The 45th Annual Christmas Stroll Kicks Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Bozeman

The 45th Annual Christmas Stroll Kicks Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Bozeman

45th Annual Christmas Stroll

Saturday, December 6th from 4:30-7:30 PM


The 45th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Bozeman transformed Main Street into a winter wonderland - brimming with festive activities and holiday cheer! Thousands of attendees gathered along Main Street to experience this beloved tradition, kicking off with the spectacular Santa Parade, which delighted children and adults alike as Santa himself lit up the holiday spiders with the power of song.

The Annual Christmas Stroll truly offered something for everyone!

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SPONSOR BOOTHS

The Christmas Stroll wouldn’t be complete without the incredible support of our business Sponsors, who elevate the event by creating hands-on experiences for Strollers of all ages!

Attendees explored a vibrant assortment of Sponsor Booths, including highlights like live CPR demonstrations from AMR Bozeman, complimentary festive refreshments with Lehrkinds, and getting connected with Blackfoot Communications's WiFi Wagon! Guests marveled at unique attractions such as cozy Montana-inspired gifts and festive decorations with Montana Gift Corral, the dazzling hot-air balloon show by Endeavor Ballooning, and live performances by Gallatin Valley School Choirs and Dance Teams.

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NON-PROFIT ACTIVITY VENDORS

Non-Profit organizations once again lined Main Street, each offering a festive activity while sharing the heart of their mission.

Pride House brought lively holiday trivia to Country Bookshelf, drawing Strollers in with fun facts and warm community spirit. Outside Chalet Sports, Sacajawea Audubon Society invited guests to learn about local wildlife through hands-on track identification.

Special Olympics Montana’s Bozeman Outreach Bobcats created one of the most joyful stops of the evening, with athletes offering high-fives and holiday cheer to everyone passing by. Springhill Presbyterian Church welcomed visitors to warm up by their “front porch” fire and snap a cozy holiday photo.

And Tinworks Art added a creative spark with holiday button-making and a free film installation at the Rialto, blending art and celebration in true Stroll fashion.

These organizations, along with many others, filled the night with meaning, connection, and community pride!

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FOOD VENDORS

The Food Vendors at this year’s Christmas Stroll brought big flavor and even bigger community impact, with every bite supporting a local Non-Profit.

Blue Moose BBQ served up their signature tri-tip steak sandwiches and wraps at two Main Street locations, raising funds for both the Construction Zone Youth Center and Royal Family Kids. Bodhi Farms warmed up Strollers with hearty veggie and bison chili, plus hot cider, all to support Friends of Hyalite.

CC Gourmet drew a crowd with steamed buns, spring rolls, teriyaki plates, fried rice, udon, and boba tea, benefitting Fork & Spoon. Ms. Sippi’s Southern Cuisine delivered comfort with shrimp poboys, chicken and sausage gumbo, shrimp and grits, and chicken sandwiches to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

And Smokin Bull BBQ dished out tri-tip, pulled pork, mac-n-cheese, fries, and charcuterie cups while raising funds for Zoey Care.

The flavors were rich, the causes meaningful, and the community spirit stronger than ever!

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DOWTOWN BUSINESS PARTICIPANTS

Downtown businesses once again added extra sparkle to the Christmas Stroll with festive activities, treats, and special experiences for all ages. Intrigue Ink invited guests to send a little joy with their “Merry Mail” station, where visitors could write a postcard to Santa or anyone they wanted, free of charge.

At Owenhouse, kids lined up for cheerful face painting, adding colorful fun to the evening. The Spice & Tea Exchange filled Main Street with warm aromas as they offered free hot tea, cider tastings, and delicious samples.

Wild Joe’s Coffee
kept the magic going with playful shadow puppets that delighted families throughout the night. And Bozeman Co-op Downtown offered one of the biggest celebrations of the evening with 20% off storewide (excluding food service), a special holiday menu, live music, and festive slushies.

These businesses helped make the Stroll even more memorable by bringing creativity, cheer, and community spirit to every corner of downtown!

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SANTA AT THE BAXTER

With help of our Golden Star Sponsor, First Security Bank, families created magical memories with Santa at the Baxter Hotel, where they could snap a photo for just a $4 Stroll button, courtesy of 406 Photo. In addition to the classic photo op, Evan Hill - Allstate provided complimentary cookies and holiday cards, while The Historic Bacchus Pub offered festive drinks to warm up adults while their little ones met Santa.

This holiday tradition was a favorite highlight, adding a personal touch to the evening’s festivities!

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

And of course, the Gingerbread House Contest hosted at the American Legion! Visitors had the chance to view an array of beautifully crafted gingerbread houses from participants of all ages! The creations featured unique designs and intricate details, capturing the spirit of the season. The best houses were awarded prizes, including Downtown Dollars and Sweet Pea Festival Day passes, with the annual contest bringing together local talent and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with a sweet touch.

HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES
ERA 2

Downtown Business Window Decorating Contest


Every Christmas Stroll, the businesses of Downtown Bozeman are invited to participate in two fun ways: they can host an festive In-Store Activity during the Stroll or they may choose to enter our Window Decorating Contest! We had some great entries to the Window Decorating Contest this year, please find the winners for each category below:


Best Window Display - The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company
Best Outside Building Display
- Bozeman Spirits Distillery
The "Merry and Bright" Award (selected for best use of lights) - Kimpton Armory Hotel
Most Creative Display - LeeAnn Ramey Art
Best Overall Display
- ERA Landmark Real Estate


Don’t miss these dazzling the window displays that will be up all month!

A huge shout out to all our participating businesses:

ERA Landmark Visitors Center, MeatEater, Mountain Trails Gallery, The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company, Two Trick Pony, The Spice & Tea Exchange of Bozeman, & Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot.

Thank you for coming together this year to make Downtown Bozeman the most magical place to be this Holiday season!

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Gingerbread House Contest


With over 55 entries into this year's Gingerbread House Contest, competition was FIERCE! Congratulations to our winners who will be receiving prizes donated from Sweet Pea Festival along with Downtown Dollars:

Kids 6 & Under
1st - Violetta Ng
2nd - Onyx Root
3rd - Remi Neil

Kids 7-12

1st - Clayton Homan
2nd - Roxie Neil
3rd - Olivia Short

Teens 13-18
1st - Kate Johnson

Adults 18+

1st - Hilary Burt & Hillary Morin
2nd - Gem Gallery
3rd - Barbara A Drescher

Professional - Heart of the Valley

People's Choice - Kate Johnson

Take a peek at all the submissions HERE.


Thank you to all our participants, judges, and People's Choice voters! We will see you next year for another scrumptious contest!

With music filling the air, twinkling lights lining Main Street, and activities for all ages, the Christmas Stroll truly embodied the spirit of the holidays, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a strong sense of community!