Christmas Events for Kids in Billings (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Billings area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Food & Gift Festival in Billings on November 14 to Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings, which runs through December 31. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Montana, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Billings for 2026, in Billings
  • First: Holiday Food & Gift Festival, Billings, November 14. Runs latest: Holiday Nights at ZooMontana, Billings, through December 31
  • Free: Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre, First Friday Holiday Stroll, Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes!, Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus!, Holiday Playapalooza and Winter Concert with Slainte!
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Montana Christmas train rides page.

Billings Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Billings
Season
November 14 to December 31, 2026
Free events
6
Kinds of events
holiday show, Santa visit, holiday parade and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Billings Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Holiday Food & Gift Festival in Billings on November 14; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Billings? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Billings

13 confirmed events for kids in Billings, soonest first.

Billings: Holiday Food & Gift Festival

Santa visitMetraPark · Billings

Host
MetraPark (opens in a new tab)
Where
MetraPark Expo Center, 308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Sat November 14 and Sun November 15, 2026
Cost
Not stated on the listing
Ages
Whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Holiday Food and Gift Festival is described as Billings' largest shopping event of the season and a festive tradition for the whole family. More than 200 vendors sell unique gifts and specialty foods.

Live performances run through the event, and children can hand their wish list to Santa. The festival is held at the MetraPark Expo Center on November 14 and 15, 2026. The listing does not give hours or ticket prices, so check the MetraPark website before you go. It is a good early season outing for families who want to shop and meet Santa in one stop, and the large indoor space keeps everyone out of the cold.

Parent tip: Hours and admission are not on the listing, so check MetraPark first. Expect crowds on Saturday.

See dates and details from MetraPark (opens in a new tab)

Billings: 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky

Holiday paradeDowntown Billings Alliance · Billings

Host
Downtown Billings Alliance (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Billings parade route, 2nd Ave N and N 32nd St, Billings, MT 59101
When
Friday, November 27, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
No tickets or fees listed
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Christmas Under the Big Sky is the 41st edition of the annual downtown Billings holiday parade, held on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. The parade steps off at 6:30 pm and features more than 60 festive floats, making it one of the city's biggest holiday kickoff traditions for families.

Santa rides at the very end as the parade finale, so stay until the last float passes if your children are hoping to wave to him. Downtown Billings lists the starting point near 2nd Avenue North and North 32nd Street by Granite Tower, and in recent years the route has looped along 2nd Avenue North, North Broadway and 3rd Avenue North. Late November evenings in Billings are cold, so plan on warm layers, hats and blankets, and arrive early to find a good curbside spot along the route.

Parent tip: Santa is the final entry, so plan to stay to the end. Parade staging and line-up details are posted by Downtown Billings in November.

See dates and details from Downtown Billings Alliance (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre

Holiday showFreeHistoric Babcock Theatre · Billings

Host
Historic Babcock Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Babcock Theatre, 2810 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Friday, November 27, 2026, 3 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The historic Babcock Theatre invites families to a free screening of the holiday comedy Elf on Friday, November 27, 2026. The listing shows a 3:00 pm start.

The event is billed as a way to gather the whole family for a festive afternoon, and admission costs nothing. It falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which makes it an easy plan when school is out. The listing does not mention registration or concessions, so check with the theatre if you want details. A second holiday film, Home Alone, plays the next day, Saturday, November 28, so families can plan a holiday movie weekend downtown. Since seating details are not listed, arriving a little early is the safest way to get a good spot for the kids.

Parent tip: Free, but arrive early since seating may be limited. Confirm any ticket or registration needs with the theatre.

See dates and details from Historic Babcock Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

Holiday lightsZooMontana · Billings

Host
ZooMontana (opens in a new tab)
Where
ZooMontana, 2100 Shiloh Rd, Billings, MT 59106
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (check zoo for open nights and hours)
Cost
Not stated on the listing
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Holiday Nights turns ZooMontana into a lit winter wonderland, and Visit Billings calls it one of the city's biggest holiday traditions. The zoo reports more than 15 million twinkling lights, larger than life holiday displays and festive activities.

