Pre-Christmas Weekend PICKS: Thursday, December 19th thru Sunday, December 22nd
Mark Thome
Posted On December 19, 2024
It’s the weekend before Christmas, and all through the ‘zoo…what to do? Winter Solstice on Saturday, and fresh snow in the mountains waiting just for you! The MUG has compiled the most comprehensive list of holiday events in Missoula and around Western Montana, all right here for you to make your own Weekend PICKS!
ALL the local ski resorts are open, with copious fresh snow! All are grooming and adding open lifts. Lolo Pass Visitors Center and Chief Joseph are fluffy and groomed, and several areas in the Flathead have excellent trails ready for XC skiing. Pull up and bookmark The MUG’s Western Montana Snow Conditions – all in one place to make your plans.
Now that Christmas is getting urgent, it’s time to bust out the gift shopping list and wrap up those last-minute purchases, ideally from local vendors that work so hard to deliver just the right Montana-made gifts for our loved ones. There are a handful of holiday markets & pop-ups to help you out. Dudes, we’re talking to you.
There a plenty of options to entertain the little one, including Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover returning to the sky above Missoula from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday.
In-between, there are tons of great holiday-flavored music and entertainment options; give that ugly sweater a strong finish before it goes back in storage for another year.
No matter what direction you wanna get outta town, you can’t go wrong. Lots of pre-Christmas weekend 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 & enjoy our locally-owned bars & restaurants with Montana grown / made food and beverages – they need your business! Try a new seasonal local brew! Support our local artists and vendors at the area seasonal markets. Take the family for a brisk outdoor hike. Get out for some prime early season skiing. 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 weather. With each event listing, we try to include a web page or event link with more information you can check for changes.
“May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, brings faith to your soul and wellbeing to you.
Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence find rest, and may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.”
– Unknown
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 19
KettleHouse Brewing Company’s Annual Ugly Sweater Party
Kettlehouse Tap House Bonner 605 Cold Smoke Avenue, BonnerIt's time for KettleHouse Brewing Company's Annual Ugly Sweater Party in Bonner Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Imagine Ireland at Imagine Nation
Imagine Nation Brewing 1151 W. Broadway Street, MissoulaImagine Ireland at Imagine Nation Brewing in Missoula Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Last Chance! Highlander Holiday Market
Highlander Beer 200 International Drive, MissoulaLast Chance! Highlander Holiday Market in Missoula Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday Trivia Night at Conflux Taphouse
Conflux Taphouse 200 E. Main Street, MissoulaArrive early for Trivia Thursday starting at 6:00 pm at Conflux Taphouse in Downtown Missoula
Thursday Night Jazz at The Old Post
The Old Post Pub 103 W. Spruce Street, MissoulaLive Jazz with Chuck Florence, David Horgan and Beth Lo at 6:00 pm every Thursday at The Old Post in Downtown Missoula
Trivia Night 21 Questions 21 Weeks at The Revolver
The Revolver 221 E Park Ave, AnacondaTrivia Night - 21 Questions 21 Weeks at The Revolver in Anaconda Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Two Odd Foxes at Bitter Root Brewing
Bitter Root Brewing 101 Marcus Street, HamiltonTwo Odd Foxes will be playing 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, December 19 at Bitter Root Brewing in Hamilton
TNR / Thursday Night Hike Missoula – Ravine Trail
Ravine Trailhead Parking Ravine Road, MissoulaMeet up with the TNR group at 6:00 pm Thursday at the Ravine Trailhead parking lot on Grant Creek Road to hike up Missoula's Ravine Trail
Silver Bullet presents Joe Martinez
The Silver Bullet Bar & Casino 1700 Montana Hwy 206, Columbia FallsSilver Bullet presents Joe Martinez in Columbia Falls the third Thursday of every month from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday Trivia Night at Waters Edge Winery & Bistro
Waters Edge Winery 2593 Hwy 2 East, KalispellIf wine makes you wiser, it’ll come in handy for Trivia Thursday Nights hosted by Crismore & Co. from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Waters Edge Winery in Kalispell
Charla Bauman at Draught Works Brewery
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaCharla Bauman at Draught Works Brewery in Missoula Thursday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Country Dance Night Thursdays at The Rustic Hut
The Rustic Hut 5415 US Hwy 93 South, FlorenceCountry Dance Night every Thursday with free lessons at 7:00 pm and DJ & Dancing at The Rustic Hut in Florence
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
Trivia & Karaoke Thursday at Fraternal Order of the Eagles #32
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #32 2420 South Avenue West, MissoulaThursday night is a doubleheader of fun with Trivia at 7:30 pm and Karaoke from 8:30 pm to Midnight, hosted by Pro DJ Entertainment at Missoula Eagles Lodge #32
FRIDAY, December 20
Tom Catmull Music at Smelter City Brewing
Smelter City Brewing 101 Main Street, AnacondaTom Catmull Music at Smelter City Brewing in Anaconda Friday at 5:00 pm
Live Music with Will Oliver at Waters Edge Winery
Waters Edge Winery 2593 Hwy 2 East, KalispellLive Music with Will Oliver at Waters Edge Winery in Kalispell Friday at 6:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Party at Cranky Sam Public House
Cranky Sam Public House 233 W. Main Street, MissoulaPop in with your best effort & join the Ugly Sweater Party & Competition with live music from Sal and J at Cranky Sam Public House in Downtown Missoula starting 6:00 pm Friday, December 20
Live Music with Angel & Davey at Hungry Bear Bar and Grill
Hungry Bear Bar and Grill 6287 MT Hwy 83, CondonLive Music with Angel & Davey at Hungry Bear Bar and Grill in Condon Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
DJ and Karaoke with George Fiddler at Cell Block Tavern
Cell Block Tavern 818 Main St, Deer LodgeDJ and Karaoke with George Fiddler at Cell Block Tavern in Deer Lodge Friday at 6:30 pm
The Western Montana Santa Flyover around Missoula
Santa's Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover happens in the sky above Missoula from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, December 20
John Montoya at Ranch Bar
Ranch Bar 13177 MT Hwy 1 West, AnacondaJohn Montoya at Ranch Bar in Anaconda Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 pm
John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling benefit concert at Longstaff House
Longstaff House 601 Longstaff Street, MissoulaJohn Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling perform seasonal benefit concerts at 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm Friday, December 20 (for Tamarack Grief Resource Center) and Saturday, December 21 (for Soft Landing Missoula) at Missoula's Longstaff House
Music Talent Jam, Open Mic & Karaoke Friday Nights at Kegler’s Pub in Ravalli Fun Center
Ravalli Fun Center 300 Skeels Avenue, HamiltonKeglers Pub & Casino hosts Music Talent Jam, Open Mic and Karaoke Friday Nights from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the Ravalli Fun Center in Hamilton - come sing your heart out!
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
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas – The Musical” at Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts 526 Electric Avenue, BigforkBigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre presents Irving Berlin's "White Christmas - The Musical" with performances December 13 thru December 22 at Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
Austin Britton + Paul Lee Kupfer live at Monk’s Bar
Monk's Bar 221 Ryman Street, MissoulaAustin Britton + Paul Lee Kupfer live at Monk's Bar in Missoula Friday at 7:00 pm
Karaoke at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkKaraoke at 9:00 pm every Friday & Saturday at The Sitting Duck on Flathead Lake's Woods Bay in Bigfork
Karaoke Friday Night at Evaro Bar & Casino
Evaro Bar & Casino 17025 US Hwy 93 North, MissoulaFriday Night is Karaoke Night hosted by Pro DJ Entertainment from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am, up at the Evaro Bar & Casino
Humble Love at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaGet yourself some Humble Love at Missoula's Sunrise Saloon 9:00 pm to 1:00 am Friday night, December 20
Loki Karaoke Fridays at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge
The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge 101 Heritage Lane, PolsonSign up for Loki Karaoke starting at 10:00 pm Friday at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson
SATURDAY, December 21
Missoula Valley Winter Market at Southgate Mall
Southgate Mall 2901 Brooks Street, MissoulaThe Missoula Valley Winter Market happens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every Saturday from November 16 through December 28, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm January 4 through April 12 inside Southgate Mall near the Scheels entrance
Tree Garlands at Ravalli County Museum
Ravalli County Museum 205 Bedford Street, HamiltonTree Garlands at Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton Saturday from 10:00 am to Noon
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
Holiday Artist Market at Bigfork Art and Cultural Center
Bigfork Art & Cultural Center 525 Electric Avenue, BigforkFind last-minute gifts for the holidays and support local artists at the Holiday Artist Market 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, December 21 at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center
Way Down North performs at Symes Hotel
Symes Hotel 209 Wall Street North, Hot SpringsWay Down North performs at Symes Hotel in Hot Springs Saturday at 6:00 pm
Tom Catmull at Highlander Beer
Highlander Beer 200 International Drive, MissoulaCome in from the cold and warm up with live music from Tom Catmull, fresh pizza and tasty brews at Highlander Beer in Missoula 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, December 21
Cheeb live at Blacksmith Brewing Co.
