Kalispell's popular Holiday Stroll will expand to two days' worth of events this December in an effort to boost commerce downtown.  

The annual tradition featuring live music, a tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. This year, though, family-friendly festivities will resume during the day on Saturday.  

St. Matthew's Catholic School is expected to host a pancake breakfast and holiday market. The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department is also planning events, including ice skating on Woodland Park if the weather allows, according to Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations and Community Engagement Barb McVicker. 

"I think we're making some really great changes, and we're looking forward to a great holiday season downtown," McVicker said. 

After hearing from attendees and business owners, organizers decided to extend the event to generate more business downtown, she said.  

This is the first time Downtown Kalispell Forward will take the reins of the Holiday Stroll. The Kalispell Downtown Association — the nonprofit formerly responsible for the event — dissolved and folded into the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce in February 2025. 

Downtown Kalispell Forward, which was formed about two months prior, has taken on many of the responsibilities once managed by the association and includes several of its former board members.  

Downtown Kalispell Forward is a coalition launched by the chamber to advocate for downtown businesses and push City Hall to address issues facing the neighborhood. It is made up of the Business Improvement District, Tourism Improvement District, Flathead Builders Association, Northwest Association of Realtors and the chamber.  

McVicker said she's hopeful the new two-day schedule will become a lasting tradition.  

"It's the first time we're trying some new things this year, so if all goes well, we're absolutely hopeful to continue doing this in the future," McVicker said. 

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.

    Lucy Smith and friends and the Valley Voices sing Christmas carols before the tree lighting at the Kalispell Downtown Association Holiday Stroll and Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Kids visit with Santa Claus outside Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory at the Kalispell Downtown Association Holiday Stroll and Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider