Evening Schedule of Events & Festivities

While Holidays on Higgins is a FULL-DAY affair, you don’t want to miss the evening portion of the event that takes place on North Higgins Avenue. Check out the details below!

Schedule Snapshot

Holidays on Higgins Evening Festivities | 3:00–7:00 PM

From Broadway to the XXXXs, North Higgins Avenue will be blocked off and converted into a complete winter wonderland! Take a stroll through the area and soak up the holiday magic!

Tree Lighting with Santa | 6:00 PM

Make your way to the big tree by the XXXXs by 6:00 PM sharp on North Higgins, where Santa Claus himself and Mayor Davis will ascend a fire truck ladder to magically illuminate the tree and inaugurate the official start of the season in Downtown Missoula!

Holidays on Higgins Concludes | 7:00 PM

Keep the party going by shopping and dining local at all the gems that Downtown Missoula has to offer.

Full Festivities Lineup | 3:00 – 7:00 PM

Makers Market

Walk through 40+ vendors selling their arts, crafts, and other artisan products at the Missoula Makers Collective Market! This is the perfect opportunity to jump-start your Christmas shopping, put the final touches on it, or even buy a special trinket to remember this special event.

Burn Barrels & Fire Walk

The streets will be lined with burn barrels and a fire walk to keep you warm while you explore Holidays on Higgins! Cozy up by the fire and take in the holiday festivities along North Higgins.

Hot Cocoa, Bars & Food

Stop by the Missoula Downtown Foundation tent for FREE hot chocolate! You can also get it spiked or purchase an adult beverage or mocktail at one of the two Rhino bars on site. Other food and coffee vendors will be available, including Lighthouse Coffee, Funk It Coffee, pizza,  Pelz, and more!

Live Music & Dance Performances

Before and after the tree lighting at 6:00 PM, enjoy caroling, Irish dancing, and more live music and dance performances at the main stage near the tree by the XXXX.

Stationary Floats & Activations

Peruse 20+ stationary floats and activations hosted by local organizations and businesses. Get into the holiday spirit, y’all! And don’t forget to check out the Paws Up hay bale, fire, and s’mores bar.

Holiday Photo Opportunities & Whacky Characters 

Holidays on Higgins has multiple photo opportunities and picturesque locations throughout the event area. Take a picture at our ‘Holidays on Higgins’ marquee or check out the locally famous tuba Santas making their way through the area! You might even see the Grinch.

Photos With Santa at Missoula Public Library

Holidays on Higgins will be hosting a FREE photo opportunity with Santa at the Missoula Public Library on December 5th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Santa will arrive in a carriage at the library with a caroler greeting, and then will be on the second floor of the building waiting to greet whoever wants a photo with him!

Please Note: 

• You MUST be in line no later than 2:15 PM to get your photo taken, as Santa has to check on his reindeer at 3:00 PM sharp!
• This opportunity is strictly Bring Your Own Camera (BYOC)! There will not be a professional photographer present to take photos of kiddos with Santa.

We want to extend a special thanks to Ace Hardware for helping decorate and convert the space into a true North Pole winter wonderland!

Once you get your photos taken, check out the other children’s and adult activities offered during Holidays on Higgins, catch a free carriage ride from 12:00 to 3:00 PM, or walk right over to North Higgins to attend the evening festivities for Holidays on Higgins!

All Day Activities

Every year, more than 30 local businesses and organizations host special events and activities in conjunction with Holidays on Higgins! These offerings range from all-ages arts and crafts and family-friendly activities to festive, adult-friendly experiences.

Want to provide a free to low cost activity during Holidays on Higgins? We want to promote you! This is a great opportunity to invite the community into your business by offering free or low-cost activities for all ages—from kid-friendly crafts and family fun to adult experiences like specialty holiday cocktails, tastings, or interactive activities. Creative programming not only draws people in, but it also makes your business a memorable part of the holiday celebration.

Stationary Float

Enjoy 30+ stationary floats during Holidays on Higgins! Interested in being a stationary float? Since the floats remain in place, we encourage participants to get creative and make their displays interactive — think holiday karaoke, games, photo ops, or other festive activities that bring the holiday spirit to life.

Submissions must be in by November 20, 2026. Fill out the form below to sign up and host your own float!

Missoula Makers Collective Market

The evening portion of Holidays on Higgins will include a holiday makers market with 40+ talented artists and makers. This portion of the event is coordinated by the Missoula Makers Collective Market.

Applications to serve as a vendor during this event normally open in October each year and close shortly after. Click the button below to visit the Missoula Makers Collective vendor application page. 

Downtown Carriage Rides

Looking for a fun winter activity that doesn’t take you far out of the city? The Downtown Missoula Partnership hosts free carriage rides for the month of December! These carriage rides are guided by Out West Wagon Rides and are 100% free of charge — on a first-come come first-served basis.

These rides take place the first three weekends of December on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 pm. To hitch a ride, just line up on the corner of East Pine between Higgins Ave. and the Missoula Art Museum.

These carriage rides are sponsored by the Downtown Missoula Partnership and other local businesses. Want to sponsor a weekend round of carriage rides? Visit our event sponsorship page to learn more.

FAQs

Where should I park for Holidays on Higgins?

Parking is free on weekends in all downtown parking spaces, including the parking garages. Leased spaces in garages are also available for public use on evenings and weekends—you will not be ticketed or towed.

Want to skip parking altogether? Ride the Line! Mountain Line offers zero-fare service, and all routes come downtown.

What is a stationary parade?

A stationary parade features floats that remain in place while visitors walk along the avenue to view them at their own pace. This allows for more interaction with displays and attractions. This format also opens up opportunities for more businesses and organizations to participate, supports the makers market, and lowers costs for parade entrants.

How should I dress for Holidays on Higgins?

It’s December in Montana—expect cold temperatures. Dress in warm layers, and don’t forget a hat and gloves. Burn barrels will be placed throughout the event site, but being prepared for the cold is essential. Bonus points for festive attire!

Can I bring dogs?

We strongly suggest the pups stay home! Otherwise, dogs must remain on a leash, be well-trained around people and children, and stay at least ten feet from food vendors.

How can I serve as a food vendor at Holidays on Higgins?

Food vendors are limited due to colder weather and the shorter evening schedule. Priority is given to vendors offering ready-to-eat snacks and treats such as popcorn, cotton candy, or candied nuts. Email [email protected] to inquire about availability.

How can I serve as a craft/art vendor at Holidays on Higgins?

Craft and art vendors must apply through the Missoula Makers Collective. Space is limited, and applications typically open in early October on their website.

Do I need to pay to participate in Holidays on Higgins?

No. Pictures with Santa, carriage rides, and the evening events are all free, thanks to generous sponsors.
Some daytime activities for children and adults may have a small fee.

Can I volunteer for Holidays on Higgins?

Yes. Volunteers are always needed to help with setup, teardown, and onsite activities. Contact [email protected] for more information.

What happened to the Parade of Lights?

After COVID, the Parade of Lights was rebranded and transformed into Holidays on Higgins to create a more interactive experience and reduce the challenges of coordinating a moving parade in downtown Missoula during winter.