Roaming Christmas characters and visits with Santa are part of the experience, and USA Today ranked it the nation's No. 4 ZooLights in 2023. The run is listed for November 27 through December 31, 2026. The listing does not state ticket prices or the nightly hours, so check the zoo's website for open nights, times and any timed tickets before you plan the trip. Most of the walk is outdoors, so bundle up the whole family and plan for a cold Montana evening.

Parent tip: Confirm open nights, hours and ticket prices with the zoo, and dress for Montana winter weather.

See dates and details from ZooMontana (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Home Alone at the Historic Babcock Theatre

Holiday showHistoric Babcock Theatre · Billings

Host
Historic Babcock Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Babcock Theatre, 2810 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Cost
Not stated
Ages
Whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The historic Babcock Theatre in downtown Billings shows the holiday classic Home Alone on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Visit Billings describes it as a festive screening of the beloved film.

The listing does not give a showtime or ticket price, so check the theatre before you go. Home Alone is a good pick for school age children who are ready for slapstick comedy. The theatre also screened Elf the day before, on Friday, November 27, so families can plan a holiday movie weekend. Seating and concessions details are not listed, so it helps to call ahead or check the theatre's own page for current information.

Parent tip: Showtime and price are not on the listing, so confirm with the Babcock Theatre first.

See dates and details from Historic Babcock Theatre (opens in a new tab)

Billings: The Nutcracker Ballet

Holiday showAlberta Bair Theater · Billings

Host
Alberta Bair Theater (opens in a new tab)
Where
Alberta Bair Theater, 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Sat November 28 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 pm), 2026
Cost
Tickets required; price not stated
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Nutcracker comes to the Alberta Bair Theater with dazzling dance, colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's score performed live by the Billings Symphony. Visit Billings lists three performances over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Shows are Saturday, November 28, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, November 29, at 2:00 pm. The matinees are the best fit for younger children. Tickets are sold through the theater, and the listing does not state prices. A holiday ballet is a classic family tradition, and the live orchestra adds to the experience. The theater is in downtown Billings on 3rd Avenue North, with parking nearby. Arrive early to settle in, since young children often need a few minutes to get comfortable before the curtain rises.

Parent tip: Choose a matinee for younger kids, and buy tickets through the theater in advance.

See dates and details from Alberta Bair Theater (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Festival of Trees

Holiday showMetraPark · Billings

Host
MetraPark (opens in a new tab)
Where
MetraPark Montana Pavilion, 308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026 to Saturday, December 5, 2026 (Thu to Sat)
Cost
Not stated on the listing
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Festival of Trees fills the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark with dozens of custom designed Christmas trees. Visitors wander the rows, take in the decorating ideas and shop at a craft and gift show.

Entertainment runs throughout the three day event, which is listed for Thursday through Saturday, December 3 to 5, 2026. The listing does not give daily hours or admission prices, so check the MetraPark website for details. It is an easy indoor outing for families on a cold Montana weekend, and children enjoy picking a favorite tree among the many themes on display. Because the festival spans three days, families can choose a weekday evening or the weekend to avoid the largest crowds.

Parent tip: Daily hours and admission are not listed, so check MetraPark before you go.

See dates and details from MetraPark (opens in a new tab)

Billings: First Friday Holiday Stroll

Holiday eventFreeVisit Billings · Billings

Host
Visit Billings (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Billings, Montana Ave, Billings, MT 59101
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Downtown Billings celebrates the season with a First Friday holiday stroll. Local shops and businesses keep extended hours and offer seasonal specials, festive drinks and treats, and displays from local and regional artists.

The listing mentions holiday events throughout the evening, and the stroll runs from 5 to 9 pm on Friday, December 4, 2026. Admission is free. It is a casual way to see the downtown decorations with children, stopping for hot chocolate and a look in the windows. Parking is on the street and in nearby lots, and the walk is easy to cut short if little ones get cold. Each business sets its own specials, so expect a mix of shopping, snacks and decorations rather than one single program.

