2025 Holidays on Higgins In Downtown Missoula
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | All Day
Holidays on Higgins 2025 is coming up! Join us for a full day of admission-free festivities in Downtown Missoula on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as we kick off the holiday season. Discover all the magic and activities happening throughout the day below.
Don’t miss the evening highlight for Holidays on Higgins between 4:00–7:00 pm, including an official tree lighting, stationary parade, and makers market on North Higgins Avenue from Broadway to the XXXXS. Get ready for four blocks of holiday fun!
What Is Holidays on Higgins?
Holidays on Higgins is Downtown Missoula’s premier holiday celebration, held every year on the first Saturday in December. Formerly known as the Parade of Lights, the event has grown into a full-day community celebration that now features:
- Evening Stationary Float Parade on Higgins Avenue from Broadway to the XXXXs
- Tree lighting with Santa in front of the North Higgins Train Station
- Missoula Makers Collective Market with 40+ local makers
- Cozy bonfires and caroling
- All-day children’s and adult activities hosted by local businesses
- Meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Missoula Public Library
- Free horse-drawn carriage rides offered by Out West Wagon Rides
Who Hosts Holidays on Higgins?
Holidays on Higgins is hosted by the Downtown Missoula Partnership (DMP) and the Missoula Downtown Association. The event comes together with the support of the Holidays on Higgins Committee, the Missoula Makers Collective, and partners such as the Missoula Public Library and Out West Wagon Rides. It is especially made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses and event sponsors.
What Is the Impact of Holidays on Higgins?
Holidays on Higgins offers a completely admission-free, fun, and festive way to kick off the holiday season. People of all ages can find something to enjoy during this day-long event—whether it’s snapping a photo with Santa, taking a free carriage ride, sipping hot cocoa while browsing the maker’s market, or watching Santa illuminate the tree by the XXXXs.
The event also draws thousands of people to Downtown Missoula, helping bring in extra business for the fantastic stores, restaurants, and vendors in the area.
Schedule of Events
Photos with Santa
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Santa at the Missoula Public Library. Enjoy FREE photos with Santa and share your holiday wishes. MUST be in line by no later than 2:15 pm, as Santa has to check on his reindeer at 3 pm sharp! A special thanks to Ace Hardware for helping decorate the space!
FREE Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Out West Wagon Rides, you can line up on the corner of East Pine between Higgins Ave. and the Missoula Art Museum and take a free ride. These are first-come, first-served.
Beginning of Holidays on Higgins
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Holidays on Higgins kicks off! Enjoy stationary floats parked on Higgins from Broadway to the XXXXs, a Missoula Makers Collective Market with 30+ vendors, and cozy up to the burn barrels along Higgins. Stop by the Missoula Downtown Foundation tent for free hot chocolate.
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 will ascend a fire truck ladder to magically illuminate the tree and inaugurate the official start to 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.
All-Day Activities
Children’s Activities
All day during Holidays on Higgins, Missoula businesses host free to low-cost activities for children and their families.
Adult Activities at HOH
During Holidays on Higgins this year, the adults will also be able to join in on the fun and participate in different free to low-cost activities hosted by local businesses.
All Day Activities
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Tosca Olive Oils 10am-7pm
Offering complimentary cocktails, wine, and cocoa. Food starts at 4pm. Enjoy live music.
Montana Decor 12pm-5pm
Enjoy cookies and drinks along with 15% off storewide
Montana Gift Corral 10am-5pm
Complimentary huckleberry hot cocoa. Holiday-themed coloring sheets for kids will be offered.
Cranky Sam Public House 11am-12:30pm
Kids ornament making hosted by Frame of Mind. Brunch, food, and drinks available.
Missoula Makers Collective
Rubber stamp making workshop to create fun holiday cards and prints. All skill levels are welcome.
DryBar 11am-4pm
Enjoy free hot cocoa. With purchase of service, kids can pick from a complimentary addition: glitter, braid, or ribbon.
REVOLVR 11am-4pm
Hosting in-store beanie decorating while supplies last!
Zootown Arts Community Center 11am-5pm
Come by to create a cookie platter for Santa, an ornament, mug, or Hanukkah-inspired piece. The ZACC open bar will be available from 12pm-4pm. All creations will be fired and ready before December 23rd. Walk-ins only!
Iron Horse 11am-7pm
Hosting a Fairy Face painting event. $10 Offering holiday wands
Stationary Float Application
Does your business or organization want to host a stationary float at Holidays on Higgins? Apply today!
You have free rein over how you set up your stationary float — it just has to be fun and festive! We see floats from decorated trailers and karaoke setups to interactive winter wonderlands!
Apply Here
Missoula Makers Collective Market
The evening portion of Holidays on Higgins will include a holiday makers market with over 40+ talented artists and makers.
This portion of the event is coordinated by the Missoula Makers Collective Market. Visit their site here to learn how you can sell your art and crafts during the market. Space is limited!
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 thanks to sponsorship from TDS Fiber and Boone Karlberg P.C. 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.
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.
2025 Sponsors
