deer Lodge Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm
Karaoke Saturday Night at A Bar, Montana
A Bar 11032 MT State Highway 83, BigforkBring your Karaoke A-game Saturday from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm at A-Bar, Montana in Bigfork
Open Mic Night at The Rustic Hut
Music Open Mic at 8:00 pm Saturday, December 23 at The Rustic Hut in Florence - signup in person at 6:00 pm
Big Sky Drive at Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaBig Sky Drive at Sunrise Saloon in Missoula Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00 pm
Karaoke at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkFriday & Saturday Night Karaoke at The Sitting Duck in Woods Bay on Flathead Lake starting at 9:00 pm
Hwy 93 Band & Ugly Sweater Party at Perfect Shot Tavern
Perfect Shot Tavern 218 Main Street, PolsonHwy 93 Band & Ugly Sweater Party at Perfect Shot Tavern in Polson Saturday from 9:00 pm to Midnight
Solid Sound Karaoke at Westside Lanes
Westside Lanes & Fun Center 1615 Wyoming, MissoulaSing your heart out at Solid Sound Karaoke 9:00 pm to 1:00 am every Friday and Saturday in the Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes in Missoula
Zootown Karaoke Saturday Nights at KT’s Hayloft
KT's Hayloft Saloon 11885 US Highway 93 S, LoloKT's Hayloft Saloon in Lolo is the place to be for Zootown Karaoke starting at 9:00 pm Saturday nights
SUNDAY, December 24
Winter Market Ronan
Boys & Girls Club - Ronan 62579 US Hwy 93, RonanWinter Market Ronan, 12:00 pm Noon to 3:00 pm each Sunday through January at the Boys & Girls Club Gymnasium in Ronan, Montana
Open Mic Sunday at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloOpen Mic for musicians, singer-songwriters, and comedians from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday afternoons at The Jack Saloon in Lolo
Bigfork Bingo Sunday at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkLakeside views and Bigfork Bingo Sunday at 3:00 pm at The Sitting Duck on Woods Bay / Flathead Lake
Dram Tuff Trivia Sundays at Dram Shop Central
Dram Shop Central 2700 Paxson Street, Ste G, MissoulaDram Tuff Trivia hosted by Paul & Stu is going down at 6:00 pm Sunday at Dram Shop Central in Midtown Missoula
Very Funny Weekly – Sunday Open Mic Comedy at Ole Beck VFW
Ole Beck VFW Post 209 245 W. Main Street, MissoulaVery Funny Weekly = Missoula's weekly Sunday Comedy Open Mic hosted by Jordan Demander at 8:00 pm at Ole Beck VFW Post 209
Please confirm event details at the source before you go. Last minute changes are common, especially due to weather. With each event listing, we try to include a web page or event link with more information you can check for changes.
Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!