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All January at Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery: BIG SKY WINTER | Photographs By Ryan Drewes
Over the next 8 months we will feature work from 8 emerging artists who are members of the Big Sky Artists Collective. In January, as we move into deep winter, our theme is BIG SKY WINTER. The photograph above, called “Minus 9” is by Ryan Drewes, one of the emerging members, and brings this theme to life.
We hang new work at the beginning of each month and always host a First Friday on the month event where the gallery stays open later. Come join us this Friday, January 2nd from 5 – 7pm to see new work and meet some of our artists.
We look forward to sharing new work each month!
Artist Talk With David Yarrow At The Waypoint Followed By Book Signing This Sunday At Courtney Collins Fine Art
Courtney Collins Fine Art invites you to join us at The Waypoint from 3-4pm this Sunday, January 4th for an Exclusive Artist Talk with David Yarrow. From there, join us and David from 4-6pm for a book signing of “The Collection”.
This book will be available for purchase at the gallery for $250 and also includes a digitally signed exclusive print of “King of the Shadows.” “The Collection” is a comprehensive retrospective of David’s work to date. This publication spans over four decades, featuring best-selling photographs and images from the genesis of his career to his most recent work.
Artist Talk – Sunday, January 4th | 3-4pm
The Big Sky Waypoint – 50 Ousel Falls Rd
Book Signing – Sunday, January 4th | 4-6pm
Courtney Collins Fine Art – 32 Town Center Ave Unit CI
All Eyes on Montana: Game Day at Tips Up
Tips Up Bar & Restaurant is going all-in for this Saturday’s Montana vs. Montana State showdown—dubbed one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sporting events in Montana history. To kick things off, Tips Up will be opening an hour early ahead of game time so fans don’t miss a moment. They’ll be running game-day drink specials featuring two MAP Brewing beers from Bozeman and two KettleHouse Brewing beers from Missoula. In the kitchen, Tab will be serving up Totchos (tater tot nachos) as a limited-run special, along with Duck Poutine—soon to debut on the new menu—and a classic Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Come early, grab a seat, and settle in for an unforgettable Montana rivalry at Tips Up.
Buck’s is Back! Grand Opening Event is Tomorrow, December 19th!
Head on down to Buck’s Roadhouse this Friday for their Grand Opening Celebration from 3-7:00pm!
Lone Mountain Land Company is proud to announce the grand reopening event of Buck’s Roadhouse at 46625 Gallatin Road in Big Sky on Friday, December 19, marking a new chapter for one of Montana’s most beloved and storied establishments. After months of thoughtful preparation and close collaboration with the operator Apres Cru, Buck’s is ready to welcome the community back to its iconic property.
The entire community is invited to join the celebration and take part in a festive holiday open house. Enjoy live Christmas music, photos with Santa, and sweet and savory snacks for all ages as we celebrate the return of this Montana classic.
For decades, Buck’s has been a gathering place for locals, visitors, and generations of Montanans—a landmark known for its warm spirit, adventurous character, and unmistakable sense of place. The upcoming grand opening honors that legacy while introducing a new era led by Apres Cru, a distinguished hospitality group committed to preserving the history that has made Buck’s a Montana staple.
“Buck’s has long been woven into the fabric of Big Sky,” said team members at Apres Cru. “It’s important to us that we celebrate its past while shaping an experience that feels exciting and memorable for seasons to come.”
After the Grand Opening Celebration tomorrow, Buck’s will have Soft Openings on Saturday and Sunday, December 20th – 21st for walk-ins to the public (no reservations at this time). The Bar Menu will be served these evenings. Buck’s will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 22-23 and then taking limited reservations on December 24 for Christmas Eve. From there, Buck’s will be open on Wednesday – Sunday services in a limited capacity through the New Year.
Visit BucksBigSky.com for updates and additional information.
Three Days of Magic: Big Sky Christmas Stroll Returns December 12–14
Celebrate the magic of the season at the 28th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll, returning December 12–14. This beloved Big Sky, Montana holiday tradition brings three days of family-friendly events, festive entertainment, live music, Santa visits, fireworks, and winter activities across Meadow Village and Town Center. Kick off ski season and enjoy one of the community’s most iconic celebrations.
