Downtown Holiday Happenings 2023 Connect to the Holiday Spirit in Downtown Missoula!

There are many ways to experience the Heart of Missoula, support local businesses, and connect to your community during the Holidays this year! You can find all the information you need to support Downtown’s small businesses and experience holiday cheer right here.

Get into the holiday spirit and come Downtown for these annual events!

Small Business Saturday

This holiday season, all Missoulians are encouraged to support our local economy and small businesses by shopping and dining in Downtown Missoula during Small Business Season. Downtown businesses are extending hours of operation, offering special promotions, and providing personal touches and connections along the way. Downtown will hold Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023.

Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest

Take a stroll through Downtown and take in the holiday lights and displays created by our Downtown businesses. Vote for your favorites in five categories November 24-December 14.

Downtown Carriage Rides

A holiday season favorite returns to Downtown! FREE carriage rides will be available on weekends in December 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17 from 12-4pm. Located on E. Pine Street (near the Missoula Art Museum Art Park). Carriage rides provided by The Resort at Paws Up.

Holidays on Higgins

December 2, 2023

All day: Family friendly activities throughout Downtown all day

11am-3pm: Santa at the Missoula Public Library. Must be in line by no later than 2:30 pm (Santa has to check on his reindeer at 3pm sharp!).

4-7pm: Holiday Stroll – view floats parked along Higgins from Broadway to the XXXXs. 

4-7pm: Winter Makers Market from Spruce to the XXXX’s

Lighting of the Downtown Holiday Tree

December 2: the lighting of the Downtown Holiday tree will take place at 6:00pm, the evening of Holidays on Higgins.

Teddy Bear Tea Parties

The time has come to share the magic of Christmas with your children! The annual Teddy Bear Tea Parties will be held through the holiday season, taking children on a journey with Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus.

Teddy Bear Teas is an event most enjoyable for children 2-10 years of age. Children are invited to dress up and bring their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to this magical holiday tea party while they enjoy music, stories, and a holiday craft.

Teddy Bear Teas will be December 9th and 10th in the Governors Room of The Florence Building.

Small businesses are the backbone of the Missoula-area economy, and many locally-owned small businesses have been drastically impacted by the pandemic. This holiday season, all Missoulians are encouraged to support our local economy and small businesses by shopping in Downtown Missoula during Small Business Season. Downtown businesses are extending hours of operation, offering special promotions, and providing personal touches and connections along the way.

Small Business Saturday in Downtown: November 25
Full listings of Downtown’s retail locations can be found HERE.

Small businesses are the backbone of the Missoula-area economy, and many locally-owned small businesses have been drastically impacted by the pandemic. This holiday season, all Missoulians are encouraged to support our local economy and small businesses by dining in Downtown Missoula during Small Business Season. Downtown businesses are extending hours of operation, offering special promotions, and providing personal touches and connections along the way.

Small Business Saturday in Downtown: November 25
Full listings of Downtown’s dining locations can be found HERE.

Having trouble coming up with a gift for the person who has everything? Aren’t sure what to get your employees this year? The holiday hustle and bustle is made easier thanks to the Downtown Gift Card! Accepted at over 200 local businesses, the Missoula Downtown Gift Card and is the most versatile gift in Missoula. Each year, over $400,000 is redeemed at our Downtown businesses thanks to the Downtown gift card meaning money stays in our local community. Put your money where your heart is and order your gift cards today!

Three ways to purchase Missoula Downtown Gift Cards:

  1. Purchase at the Downtown Missoula Partnership (218 E. Main) or at the Paddleheads Post (140 N. Higgins)
  2. Order online for quick and easy pick-up at the Downtown Missoula Partnership
  3. Order online and have your card(s) shipped directly to you or wherever you’d like them to go

Downtown Missoula is many things to many people, and the new Heritage Missoula Plan showcases the collective fabric that defines and distinguishes Missoula from other places. With the goal of enhancing Missoula’s Spirit of Place, the Missoula Downtown Foundation is focused on creating authentic Missoula experiences that help preserve our Spirit of Place.

Funds raised will help with implementation of the new Heritage Missoula Interpretive Trail, complete with bronze medallions and information kiosks that tell the unique stories of Missoula: past and present. Funds will also help with street décor expansion and improvements, including additional holiday lighting and boulevard banners.

More information can be found HERE.

While Downtown may be the Heartbeat of Missoula, our community is stronger when ALL of Missoula’s businesses thrive. For additional information on other businesses in Missoula, connect with the organizations below: