The Downtown Bozeman Association presents:
The 44th Annual Christmas Stroll Poster Contest Winner, Jessie Reitan!
The Christmas Stroll has long been a cherished tradition in Bozeman, and alongside it, the Annual Poster Design Contest continues to highlight local talent! Each fall, the Downtown Bozeman Association puts out a “CALL FOR ART” to capture the spirit of the season, and this year, the entries were especially vibrant and creative.
The winning poster for the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll brings to life the themes of community and inclusivity, reminding us of what makes the holiday season so special. We’re excited to announce this year’s winner, Jessie Reitan, a skilled graphic designer, artist, and graduate
Buy a Button
The Annual Christmas Stroll is a long-standing tradition that hopes to continually bring our community together for a fun event that ushers in the Holiday Season. This FREE community event is 100% supported by our incredible business sponsors and the sales of our timeless button souvenirs.
You can support the Christmas
Stroll by purchasing an “Official 2024 Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll Button” for just $4 and be put into a drawing to win various prize packages totaling over $3,000! Prizes this year include Bridger Bowl Lift Tickets, an Endeavor Ballooning Flight for 2, Downtown Dollars, and more*! As an added bonus, you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing
student at Montana State University.
As an active Bozeman community member, Jessie was inspired by the warmth and connection she feels in her hometown. “One of my favorite parts of living in Bozeman is the amazing sense of community, which I wanted to capture in my poster design,” she shares. “The Christmas Stroll is such a great opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy the holiday spirit, and I am so excited to be a part of it!”
When she’s not busy with art projects, Jessie can be found ski-
ing at Bridger, fishing, or enjoying time out and about with friends. Her design will soon be featured on downtown business windows and all event marketing materials, filling Bozeman’s streets with festive cheer. In addition to the honor of showcasing her work, Jessie will receive a $200 cash prize for her outstanding contribution to this year’s celebration.
that your purchase allows us to put on this anticipated event without requiring an entry fee to stroll down beautiful Main Street and check out all the amazing vendors. Please consider purchasing a button and helping keep this tradition alive AND consider upcycling your button into a cute, seasonal ornament!
Buttons can be purchased with cash, check, or online via debit or credit (please note that a 3.25% processing fee will
apply) in-person at the Christmas Stroll at The Baxter (105 W Main St) and American Legion (225 E Main, Second Floor).
*Raffle prize winners will be contacted via email or phone the week following the event.
Gingerbread Contest
the Sweetest Christmas Stroll Event
By Chronicle Staff
Get ready to put on your judging hat and join the festive fun at the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll Gingerbread House Contest! On December 7th, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., head to the American Legion’s secondfloor event space at 225 E Main St., Bozeman, where more than 40 sweet and spectacular gingerbread creations will be on display.
This year, you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite gingerbread architects in a variety of categories: Children (6 and under, 7-12), Teens (13-17), Adults (18 and over), and Professional Bakers or Pastry Chefs. As you stroll through the holiday magic, don’t forget to cast your vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award— just $1 per ballot, with all proceeds benefiting the Sweet Pea Festival! Winners in each category will receive ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, along with exciting prize
packages that include Downtown Dollars, Sweet Pea Festival Day passes, and other holiday surprises.
““This is a great way to showcase the creativity of our community,” said Cache Perdue Maples, program director for the Downtown Bozeman Association, a cosponsor of the competition. “A free event, the contest relies on community engagement and is an opportunity to build a loving relationship with Main Street.”
Prizes are being provided through generous community donors and sponsors, Maples said.
“We are thankful to the American Legion Post #14, which opened its doors to us and to the folks from the Sweet Pea Festival, who do a fantastic job and most of the legwork. Finally, First Interstate Bank provides really valuable and needed fiscal support.”
Sigma Nu, the Bridger Solar Team and Montana Youth Challenge Academy also volunteer their
time at the event.
Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit for a delightful afternoon of creativity and commu-
nity. Just one reminder—while it’s tempting to nibble on these sugary masterpieces, remember, Santa’s always watching! Happy Strolling!