Friday, Dec. 12th
Meadow Village Stroll Celebration
🎁 Tree Lighting Ceremony at BSOA & Blue Ribbon Builders – Join Santa at the annual tree lighting ceremony (generously decorated by Waterbury Works). 5 PM sharp.
🎁 Photos with Santa at American Bank – Get your photos with Santa by the fireplace and enjoy holidays treats. 5:15-8 PM.
🎁 Wagon Rides – Presented by Lone Mountain Ranch. Loading at BSOA @ 5-8 PM.
🎁 Caroling by The Dickens Carolers & John Zirkle’s Caroling Troupe throughout Meadow Village @ 5-8 PM
OPEN HOUSES by Meadow Village businesses including:
🎁 The Big Sky Chapel – Christmas carol sing along from 6:45-7:30 PM. After lifting up your voice with them, have a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie before heading back out on your winter walk.
🎁 Blue Ribbon Builders – Enjoy food, drink and their signature holiday Mint Tingles.
🎁 Hero Snow Coffee – Coffee, cider , hot chocolate and treats.
🎁 Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry – Enjoy bubbly beverages (NA and champagne) and lite bites/treats for strollers. A draw bag with special discounts to be used during 2025 holiday season for shoppers. Holly Jolly Raffle supporting Wellness In Action.
🎁 BSOA – Warm yourself by the fire pit, enjoy a chili bar, spanakopita, beer, wine, hot cocoa, and hot dogs for the kiddos to roast.
🎁 Michaelangelo’s – Complimentary snacks, prosecco and drink specials.
🎁 Big Sky Home Management – Join us in hosting the Ophir 9th grade class’s hot cocoa bar DC trip fundraiser. Help the kids, get some cocoa, enjoy a gingerbread-house inflatable archway, foam gingerbread ornaments making, and holiday-themed Polaroid photo booth.
🎁 ERA Landmark Real Estate – Enjoy food and beverages, a cardboard sleigh Photo Booth and a drawing for a sled (13 and under).
🎁 Big Sky Home Furnishings – Enjoy complimentary drinks, light apps and their in store holiday sale.
🎁 Country Market – Stop in to enter their annual holiday basket raffle, hot cider and delicious Christmas cookies.
Saturday, Dec. 13th
Town Center Stroll Celebration
🎁 Stroll Pre-Party at Beehive Basin Brewery – Live music with Brian Stumpf, small bites and the best locally brewed beer in Big Sky. 3:30 – 5 PM.
🎁 Town Center Tree Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks at Fire Pit Park – Presented by Second Season & BSSEF. Join Santa at the annual tree lighting ceremony (generously decorated by Outlaw Partners and Waterbury Works) and fireworks display. 6 PM sharp.
🎁 Pray For Snow Party at Fire Pit Park – Presented by Second Season. Music by DJ Swampmoose, giveaways, demonstrations, and snow prayer station to Uler, 6:15 – 8 PM.
🎁 Santa’s Holiday Lounge at BASE – Presented by First Security Bank & BASE/BSCO. Photos with Santa and holiday crafts, 6:15-8:30 PM.
🎁 Big Sky Winter Market at The Wilson – Presented by Bozeman Health/Big Sky Medical Center. Come warm up by the fire, relax after a long day of play in the mountains and enjoy local artisans, crafters, cottage good makers, and other mountain made businesses. Live music by The Dickens Carolers. 3 – 7 PM.
🎁 Wagon Rides – Presented by Lone Mountain Ranch. Loading at Town Center Plaza and Beehive Basin Brewery. 6:20 – 8 PM.
🎁 John Zirkle’s Caroling Troupe throughout Town Center @ 5-8 PM
OPEN HOUSES by Town Center businesses including:
🎁 Big Sky Real Estate Company – Buck’s is joining BSRE and LMLC for the Christmas Stroll! Swing by 25 Town Center Avenue from 5-8pm for festive bites and live music —all leading up to the official Buck’s Roadhouse Grand Opening Event on December 19. Come meet the team and get a sneak peek at the newest chapter of Buck’s in Big Sky.
🎁 Center For The Arts – Live music, seasonal food and drinks, and a special pottery pop-up featuring work by talented instructors.
🎁 The Waypoint – Live music with Scratchn’ Gravel, an acoustic group from Southwest Montana, blending rich vocal harmonies, driving rhythms, and a mix of stringed instruments to create their signature take on bluegrass music. 9 – 10 PM.
🎁 Visitor’s Center – Stop in for Santa’s ornament making workshop, gingerbread house display and pastries from Wild Caddis.
🎁 Pure West Christies – Light up balloons and beverages.
🎁 Courtney Collins Fine Art – Open from 11 AM-7 PM offering Christmas chocolates and cookies.
🎁 Belle Shops – Enjoy mulled wine, small bites and in store deals.
🎁 Big Sky Resort Store – Hot cocoa and cookies.
🎁 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Free energy home audit raffle with SNO, ACE gift card and will have fun holiday snacks/drinks.
🎁 Hungry Moose Market – S’mores on the patio by the fire and holiday cheer.
🎁 Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty – Enjoy light bites, festive snacks, and good company as we celebrate the season together. Come mingle with friends, neighbors, and local agents and get into the Christmas spirit!
🎁 Paparazzi Fur – Champagne toast and snacks.
🎁 LMNT – Hot cocoa bar and LMNT samples.
🎁 Outlaw Partners/Outlaw Realty – Join Outlaw Partners at the Big Sky Christmas Stroll! Shop Hey Bear’s best-selling items and bundles at discounted prices, at the Winter Market in the Wilson Hotel. Then warm up at the hot chocolate station and get creative at their gourmet s’mores station—we’re going way beyond just chocolate—on the patio of the Waypoint. There you can also spin the wheel of prizes for your chance to win 2026 Big Sky PBR or Wildlands Music tickets. Shop, sip and celebrate the season!
🎁 Yeti Dogs – Santa Paws (pet photos with Santa), Holly Jolly raffle with WIA and RUFF and hot dog specials/prizes
🎁 The Rocks – Stop by for fee tastings with Dy Hill Distillery on The Rocks patio and sign up for the Holly Jolly Raffle to support the good work of WIA.
🎁 Montana Supply – Montana Supply’s Annual Great Gift Giveaway returns with $28,000 worth of gifts tucked into 100 surprise bags (yep, that’s an average value of about $280). The line begins forming at 4pm, and once 100 tickets are handed out, the gifting begins. Kids aren’t left out either; there will be separate children’s gift bags just for them. We can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces and spread a little holiday cheer!
🎁 The Cave Sprits & Gifts – Stop in for soup, treats and delicious hot toddy drinks.
🎁 Ryan Turner Photography – Open until 7pm offering holiday treats.
Sunday, Dec. 14th
Big Sky, MT
🎁 Get out and enjoy Big Sky’s amazing winter trail system at Big Sky Resort & Nordic Center, Lone Mountain Ranch and BSCO trails.
🎁 The Nutcracker by The MT Ballet Co. at Warren Miller Performing Arts Center @ 5 PM
🎟️ https://warrenmillerpac.org/event/the-nutcracker-25/
The Wilson Hotel
Call 406-995-9000 and ask for their “Local’s Rate” for the best deal on rooms downtown for the Stroll weekend.
Stay tuned for more information on this year’s event. For all Stroll inquiries please contact erik@lovestreetmedia.com
All December: JOY! at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery
During December in addition to our large-scale pieces, the Big Sky Artists Collective Studio & Gallery is also featuring small works which are sized and priced for holiday gift giving and easy sending. With a mix of paintings, photographs, mosaics and jewelry you are certain to find a special gift for that hard to please person or even yourself. Come to our First Friday event on Friday December 5th from 5 – 7pm to have a first chance at getting a special piece, meet some artists and enjoy sips and bits.
We look forward to seeing everyone during Xmas Walk on Saturday, December 13th. As the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery, a non-profit, begins its 4th year of operation we give a big “thank you!” to the Big Sky Community and all the visitors who have contributed to our success. The Collective, has grown to around 30 members and during the course of the year about two thirds of them hang work in the Studio & Gallery, which is run by the members of the Collective.
Your purchases support local artists creating original work in this corner of Montana.