One of Missoula’s favorite holiday traditions is the annual Parade of Lights put on by the Missoula Downtown Association. That’s probably because it’s way more than just a parade!
Festivities are held on Dec. 3. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a special holiday story reading for kids at the Missoula Public Library and doesn’t stop until the Christmas tree is lit at the end of North Higgins Avenue that evening.
Here’s what’s on tap for this year’s festivities:
- 11:00 a.m.: Holiday storytime at the Missoula Public Library
- Noon: Drop-in holiday arts project and Ansel Adams tour at the Missoula Art Museum
- Noon – 5:00 p.m.: Cookie decorating at Bernice’s Bakery
- 1:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Photos with Santa at the Holiday Inn Downtown at Caras Park
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Free family Christmas films at The Roxy Theater
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Christmas card workshop at the Zootown Arts Community Center
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.: S’more making at A Carousel for Missoula
- 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Five Valleys Sweet Adelines Choir at the Holiday Inn Downtown at Caras Park
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Parson’s Ponies pony petting at Big Dipper
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Childbloom Guitar Program Bella Corda Guitar Quartet at Break Espresso
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Felt toy and ornament making at Selvedge Studio
- 6:00 p.m.: Parade of Lights on Higgins Avenue (runs from the Hip Strip to the XXXX statue at the north end of Higgins)
- ~6:40 p.m.: Lighting of the downtown Christmas tree at the XXXXs
For more information, or to sponsor or enter the parade, visit the Missoula Downtown Association’s Parade of Lights page.