A Local’s Guide to Holiday Events in Belgrade, Montana (2025)
Written by Erin Hoppe Updated on 11/06/2025
Key Takeaways
To make sure you get the most out of your holiday trip, here are the key events and attractions you should prioritize:
- See the Lights: Catch the start of the season at Flip the Switch Night at the Holiday Light Park.
- Shop Local: Complete your gift list at the expansive Belgrade Holiday Market which features over 100 local vendors.
- Move Your Feet: Join the fun at the Jingle Jog 5K and get a chance to win cash prizes in the Get Ugly Christmas Outfit Contest.
- Experience the Community: Bring the family to the downtown Holiday Hoopla Christmas Convoy truck parade.
- Honor Loved Ones: Attend the quiet and meaningful Memorial Lights Night at the Holiday Light Park.
There’s something truly special about the holiday season in a small Montana town. The pace slows down, the snow starts falling, and the community gathers to celebrate in a way that feels genuine and warm.
If you're looking for an authentic, affordable, and family-friendly way to experience the Christmas spirit in Southwest Montana, head straight to Belgrade.
Check out some of the holiday events in Belgrade, Montana while you’re here — they’re the kinds of community celebrations that make you feel like you belong, even if you just arrived yesterday.
8 Must-See Holiday Events in Belgrade, Montana
1. Flip the Switch Night
The official start to the winter season is when we light up the town at the Holiday Light Park (located behind the Senior Center) during Flip the Switch Night on Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m.
Help us celebrate the park's first night of the season with a community countdown. This is a relaxed, low-key evening to enjoy the sparkle as the Light Park turns on for the holiday season. Once the switch is flipped, the park is open every evening until the new year.
2. Christmas Truck Village
On Friday, December 5th, the trucks participating in the Christmas Convoy (more on that below) gather at the Gallatin Speedway for the Truck Village.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close to the decorated big rigs, which include dump trucks, semis, and logging trucks. Come hungry and grab something from a local food truck.
3. Christmas Convoy
Everyone loves the Christmas Convoy (which takes place the evening of Saturday, December 6th) and for good reason! Close to 100 trucks, representing businesses across the Gallatin Valley, decorate their vehicles with thousands of Christmas lights.
The convoy rolls through town on a designated, seven-mile route, creating a light show that is a truly unforgettable spectacle for the community. This event highlights our proud working-class roots and gives kids a fun look at the trucking industry.
4. Belgrade Holiday Market
For a day of shopping that truly supports our local farmers, makers, and small businesses, the 5th annual Belgrade Holiday Market, on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., is a must-visit. This event features over 100 vendors, making it the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping.
You’ll find a wide variety of items, including jewelry, homemade jellies, candles, pottery, and art. It’s easy and convenient, as you can grab breakfast or lunch at the concession stand and bring the kids to take photos with Santa and do some crafts.
5. Belgrade Jingle Jog
Put on your most festive holiday gear and lace up your shoes for the annual Jingle Jog 5K on Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. This run is open to all — runners, walkers, strollers, skippers, and hoppers — making it a perfect family-friendly activity. The race starts and ends at the Belgrade Mercantile Building (11 West Main), following a route that loops through the town.
Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary lunch from The Local Saloon and a pint from The Rhino(two great stops before your flight out of Belgrade). Race winners will receive prizes, along with giveaways along the route!
6. Get Ugly Christmas Outfit Contest
Don’t miss the Get Ugly Christmas Outfit Contestheld right after the Jingle Jog (Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 a.m.) at the Rhino Lounge.
Forget the sweaters — this contest is for the whole outfit. Cash prizes are awarded for categories like Best Overall Ugly, Most Festive Ugly, and Best Ugly in the Kids’ Division (12 and under).
Entry to the contest is just two non-perishable food items, which are donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Jingle Joggers are automatically entered.
7. Holiday Hoopla
Belgrade’s Holiday Hoopla is the big holiday celebration, held on Saturday, December 13 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., that brings everyone to Downtown Belgrade. You’ll wander down Main Street, visiting downtown businesses, checking out local vendors, and listening to the sounds of the season from carolers.
8. Memorial Lights Night
Memorial Lights Night is a heartfelt celebration to honor the memory of loved ones on Thursday, December 18 at 6:00 p.m. You can hear a special message of hope from the local pastor and enjoy the sounds of local choirs.
The event includes a walk through the Memorial Light Tunnels, where personalized ornaments for loved ones are displayed.
Forget the city rush — you’ll find a collection of memorable and cozy holiday events in Belgrade, Montana (along with plenty of things to do!). Belgrade provides the authentic, down-to-earth Montana experience you're looking for, just minutes from the airport and a short day trip away from places like Bozeman.
Meet Erin Hoppe
As Executive Director of the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, I’m honored to help support and celebrate our local businesses and community. I’ve been part of the Chamber for nearly six years, working in membership and events before stepping into this role in March 2025. Born and raised in Montana, I’ve called Belgrade home since 2005. When I’m not at the Chamber, I enjoy visiting our parks, shopping, grabbing a coffee at a local shop, and watching my kids’ sports over the years. My family and I are proud supporters of our schools, Panther athletics, and the many local programs that make Belgrade special.