Blacksmith Brewing Co. 114 Main Street, StevensvilleCheeb live at Blacksmith Brewing Co. in Stevensville Saturday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Live Jazz from Inside Edge at Waters Edge Winery
Waters Edge Winery 2593 Hwy 2 East, KalispellInside Edge returns to Waters Edge Winery in Kalispell for an evening of upbeat New Orleans style jazz 6:00 pm o 9:00 pm Saturday, December 21
White Elephant / Ugly Sweater / Karaoke Christmas Party at Happy’s Inn
Happy's Inn 72576 US Hwy 2, LibbyHappy's Inn in Libby is hosting the annual Christmas Party starting at 6:00 pm Saturday, December 21 with wine tasting, white elephant gift exchange, ugly sweater contest, and karaoke
John Montoya at Ranch Bar
Ranch Bar 13177 MT Hwy 1 West, AnacondaJohn Montoya at Ranch Bar in Anaconda Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 pm
Paul Lee Kupfer live at Draught Works Brewery
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaPaul Lee Kupfer live at Draught Works Brewery in Missoula Saturday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling benefit concert at Longstaff House
Longstaff House 601 Longstaff Street, MissoulaJohn Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling perform seasonal benefit concerts at 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm Friday, December 20 (for Tamarack Grief Resource Center) and Saturday, December 21 (for Soft Landing Missoula) at Missoula's Longstaff House
No Excuses Band at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloThe No Excuses Band playing Saturday
from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at The Jack Saloon in Lolo
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas – The Musical” at Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts 526 Electric Avenue, BigforkBigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre presents Irving Berlin's "White Christmas - The Musical" with performances December 13 thru December 22 at Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
Karaoke at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkKaraoke at 9:00 pm every Friday & Saturday at The Sitting Duck on Flathead Lake's Woods Bay in Bigfork
Mark Duboise and Crossroads Trio at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaMark Duboise and Crossroads Trio storm the stage for a boot-stompin' good time starting 9:00 pm Saturday, December 21 at Missoula's Sunrise Saloon
Backwoods Beats presents Krampus Revenge Night 2 at Monk’s Bar
Monk's Bar 221 Ryman Street, MissoulaBackwoods Beats presents Krampus Revenge Night 2 at Monk's Bar in Missoula Saturday from 9:00 pm to 1:30 am
Zootown Karaoke at KT’s Hayloft Saloon
KT's Hayloft Saloon 11885 US Highway 93 S, LoloIt's always a good ol' time when Zootown Karaoke hosts Karaoke Night starting at 9:00 pm every Saturday at KT's Hayloft Saloon in Lolo
Absolutely Saturday Dance Party with DJ Kris Moon at The Badlander
The Badlander 208 Ryman Street, MissoulaGet down at the Absolutely Saturday Dance Party hosted by DJ Kris Moon at 10:00 pm Saturday at The Badlander in Downtown Missoula
SUNDAY, December 22
December Speed Puzzling Competition at Draught Works
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaDecember Speed Puzzling Competition at Draught Works in Missoula from Noon to 2:00 pm
Turner Farms’ Annual Holiday Farm Market
Turner Farms 3515 S 3rd St. West, MissoulaHot chocolate, mini donuts, bonfire, local vendors, friendly farm animals - and Santa - will be waiting for you at Turner Farms' Annual Holiday Market in Missoula 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, December 22
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
John Floridis Trio Seasonal Benefit Concert for Missoula Interfaith Collaborative at First United Methodist Church
Missoula First United Methodist Church 300 E. Main Street, MissoulaCatch the last of the John Floridis Trio seasonal benefit concert series with Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling at Missoula First United Methodist Church 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday
Dram Tuff Trivia Sunday Nights at Dram Shop Central
Dram Shop Central 2700 Paxson Street, Ste G, MissoulaJoin hosts Paul and Stu for Dram Tuff Trivia at 6:00 pm each Sunday at Missoula's Dram Shop Central
Draught Works Winter Jazz Series
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaUnwind and enjoy the soulful sounds of jazz in Draught Works' cozy taproom every Sunday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm this winter during the Winter Sunday Night Jazz Series - featuring Connor Racicot on December 22
A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theater 200 N. Adams Street, MissoulaEnjoy a live stage performance of A Christmas Story, The Musical at Missoula Children's Theatre with shows from December 5 thru December 22
Karaoke Sunday Night at Meagher Bar
The Thomas Meagher Bar 130 W. Pine Street, MissoulaJoin your friends for Sunday Night Karaoke from 9:00 pm to Midnight each week at the Thomas Meagher Bar in Downtown Missoula
Sunday Night Karaoke w/ DJ Nite Wolf at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaClose out your weekend like the star you are on the main stage at The Sunrise Saloon with Sunday Night Karaoke hosted by DJ Nite Wolf starting at 9:00 pm
Please confirm event details at the source before you go. Last minute changes are common, especially due to holidays and 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!
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