The Missoula area has 9 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting in Huson on November 13 to Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall in Missoula, which runs through December 24. 2 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
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Missoula for 2026, in Missoula and Huson
- First: Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting, Huson, November 13. Runs latest: Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall, Missoula, through December 24
- Free: Downtown Carriage Rides and Holidays on Higgins 2026
- 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.
Missoula Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Missoula and Huson
- Season
- November 13 to December 24, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, tree lighting, Santa visit and holiday event
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Missoula Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting in Huson on November 13; the last runs to December 24. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Old-Fashioned Tree LightingHuson · Nov 13
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletMissoula · Nov 23
- Photos with Santa at Southgate MallMissoula · Nov 28 to Dec 24
- Disney's Frozen The MusicalMissoula · Dec 3 to Dec 20
- Holidays on Higgins 2026Missoula · Dec 5
- Enchanted Christmas VillageHuson · Dec 5 to Dec 12
- Downtown Carriage RidesMissoula · Dec 5 to Dec 20
- Teddy Bear Tea PartyMissoula · Dec 12 to Dec 13
- Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual NutcrackerMissoula · Dec 18 to Dec 20
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Missoula? 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.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
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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 Missoula
7 confirmed events for kids in Missoula, soonest first.
Missoula: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Holiday showNutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet · Missoula
- Host
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- George and Jane Dennison Theatre, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812
- When
- Monday, November 23, 2026, 7 pm
- Cost
- Tickets required; price not stated
- Ages
- Family show
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet is billed as the largest Nutcracker production in North America. The show features world class international dancers, gravity defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets, all set to Tchaikovsky's score.
The Missoula stop is a single performance on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the George and Jane Dennison Theatre on the University of Montana campus. The promoters pitch it as a holiday memory the whole family will treasure. Tickets are sold through the tour's ticketing page, and the listing does not state prices. The evening start on a school night may be late for the youngest children. The tour's website handles ticket sales, so check it for the latest seating information.
Parent tip: Weeknight 7 pm show, so plan for a later bedtime. Buy tickets through the tour's ticket page.
See dates and details from Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall
Santa visitSouthgate Mall · Missoula
- Host
- Southgate Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (see website for day specific hours)
- Cost
- Packages vary; reservation online
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Southgate Mall offers photo sessions with Santa from November 28 through December 24, 2026. The listing promises real-bearded Santas and beautifully designed sets, plus pet-friendly days on select dates.
Families can reserve a session ahead of time, and there is a range of dates and packages. Hours differ by day, so the listing sends visitors to the event website for the day specific schedule. It is a good option for toddlers and babies as well as older children, and a pet friendly day lets the family dog join the picture. Prices depend on the package you choose, so look at the options online before you book a time slot.
Parent tip: Reserve online for your preferred day, and check the website for hours and pet-friendly dates.
See dates and details from Southgate Mall (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Disney's Frozen The Musical
Holiday showMissoula Children's Theatre · Missoula
- Host
- Missoula Children's Theatre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Missoula Children's Theatre, 200 N Adams St, Missoula, MT 59802
- When
- Thu December 3 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 4 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 5 (2 to 10 pm), Sun December 6 (2 to 4:30 pm), Thu December 10 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 10 pm), Sun December 13 (2 to 9 pm), Thu December 17 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 18 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 10 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 to 9 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required; price not stated
- Ages
- Family show
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Missoula Children's Theatre presents Disney's Frozen The Musical, the stage version of the story of sisters Anna and Elsa, whose kingdom is trapped in eternal winter. Along the way Anna meets Kristoff, his reindeer Sven and the snowman Olaf.
The run opens December 3, 2026, with a premiere party, and continues through December 20. Evening shows start at 7:30 pm, with some Sunday evening performances at 6:30 pm, and there are 2:00 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The matinees are the easiest fit for younger children. Tickets are sold through the Missoula Children's Theatre ticket system, and the listing does not state prices. The Missoula Children's Theatre is in downtown Missoula, and the show is a good first theater outing for many children.
Parent tip: Pick a weekend matinee for young children, and buy tickets in advance since popular dates can sell out.
See dates and details from Missoula Children's Theatre (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Downtown Carriage Rides
Holiday eventFreeDowntown Missoula Partnership · Missoula
- Host
- Downtown Missoula Partnership (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Pine Street between Higgins Ave and the Missoula Art Museum, E Pine St, Missoula, MT 59802
- When
- Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Downtown Missoula Partnership hosts free carriage rides through December. Out West Wagon Rides guides the carriages, and the rides cost nothing. They are offered on a first come, first served basis.
To take a ride, line up on the corner of East Pine Street between Higgins Avenue and the Missoula Art Museum. The Destination Missoula calendar lists weekend dates of December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13, and December 19 and 20, 2026, from 12 to 3 pm. A ride pairs well with Holidays on Higgins on December 5 or with a walk through the downtown shops. Dress warmly, because the carriages are open air.
