Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! 22nd Annual Holidays on Higgins Brings Magic to Downtown Missoula
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN! 22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAYS ON HIGGINS BRINGS MAGIC TO DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
Downtown Missoula is set to transform into a winter wonderland on Saturday, December 7, with the return of the 22nd annual Holidays on Higgins. Sponsored by TrailWest Bank and Windfall, this festive celebration offers a full day of activities, traditions, and seasonal fun for all ages, produced by the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA).
Santa Claus arrives at 11 am at the Missoula Public Library, located at 455 E. Main Street. Families can meet Santa and capture their own photos with him from 11 am-3 pm, but be sure to be in line before 2:15 pm, as Santa departs promptly at 3 pm to tend to his reindeer.
Adding to the holiday charm, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered in partnership with Out West Wagon Rides and sponsored by Park Side Credit Union. The rides will run from noon to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22. Starting at the Missoula Art Park at Pine and Pattee, these festive rides will be first-come, first-served.
Families can enjoy a full day of festive family activities hosted by over 20 Downtown businesses. From writing letters to Santa at Noteworthy to crafting custom beanies at Revolvr, there’s an array of creative, budget-friendly experiences to enjoy together. A complete schedule of activities can be found online at www.missouladowntown.com/holidays-on-higgins.
From 4-7 pm, Higgins Avenue will shine with holiday magic, featuring stationary floats and the lively Missoula Makers Collective Market. With over 40 local vendors, the market is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Adding to the festive vibe, Tuba Santas, carolers, and spirited dancers will fill the avenue with joyful sounds and sights. Cozy burn barrels will provide a warm gathering spot, while the Missoula Downtown Foundation provides free hot chocolate and the Rhino serves seasonal adult beverages.
The day culminates with the grand finale, the Lighting of the Tree at 6 pm where Santa and Mrs. Claus will join carolers and festivalgoers to light the holiday tree, officially kicking off the season in Downtown Missoula.
“This event truly captures the joy and magic of the holiday season,” said Jed Liston, President of the MDA Board of Directors. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, create lasting memories, and celebrate all that makes Downtown Missoula so special during this time of year.”
The holiday fun doesn’t end there. The Missoula Downtown Association will host its Teddy Bear Tea Parties at the Residence Inn Lobby next weekend on December 14-15. These charming events offer a fun and memorable experience for families. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.missouladowntown.com/teddy-bear-tea.
For more details about Holidays on Higgins and other Downtown Missoula holiday events, visit missouladowntown.com or contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership at (406) 543-4238 or [email protected].