The holidays are such a magical time, giving you endless chances to create some magic with those you hold dearest. From visits with Santa to trips to find the perfect Christmas tree, there are so many things to get you in the spirit. If you are looking for the best way to formally kick off the season, I think I have just the thing for you. As a Missoula family photographer, I love working with parents to help them make every season feel a little more memorable. Here’s why I always make the Missoula Tree Lighting a part of our annual traditions!
About the Missoula Tree Lighting
Downtown Missoula, Montana
Each year, the city of Missoula throws an all-day event called Holidays on Higgins. This event has been happening for quite a while, though you might have also known it in the past as the Parade of Lights. When COVID hit, the city had to pause this annual tradition and decided to use the year to restructure things. The result was a more interactive experience that could happen in spite of all the challenges winter tends to bring to Montana. Today, you can stop by at any time throughout the day and make some memories while celebrating the season!
The Missoula Tree Lighting Experience
Holidays on Higgins happens each year on the first Saturday of December. Things kick off in the late morning with kids’ activities, including Photos with Santa. If you want the chance to spend the morning with the big man himself, you can head to the Missoula Public Library for free pictures. Once you are done with that, you can head outside for Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides that will take you around the downtown area.
Things really pick up in the evening, when you can check out stationary floats parked all across Higgins. As you check out the impressive displays, you can shop for local goods created by members of the Missoula Makers Collective. There will also be burn barrels as well as free hot chocolate!
Specialty
The Missoula Tree Lighting will take place at 6 PM on North Higgins. As the clock starts to near the top of the hour, make your way over to the giant tree. Santa will then climb up the fire truck ladder so he can light up the tree. Once the tree is illuminated, the city will officially mark the beginning of the holiday season in Missoula! Afterwards, you can stick around, checking out local food and drinks from some of the best spots this city has to offer!
Holiday Magic Happens Every Year At the Missoula Tree Lighting
If you are looking for the best way to kick off the holiday season, I just know you will have the time of your life at the Missoula Tree Lighting during Holidays on Higgins! Come out this year so you can make lifelong memories!
Do you need another way to capture all the magic throughout this season? Then why not book a personalized Santa Experience where your child can come to my freshly decorated studio and spend some time meeting Santa Claus himself? I’m a Missoula family photographer, and I would love to tell you all about these sessions as well as my family portraits, so you can see how you can create moments that will last forever!
