The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and there's no better place to celebrate a magical holiday season and a cozy white Christmas than Montana's Big Sky Country! Nestled high in the Madison Mountains between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park, the small mountain town of Big Sky turns on all the charm in the holiday season with world-class skiing and snowboarding, bucket-list alpine activities off-the-slopes, and the magic of vibey après ski and beloved small-town holiday traditions.
The chances are you can tick off every item on your alpine bucket list in Big Sky, Montana! Best known for the "Biggest Skiing in America", Big Sky is a winter wonderland with alpine activities for every age and adventure level both on and off the slopes – and endless ways to celebrate the holiday season.
ALPINE ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
Fill your holidays with once-in-a-lifetime experiences you'll never forget in beautiful Big Sky, MT. When you're not exploring the biggest skiing in America at Big Sky Resort, you'll find a plethora of unique adventures to add to your holiday itinerary, many unique to Montana's beautiful Big Sky Country.
- Nordic Skiing at Big Sky Resort & Lone Mountain Ranch
- Headlamp Night Skiing on Andesite Mountain
- Sno-Go Bike Rentals & Lessons
- Ride the Ramcharger 8 chairlift to the Enchanted Forest
- Adventure Zipline & Nature Zipline Tours
- Winter Horseback Riding with a Wrangler
- Back-country Dog-Sledding Excursions
- Winter Tours of Yellowstone National Park
- Winter Fly Fishing on the famous Gallatin River
- Guided Snowshoe Tours
- Snowmobile Rentals & Tours
- Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch
- Montana Yurt Dinner on Lone Mountain
- Luxury Slopeside Day Spas
- Soak in natural hot springs
BIG SKY HOLIDAY SEASON CALENDAR
Kircliff Scenic Tour
Kircliff, perched at 11,166 feet, is a two-story glass observation deck reaching out over terrain shaped by millions of years.
WHEN: December 20th, 2025 through April 12th, 2026
Starting this winter season, take the new Explorer Gondola to the Lone Peak Tram and then step inside Kircliff, a two-story glass observation deck reaching out over terrain shaped by millions of years.
Local's Tip: To learn more & buy tickets click HERE!
Warren Miller's Performance Arts Center
WHEN: All Winter!
The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (WMPAC) opened its doors on March 12th, 2013 through a collaborative effort of the Big Sky Community, Friends of Big Sky Education, and the Big Sky School District. This incredible venue brings creative vision to the stage in Big Sky, through world-class acts, local performers, and community inspiration. The venue features only 280-seats that create an intimate experience, with dynamic sound and up-close visuals that draw in the audience members and engage the senses.
Local's Tip: Check out their schedule for this winter season HERE!
December to Remember
WHEN: December 12, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Big Sky. Join in on the fun throughout the month of December for festive events and activities for the whole family.
Enchanted Forest
WHEN: December 17, 2025 - March 28th, 2026
WHERE: Andesite Mountain
On December 17th enjoy a special lighting ceremony to open the Enchanted Forest for the winter. If you cannot make it that day, don't fret! The enchanted forest will be open through March 28th, 2026
Christmas Stroll
WHEN: December 12, 2025 – December 14, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Town Center, Nordic Center, & Meadow Village
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a long-standing Big Sky tradition – a weekend of family-friendly events and holiday cheer!
Full Schedule & Details
The Nutcracker
WHEN: December 14, 2025
TIME: 5:00 PM
WHERE: Warren Miller Performing Arts Center
A holiday favorite, see the classic Nutcracker performed by the renowned Montana Ballet Company right here at Big Sky's favorite local performing arts venue, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.
Get Tickets
Avalanche Dog Demo
WHEN: Wednesdays starting December 15, 2025
TIME: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
WHERE: Explorer Gondola Mid-Station
Meet the avalanche dogs of Big Sky Resort! Learn about the dogs, their training, and how they support our ski patrol team.
Pictures with Santa Claus
WHEN: December 23 - 24, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Explorer Gondola mid-station
Take your annual pictures with Santa Claus in Big Sky with the snowy mountain backdrop at the Explorer Gondola mid-station.
Letters to Santa
WHEN: December 21 - 24, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Kircliff
Embark on a wintery journey to the top of Lone Mountain and deliver your letters to Santa in his special mailbox.
Christmas Celebrations
WHEN: December 24th & 25th, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Celebrate Christmas at Big Sky Resort with fireworks, meetings with Santa, a celebratory feast, and more.
Skiing with Santa
WHEN: December 24th & 25th, 2025
Ski with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves! See them on the mountain and in the base areas on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
Christmas Religious Services
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Talus Room, Summit Hotel
Celebrate Christmas Eve with Catholic and non-denominational services at Big Sky Resort.
Fireworks & Torchlight Parade
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 8:00 PM
WHERE: Visible from Mountain Village
Watch a stream of lights ski down Andesite mountain and our traditional Christmas Eve fireworks show. Visible from Mountain Village.
Christmas Eve Dinner
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE: Huntley Dining Room
Gather around the dinner table to celebrate the holiday with delicious food and festive drinks. Reservations required.
Local's Tip: Make a reservation as soon as possible, spots fill up quick! Make a reservation HERE!
New Year's Eve
WHEN: December 31st, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Ring in the New Year with an evening of gourmet dining, live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks.
New Year's Eve Party
WHEN: December 31st, 2025
WHERE: Montana Jack
Indulge in a night of music, dancing, and celebration as we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 | 21+, tickets required.
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Big Sky Vacation Rentals
Take the hassle out of the holidays and make memories this holiday season with Big Sky Vacation Rentals! With BSVR you'll find your dream Montana home for the holidays together with exceptional guest services ranging from airport transportation and ski shipping services to grocery delivery and private chefs!
Browse our Big Sky vacation rentals to book online or give our team a call today at (888) 915-2878 to help you plan your holidays in Big Sky, MT. We live here, We Play here, We know Big Sky!