Parent tip: First come, first served, so expect a line on busy afternoons. Bundle up for the open air ride.
See dates and details from Downtown Missoula Partnership (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Holidays on Higgins 2026
Tree lightingFreeMissoula Downtown Partnership · Missoula
- Host
- Missoula Downtown Partnership (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Missoula (North Higgins Avenue) and Missoula Public Library, North Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59802
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free admission; some daytime activities may have a small fee
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holidays on Higgins fills North Higgins Avenue in downtown Missoula with a full day of seasonal fun on Saturday, December 5, 2026. More than 30 local businesses and organizations host family-friendly arts and crafts and other daytime activities, and the evening festivities run from 3 to 7 pm with live caroling, Irish dancing, music, a hay bale and fire area, and a s'mores bar.
Santa arrives at the Missoula Public Library by carriage and meets families on the second floor from 11 am to 3 pm. Photos with him are free, but there is no professional photographer, so bring your own camera or phone. Free carriage rides run from noon to 3 pm and line up on East Pine Street. At 6 pm Santa and the mayor ride a fire truck ladder up to light the tree in front of the North Higgins train station.
Parent tip: Get in the Santa line at the library by 2:15 pm, since Santa leaves at 3 pm to check on his reindeer. Bring your own camera for photos.
See dates and details from Missoula Downtown Partnership (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Teddy Bear Tea Party
Story time with Mrs. ClausDowntown Missoula Partnership · Missoula
- Host
- Downtown Missoula Partnership (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Residence Inn Missoula Downtown, 125 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802
- When
- Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Not stated; see host page
- Ages
- Ages 2 to 10
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Teddy Bear Tea Party takes children on a journey with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The organizers say it is most enjoyable for children ages 2 to 10, who are invited to dress up and bring a favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal.
Guests enjoy music, stories and a holiday craft during the tea. The parties are held at the Residence Inn Downtown on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, 2026, with the listing showing 11 am to 3 pm. The listing does not state ticket prices or the individual seating times, so check the Downtown Missoula Partnership page for how to reserve a spot before you plan your visit. Reserving early is wise, since tea parties like this tend to fill quickly.
Parent tip: Check the host page for ticket prices and seating times, and reserve early if tickets are required.
See dates and details from Downtown Missoula Partnership (opens in a new tab)Missoula: Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual Nutcracker
Holiday showGarden City Ballet · Missoula
- Host
- Garden City Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Montana Theatre, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812
- When
- Fri December 18 (7 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (1 to 9 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 9 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required; price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Garden City Ballet presents its 42nd annual Nutcracker, a full length classical ballet with 125 local dancers and performers. Professional guest artists Nicole Assaad dances the Sugar Plum Fairy and Brian Gonzalez dances the Cavalier.
The company calls it a treasured Missoula tradition that delights audiences of all ages, and a nonprofit mission to preserve the town's Nutcracker for its children. Performances are at the Montana Theatre on the University of Montana campus: Friday, December 18, at 7:00 pm; Saturday, December 19, at 1:00 and 7:00 pm; and Sunday, December 20, at 1:00 and 7:00 pm, 2026. The afternoon shows are the best bet for younger children.
Parent tip: Buy tickets through Garden City Ballet. Choose a 1 pm show for young children.
See dates and details from Garden City Ballet (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Huson
2 confirmed events for kids in Huson, soonest first.
Huson: Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting
Tree lighting9 Mile Schoolhouse · Huson
- Host
- 9 Mile Schoolhouse (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- 9 Mile Schoolhouse, 18815 Remount Rd, Huson, MT 59846 (near Missoula)
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Not stated
- Ages
- Neighbors and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 9 Mile Schoolhouse in Huson invites the community to a warm, old-fashioned welcome to the holiday season. Guests gather to light the big Christmas tree, sing carols together and hear which nonprofit organization was chosen to honor this year.
The event runs from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, November 13, 2026. The organizers describe it as a chance to slow down before the holiday rush and enjoy time with friends and neighbors. The listing does not state a price or mention activities specifically for children, but a carol sing and tree lighting suit families. The schoolhouse is west of Missoula on Remount Road.
Parent tip: Evening event in November, so bring warm layers. Check the schoolhouse website for any updates.
See dates and details from 9 Mile Schoolhouse (opens in a new tab)Huson: Enchanted Christmas Village
Story time with Santa9 Mile Schoolhouse · Huson
- Host
- 9 Mile Schoolhouse (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- 9 Mile Schoolhouse, 18815 Remount Rd, Huson, MT 59846 (near Missoula)
- When
- Sat December 5 and Sat December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Not stated; some food and activities may cost extra
- Ages
- Activities for all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Enchanted Christmas Village at the 9 Mile Schoolhouse in Huson is a small-town holiday day without long lines. Kids can ride the Country Train, write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mailroom, pet and ride a pony, get their face painted, and finish a scavenger hunt for a prize.