Parent tip: Dress warmly for walking between shops. The listing does not name specific kids activities.

See dates and details from Visit Billings (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes!

Holiday showFreeBillings Public Library · Billings

Host
Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Billings Public Library, 510 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Everyone
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Billings Symphony Orchestra flutist Laura Reineking leads her Magic City Flutes, an ensemble of piccolo, alto and bass flutes, in a free winter concert at the Billings Public Library. The group plays under the library's oculus.

The program includes Santa's Symphony, In the Bleak Midwinter, We Three Kings, Twelve Plus Days of Christmas, A Renaissance Noel, and Let It Snow. It runs from 11:00 am to noon on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The concert is listed for everyone, so children can come along, and a Saturday morning slot is easy for families. It is the first of three winter concerts the library schedules on consecutive Saturdays in December.

Parent tip: Free and open to all ages. Seating is in the open atrium, so arrive a few minutes early.

See dates and details from Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus!

Holiday showFreeBillings Public Library · Billings

Host
Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Billings Public Library, 510 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Everyone
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Billings Public Library hosts a free winter concert with the Big Sky Chorus on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to noon. The calendar lists it as a performance for everyone.

The concert takes place on the first floor under the library's oculus, in the same open space as the other Saturday winter concerts in the series. The library calendar does not list the song titles for this performance. Because admission is free and there is no registration, it is easy to drop in with children for part of the hour. Pair it with a visit to the children's area before or after the show, and check the library's page for any schedule changes.

Parent tip: Drop-in and free. The song list is not posted, so expect a general winter and holiday program.

See dates and details from Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Holiday Playapalooza

Story time with SantaFreeWestern Heritage Center · Billings

Host
Western Heritage Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
Western Heritage Center, 2822 Montana Ave, Billings, MT 59101
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Family-friendly
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Western Heritage Center hosts a free, family-friendly holiday party on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm. The listing mentions festive stories, heritage games and crafts, face painting and family photos.

ZooMontana brings animals for encounters, and Santa makes a special visit. With several stations to drift between, families can stay for a short stop or the whole four hours. The museum is on Montana Avenue in downtown Billings, which makes it easy to pair with lunch nearby. Call the center at 406-256-6809 or visit ywhc.org for any updates to the schedule. Because the event is free, families can stay as long as they like and try each activity at their own pace.

Parent tip: Free and drop-in, so you can come and go. Call 406-256-6809 for current details.

See dates and details from Western Heritage Center (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Winter Concert with Slainte!

Holiday showFreeBillings Public Library · Billings

Host
Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Billings Public Library, 510 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Everyone
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Billings Public Library closes its December concert series with a free winter concert by Slainte on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to noon. The event is listed for everyone and does not require registration.

Like the earlier concerts on December 5 and 12, it is held on the first floor under the library oculus. The calendar page does not describe the repertoire, so check the library's event page for any updates. A free Saturday morning performance just before Christmas is an easy outing for families, and the library building has plenty of space to browse afterward for holiday books and movies. The library's hours and parking information are on its website if you are visiting for the first time.

Parent tip: Free and drop-in. The program is not described on the calendar, so verify details with the library.

See dates and details from Billings Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Billings: Billings Community Band Winter Concert

Holiday showAlberta Bair Theater · Billings

Host
Alberta Bair Theater (opens in a new tab)
Where
Alberta Bair Theater, 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
When
Sunday, December 20, 2026, 3 pm
Cost
Affordable ticketed concert; price not stated
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Billings Community Band presents a winter concert at the Alberta Bair Theater on Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Visit Billings describes it as an affordable concert for all ages.

A Sunday afternoon start works well for families with school age children. The listing does not name the program or give ticket prices, so check the theater for details and to buy seats. Live community music is a gentle introduction to concert going for kids, and the timing is just days before Christmas. The theater is in downtown Billings, and the afternoon time leaves the evening free. Look for family seating details when you buy tickets so that everyone in your group can sit together.

Parent tip: Program and prices are not posted on the listing, so check with the theater.

