2023 Big Sky Christmas Stroll
Big Sky celebrates 26 years of community, giving and the holiday spirit.
Big Sky, MT: The streets of Big Sky will come alive during the 26th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll on December 8-10th. This community wide holiday celebration unites Big Sky Town Center, Meadow Village Center, Big Sky Resort, and our neighbors for a weekend of family fun and festivities.
The Stroll began in the Meadow Village Center in the winter of 1997 says Grant Jardine, Meadow Village Community Manager, and Chief of Alpine Property Management’s HOA Division. Our intimate gathering of locals and visitors alike came to celebrate the holidays and the beginning of the ski season. That first Christmas Stroll was very special for this community and that spirit lives on. It has grown with our community. The evening is jubilant with that holiday spirit. You can feel it in the air.
Now, twenty six years later the local tradition continues to be passed down to newcomers and the next generation of strollers. The community will gather at Meadow Village Center on Friday, December 8th at 5:30 p.m. for Santa’s arrival on a team of horses at Blue Ribbon Builders, the holiday tree lighting and photos with Santa at American Bank. The air will be filled with the sound of music as The Dickens Carolers and Lone Peak A Capella directed by John Zirkle will sing classic holiday songs as strollers enjoy the many open houses and offerings by Meadow Village merchants. Free sleigh rides by Lone Mountain Ranch will take guests on an east side meadow tour, over to the Chapel and down to the new Big Sky Resort Nordic Center. For the more adventurous strollers illuminated nordic skiing and winter use trails along the golf course will be available (weather dependent*), connecting Meadow Village to Big Sky Town Center.
The Stroll really is something special says Erik Morrison, Big Sky Town Center Marketing & Events Manager. The event has matured and expanded over the years, yet still maintains its classic communal holiday vibe. Shop owners open their doors and invite strollers in to share their hospitality and holiday cheer. Children and their families line up for glimpses of Santa Claus and the chance to share their Christmas list. Luminaries line streets and trails connecting neighborhoods around our mountain village and guide strollers and skiers to their next destination. Children and adults skate and enjoy games/programs on the ice, while the crowd gathers and warms themselves around the bonfire in anticipation for the fireworks to come. The scene is reminiscent of holidays past. An eclectic mix of cozy small mountain town holiday traditions and Rockefeller Center circa 1950. Hard to capture yet instantly felt. The community seems to love it!
Saturday, December 9th the Stroll celebration continues in Big Sky Town Center. Join our neighbors at Beehive Basin Brewery for their annual Stroll Pre Party from 3-5 p.m. Along with Big Sky’s best craft beer, strollers can enjoy their new full bar, live music, and s’mores by the fire. From there guests may continue their stroll on foot or wagon ride and enjoy the many holiday activities downtown. Stop in The Wilson Hotel for the 2nd Annual Big Sky Winter Market Presented By Bozeman Health. Enjoy a gathering of local artisans, crafters, cottage goods, and other mountain made businesses. BASE will also be hosting Santa’s Holiday Lounge presented by First Security Bank. Bring the family to come and meet Santa himself. After enjoying the many open houses and activities strollers are invited to gather outside and look to the eastern skies for a fireworks display at 8 p.m.
The Stroll is not the only thing we are celebrating. Ski season has just begun with currently 8 runs and 195 skiable acres open at Big Sky Resort. Take the weekend to make some lift serviced laps and get your ski legs back under you. Come ski, stroll and stay with us this weekend with special offers from our lodging partners. Save on Big Sky Resort lift tickets and lodging with their latest packages and promotions. Stay and stroll in the heart of Town Center that weekend with the special “Local’s Rate” by The Wilson Hotel. Call (406) 995-9000 and mention it when booking with concierge for the best deal on rooms downtown. Enjoy a classic Big Sky Christmas Stroll experience like no other at the historic Lone Mountain Ranch. Save 25% off when booking their Bed and Breakfast package December 7th – 12th.
It’s easy to see Big Sky is the place to be this holiday season. Come join the fun. For more information about the 26th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll and the online Stroll Guide (coming soon) visit: visitbigsky.com/christmas-stroll.
