🤠 Things to do in Bozeman this weekend

Howdy, Bozeman!

We’ve got some big, exciting updates to share in the coming weeks.

But for now, I hope you’re having a lovely December, and getting out to lots of community events (there are some super fun ones this weekend)!

In today’s newsletter:

— Sam Buenrostro

P.S. If you replied to Monday’s email with the word “BOOKS”, you’re already entered into the Country Bookshelf giveaway and don’t need to reply to this email! (We’ll reveal the winner in Monday’s newsletter).

If you HAVEN’T done that yet, and you’d like free entry into this week’s giveaway, reply to this email with the word “BOOKS”.

KH Horse Consulting is a local horsemanship business offering thoughtful, relationship-based training, lessons, clinics, and educational experiences for horse owners and riders of all levels.

And this Sunday, December 21st, they’re bringing back a sweet holiday tradition of Horseback Caroling!

The afternoon kicks off at 2:00pm at their barn in Belgrade (2179 Airport Road), where you can help decorate their horses with lights and festive flair.

From there, everyone will head into town to spread holiday cheer, with live caroling at:

Times may shift a bit, but if you’re looking for a fun, unique way to spend Sunday afternoon, come alon, bring a friend or two, and experience some holiday magic.

To stay updated on timing and locations, follow @kh_horse_consulting on Instagram, and see you there!

(They also just added some last-minute lessons for the holidays, including private lessons with the owner, Kaitlyn! You can schedule a lesson here.)

Want to promote your event, business, or project to thousands of locals who read Howdy Bozeman every week?

🎄 Wander, snack, and shop your way through the Bozeman Yule Festival & Christmas Market at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Featuring two days of holiday cheer, Santa sightings, cookie decorating, and a Christmas market and gingerbread house contest for a chance to win bragging rights and a cash prize. The festival is open on Friday from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday from 10:00pm-6:00pm. Details.

🎪 Looking for something truly different this holiday season? A Circus Carol by 406Cirque blends the magic of A Christmas Carol with a world-class circus performance for a one-of-a-kind festive experience. Tickets are still available for their shows on Friday (7:00pm) and Saturday (2:00pm + 7:00pm) at Petra Academy. Tickets.

🎅 Buddy the Elf is coming to Bozeman! Bozeman Children’s Theatre brings a performance of Elf Jr. to the Emerson for a weekend of sugar, snow, and holiday chaos. Shows run Friday (7:00pm) and Saturday (1:00pm + 7:00pm). Tickets.

🎤 Catch Nate Craig live at Last Best Comedy for Friday Night Stand-Up. Known for his work on Netflix, Comedy Central, and stages across the country, Nate’s bringing his nationally touring comedy chops to Bozeman, with shows at 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Tickets.

🎭 Stop by The Ellen and catch A Christmas Carol, for a heartwarming stage adaptation filled with familiar characters, ghostly visits, and plenty of seasonal magic. Tickets are still available for shows on Thursday (7:30pm), Friday (7:30pm), Saturday (2:00pm + 7:30pm), and Sunday (3:00pm). Tickets.

🦉 Be part of a beloved winter tradition and help with the Bozeman Christmas Bird Count. Sacajawea Audubon Society volunteers will help survey local birds across multiple habitats, with options for field teams or at-home feeder watching. No birding experience necessary, all are welcome. Details.

🦌 Swing by Murdoch’s to see live reindeer from 11:00am-4:00pm! Bring your camera for photos, let the kids write letters to Santa and color holiday pages, and take home reindeer snacks. Details.

📺 The Honey Hole is hosting a Cat/Griz watch party at 1:30pm (for the 2:00pm kickoff), including free jello shots for every Cats touchdown. Details. (And for additional watch party locations, check MSUAF’s list here.)

🍬 Spend your afternoon in the kitchen at Bozeman Public Library’s Family Kitchen Lab from 2:00pm-3:00pm. This holiday-themed session invites families to make candy, learn kitchen skills, and create giftable treats. Free to attend, but space is limited. Details.

🌕 Gather at Valhalla Meadery for Jól: A Celebration of the Return of the Light from 3:00pm-10:00pm. Expect fire dancers, live music, a winter market, bracelet-making, and the ceremonial burning of the Jól Log where you can send your hopes for the coming year skyward. Details.

🎶 Experience a fresh take on a beloved tradition with Readings & Carols (Re)imagined by Roots in the Sky. This reflective winter concert blends poetry, hymns, and chamber choral music at the Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday at 7:30pm and Holy Rosary Church on Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets.

🤠 Kick up your heels at Bourbon’s Country Dance Nite from 8:00pm-close. Start with easy, beginner-friendly line dancing lessons from 8:00pm-9:00pm, then dance the night away with open line and swing dancing. No partner needed and open to all abilities. Details.

🎭 Sleigh the season at The One Wig Holigay Drag Show at The Eagles Ballroom. Expect a glitter-filled, 21+ holiday drag night with local performers and lots of cheer. Doors at 8:30pm, show at 9:00pm. Tickets.

🐴 KH Horse Consulting is bringing back their Horseback Caroling tradition all afternoon! They’re starting at their barn (2179 Airport Road, Belgrade) at 2:00pm where you’ll help decorate the horses with lights and Christmas decor, then heading to Brookdale Senior Living (3175 Graf St), Christ the King Community Church (4383 Durston Rd), and the Flanders Mill neighborhood for caroling! Details.

🕎 Celebrate the Festival of Lights together at the Bozeman Menorah Lighting, happening at 5:30pm downtown on the corner of Main and Bozeman. Expect donuts, dreidels, hot cocoa, music, and plenty of community cheer. All are welcome! Details.

🕯️ On the longest night of the year, join a Candlelight Vigil outside the Bozeman Public Library from 5:30pm-6:30pm to remember neighbors lost to homelessness. Presented in partnership with HRDC. Details.

🎶 Soak under the stars and enjoy live music at Bozeman Hot Springs for their Women Songwriter Night from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Local artists Meredith Elsie, Kalli Armstrong, and Megan Makeever will be featured! Details.

As a reminder: This week, we’re doing a giveaway for a $25 gift card to Country Bookshelf! (On Instagram @countrybookshelf)

The giveaway runs from today until this Sunday, 12/21, at 11:59pm, and we’ll announce the winner in next Monday’s newsletter.

If you haven’t entered this week’s giveaway yet, reply to this email with the word “BOOKS” (if you replied to Monday’s email with the word “BOOKS”, you’re already entered and don’t need to reply again).

See you on Monday with a look at what’s going on next week in Bozeman! 👋

(And follow us on Instagram and TikTok @howdybozeman for regular updates on what’s going on in town.)

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