There is live caroling, a tour of the historic Teacherage, a sweet story by the cozy fireside, and a photo with Santa as a keepsake. A homemade soup or hot dog lunch and cocoa are available, and families can take home a cookie decorating kit or a handmade local wreath. The village runs 11 am to 3 pm on both December 5 and December 12, 2026. The schoolhouse is about a half hour west of Missoula.
Parent tip: Dress for the weather, since many activities are outdoors. Check the schoolhouse website for prices.
See dates and details from 9 Mile Schoolhouse (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 Billings. 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.
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 AmazonMissoula Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Missoula in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Missoula for 2026 on each host’s own page: Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting in Huson (November 13), Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Missoula (November 23), Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall in Missoula (November 28), Disney's Frozen The Musical in Missoula (December 3), Downtown Carriage Rides in Missoula (December 5), Enchanted Christmas Village in Huson (December 5), Holidays on Higgins 2026 in Missoula (December 5), Teddy Bear Tea Party in Missoula (December 12) and Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual Nutcracker in Missoula (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Missoula, Montana?
For families in and around Missoula, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Mon, Nov 23, 7 pm, tickets required; price not stated); Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall (Nov 28 to Dec 24 (see website for hours), packages vary; reservation online); Disney's Frozen The Musical (Dec 3 to 20; Thu to Sat evenings, plus Sat and Sun matinees, tickets required; price not stated); Downtown Carriage Rides (Dec 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20, 12 to 3 pm, free); Holidays on Higgins 2026 (Sat, Dec 5; Santa 11 am to 3 pm, tree lighting 6 pm, free admission; some daytime activities may have a small fee); Teddy Bear Tea Party (Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 11 am to 3 pm, not stated; see host page); Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual Nutcracker (Dec 18 at 7 pm; Dec 19 and 20 at 1 and 7 pm, tickets required; price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Missoula section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Huson, Montana?
For families in and around Huson, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting (Fri, Nov 13, 6 to 8 pm, not stated); Enchanted Christmas Village (Sat, Dec 5 and Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 3 pm, not stated; some food and activities may cost extra). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Huson section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Missoula?
Yes. 2 of the 9 events here are free: Downtown Carriage Rides in Missoula and Holidays on Higgins 2026 in Missoula. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Missoula this December?
Santa appears at Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall in Missoula (November 28), Enchanted Christmas Village in Huson (December 5), Holidays on Higgins 2026 in Missoula (December 5) and Teddy Bear Tea Party in Missoula (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Missoula?
Holiday story times on this page: Enchanted Christmas Village in Huson and Teddy Bear Tea Party in Missoula. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Missoula?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Teddy Bear Tea Party in Missoula (Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 11 am to 3 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Missoula on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall in Missoula (through December 24).
How much is Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting in Huson?
Not stated. Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 13, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at 9 Mile Schoolhouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Missoula?
Tickets required; price not stated. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Monday, November 23, 2026, 7 pm at George and Jane Dennison Theatre, University of Montana. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall in Missoula?
Packages vary; reservation online. Photos with Santa at Southgate Mall is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (see website for day specific hours) at Southgate Mall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Disney's Frozen The Musical in Missoula?
Tickets required; price not stated. Disney's Frozen The Musical is on Thu December 3 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 4 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 5 (2 to 10 pm), Sun December 6 (2 to 4:30 pm), Thu December 10 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 10 pm), Sun December 13 (2 to 9 pm), Thu December 17 (7:30 to 10 pm), Fri December 18 (7:30 to 10 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 10 pm) and Sun December 20 (2 to 9 pm), 2026 at Missoula Children's Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Carriage Rides in Missoula?
Free. Downtown Carriage Rides is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 3 pm at East Pine Street between Higgins Ave and the Missoula Art Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Enchanted Christmas Village in Huson?
Not stated; some food and activities may cost extra. Enchanted Christmas Village is on Sat December 5 and Sat December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at 9 Mile Schoolhouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holidays on Higgins 2026 in Missoula?
Free admission; some daytime activities may have a small fee. Holidays on Higgins 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 7 pm at Downtown Missoula (North Higgins Avenue) and Missoula Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Teddy Bear Tea Party in Missoula?
Not stated; see host page. Teddy Bear Tea Party is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Residence Inn Missoula Downtown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual Nutcracker in Missoula?
Tickets required; price not stated. Garden City Ballet's 42nd Annual Nutcracker is on Fri December 18 (7 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (1 to 9 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 9 pm), 2026 at Montana Theatre, University of Montana. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Missoula?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Missoula 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.