See dates and details from Alberta Bair Theater (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Montana Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Missoula. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Billings Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Billings in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Billings for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Food & Gift Festival in Billings (November 14), 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky in Billings (November 27), Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre in Billings (November 27), Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings (November 27), Home Alone at the Historic Babcock Theatre in Billings (November 28), The Nutcracker Ballet in Billings (November 28), Festival of Trees in Billings (December 3), First Friday Holiday Stroll in Billings (December 4), Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes! in Billings (December 5), Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus! in Billings (December 12), Holiday Playapalooza in Billings (December 19), Winter Concert with Slainte! in Billings (December 19) and Billings Community Band Winter Concert in Billings (December 20). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Billings, Montana?

For families in and around Billings, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Food & Gift Festival (Sat and Sun, Nov 14 to 15, not stated on the listing); 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky (Fri, Nov 27, 6:30 pm, no tickets or fees listed); Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre (Fri, Nov 27, 3 pm, free); Holiday Nights at ZooMontana (Nov 27 to Dec 31, 2026 (evenings), not stated on the listing); Home Alone at the Historic Babcock Theatre (Sat, Nov 28 (time not stated), not stated); The Nutcracker Ballet (Sat, Nov 28 at 2 and 7:30 pm; Sun, Nov 29 at 2 pm, tickets required; price not stated); Festival of Trees (Thu to Sat, Dec 3 to 5, not stated on the listing); First Friday Holiday Stroll (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 9 pm, free); Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes! (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to noon, free); Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus! (Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to noon, free); Holiday Playapalooza (Sat, Dec 19, 10 am to 2 pm, free); Winter Concert with Slainte! (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to noon, free); Billings Community Band Winter Concert (Sun, Dec 20, 3 pm, affordable ticketed concert; price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Billings section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Billings?

Yes. 6 of the 13 events here are free: Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre in Billings, First Friday Holiday Stroll in Billings, Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes! in Billings, Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus! in Billings, Holiday Playapalooza in Billings and Winter Concert with Slainte! in Billings. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Billings this December?

Santa appears at Holiday Food & Gift Festival in Billings (November 14), 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky in Billings (November 27), Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings (November 27) and Holiday Playapalooza in Billings (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Billings?

Holiday story times on this page: Holiday Playapalooza in Billings. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Billings on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings (through December 31).

How much is Holiday Food & Gift Festival in Billings?

Not stated on the listing. Holiday Food & Gift Festival is on Sat November 14 and Sun November 15, 2026 at MetraPark Expo Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky in Billings?

No tickets or fees listed. 41st Annual Holiday Parade: Christmas Under the Big Sky is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 6:30 pm at Downtown Billings parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre in Billings?

Free. Elf at the Historic Babcock Theatre is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 3 pm at Babcock Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings?

Not stated on the listing. Holiday Nights at ZooMontana is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (check zoo for open nights and hours) at ZooMontana. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Home Alone at the Historic Babcock Theatre in Billings?

Not stated. Home Alone at the Historic Babcock Theatre is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Babcock Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker Ballet in Billings?

Tickets required; price not stated. The Nutcracker Ballet is on Sat November 28 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Sun November 29 (2 pm), 2026 at Alberta Bair Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Trees in Billings?

Not stated on the listing. Festival of Trees is on Thursday, December 3, 2026 to Saturday, December 5, 2026 (Thu to Sat) at MetraPark Montana Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is First Friday Holiday Stroll in Billings?

Free. First Friday Holiday Stroll is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Downtown Billings. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes! in Billings?

Free. Winter Concert with Magic City Flutes! is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to noon at Billings Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus! in Billings?

Free. Winter Concert with Big Sky Chorus! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to noon at Billings Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Playapalooza in Billings?

Free. Holiday Playapalooza is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm at Western Heritage Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Concert with Slainte! in Billings?

Free. Winter Concert with Slainte! is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to noon at Billings Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Billings Community Band Winter Concert in Billings?

Affordable ticketed concert; price not stated. Billings Community Band Winter Concert is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 3 pm at Alberta Bair Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Billings?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Billings Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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