Celebrations get the holiday season rolling in the Flathead Valley

The merriment begins this weekend when several festivities kick off the holiday season in the Flathead Valley.  

The Kalispell Downtown Association Holiday Stroll and annual Community Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting is at 7:30 p.m. at Depot Park. 

The event includes shopping, snacks, drinks and music at businesses throughout the downtown.  

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home will have live reindeer and a place for families to write letters to Santa.   

For more information, visit downtownkalispell.com.    

The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a Holiday Pop-Up at Depot Park on Dec. 5 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free event provides the opportunity to shop locally made products, art and wares.   

In Columbia Falls, the Night of Lights parade is on Friday, Dec. 5.

The annual holiday parade down Nucleus Avenue starts at 6 p.m. and floats should line up at the north end of Nucleus at 5 p.m.   

The theme of this year’s parade is “Super Hero Christmas.” 

The Rotary Club holds its annual Brunch with Santa in Columbia Falls on Saturday, Dec. 6.  

Timber Creek Village hosts the event with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. to welcome children and families to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and to enjoy a meal.  

Kids under 12 are free to enter with an adult, which get entry with a suggested $10 donation.  

In Bigfork, the Parade of Lights is Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. on Electric Avenue.   

This year’s theme is “A Very Merry Grinch-mas: Grow Your Heart,” inspired by the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre production.  

Following the parade, Santa arrives at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts and 8 p.m. and will be available for photos.   

Following the parade, the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “A Touch of Christmas” concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.   

This is a fundraising concert to benefit the Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre. Admission is $13.   

Celebrate the magic of the season with Brach Thomson and friends in this festive holiday concert. From sparkling jazz riffs to soulful blues and rockin’ holiday hits, Brach brings the music alive on multiple keyboards alongside special guests.  

For information, visit bigforksummerplayhouse.com.  

In Whitefish, the annual Christmas Stroll is Friday, Dec. 12.   

The event includes live holiday music, visits with Santa, arts and craft vendors, food trucks, and businesses will be open late for shoppers.   

The evening begins with the Alpine Bell Ringers Hand Bell Choir Concert at 5 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church followed by the North Valley School Christmas Recital.   

At 6 p.m., the Flathead Valley Community College Vocal Jazz and Chorale Ensemble performs outside the O’Shaughnessy Center. The ensemble performs throughout the evening.   

The Whitefish and Bigfork Dance company performs at 6 p.m. on Central Avenue south of East Third Street.   

At 6:15 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony with the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce takes place at Depot Park. Then Santa arrives, making his way down Central Avenue for photos at Huck’s Place.   

At 7 p.m., the Glacier Symphony Brass Quintet plays holiday music on Central Avenue near Fourth Street.  

At 7 and 8 p.m., the Flathead Valley Community College Vocal Ensemble performs between First and Second streets on Central Avenue.   

Between 8-8:30 p.m., the chamber’s Shoppers’ Drawing winners are announced. Make a purchase at a Whitefish small business through the evening of the stroll and present the receipts to get a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes.  

For information, visit whitefishchamber.org