STROLL STREET Nonprofit ACTIVITY VENDORS
Note: ALL activities are 4:30-7:30pm unless otherwise indicated (This information will be included in the Official Christmas Stroll Program and on the web)
BOZEMAN FIELD SCHOOL
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
36 E. Main St.
Can Pyramid whiffle ball toss & Mini 4 Square Trivia.
BOZEMAN HIGH DANCE TEAM & GALLATIN HIGH DANCE TEAM
SE. Tracy
SE. Tracy
Celebrate the Holidays with mini performances by Bozeman and Gallatin High School Dance Teams.
BOZEMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Bozeman United Methodist Church
121 S. Wilson Ave.
The Wilson entrance of Bozeman United Methodist Church will provide facilities and hot chocolate.
BRIDGER BOWL
S. Bozeman
S. Bozeman
Watch highlights from 23/24 season on a HUGE inflatable screen and learn what’s new for this season at Bridger Bowl.
BRIDGERCARE
Altitude Gallery
134 E. Main St.
Christmas trivia with prizes and Christmas coloring!
CALVARY CHAPEL
Eagles
316 E. Main St.
View the live Nativity scene.
CUSTER GALLATIN
NATIONAL FOREST
Schnee’s
35 E. Main St.
Stop by to purchase your $5 Christmas Tree Permit.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church
26 W. Babcock
Stroll in for Warmth, Music, and Holiday Treats!
FRIENDS OF HYALITE
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
36 E. Main St.
Decorate a paper ornament with what YOU like about Hyalite and put on a small Christmas tree!
GALLATIN COUNTY LOVE IN THE NAME OF CHRIST
First Security Bank
208 E. Main St. Giving tree and raffle.
GALLATIN HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTERS - RISE OF THE RAPTORS SUBCOMMITTEE
Montana Trails Art Gallery
7 W. Main St.
Throw a football through a hoop to win a prize! Learn about the field enhancement project.
GALLATIN VALLEY CHOIRS
S. Willson
S. Willson
Sing along to holiday songs performed by students in 3rd-12th grade.
GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA
Meridian
101 E. Main St., STE 6
Create snow angel Christmas ornaments and enjoy some hot cocoa!
GREATER GALLATIN
UNITED WAY
First Security Bank
208 E. Main St.
Children will decorate ornaments including snow globes, reindeer, Christmas trees, and snow flakes.
HAVEN
Heyday
7 W. Main St.
Create your own Christmas ornament.
HEADWATERS ACADEMY
Blackbird
140 E. Main St.
Enjoy face painting!
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
DAY MONTANA
Ellen Theater
17 W. Main St.
Sharing knowledge of IPD Montana and selling t-shirts, scarves, ornaments, coasters.
JOURNEY CHURCH
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
36 E. Main St.
Celebrate the holiday with Journey Church.
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF GALLATIN VALLEY
Vino Per Tutti
315 E. Main St.
Build your own 3D printed ornament.
MADISON GALLATIN CHAPTER
WILD MONTANA
Wild Joe’s
18 W. Main St.
Make a Holiday Greeting Card!
MADISON-GALLATIN TROUT UNLIMITED
Stio
233 E. Main St., STE 101
Coloring page for children 12 and enter your design for our sticker contest.
MISS MONTANA VOLUNTEER TITLEHOLDERS
Intrigue Ink
12 E. Main St.
Create and decorate paper crowns.
MONTANA WILDERNESS SCHOOL
Stio
233 E. Main St., STE 101
Learn about Summer 2025
Outdoor Expeditions and spin the prize wheel to win fun goodies!
MONTANA YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY
Soroptimist Park
Soroptimist Park
Watch a rifle drill demonstration and partake if a festive activity!
MOUNTAIN MAMAS
Roly-Poly Coffee Co.
321 E. Main St.
Winter adventure photo booth!
MOUNTAIN TIME ARTS
US Bank
104 E. Main St.
Come make a Christmas Ornament and enjoy projections of MTA’s work!
OPERATION HOLIDAY
Montana Silversmiths
14 W. Main St.
Warming hut and activities for kids.
SACAJAWEA AUDUBON SOCIETY
Chalet
108 W. Main St.
Winter Wonderland Wildlife Tracks.
THE DIRT CONCERN
Bacchus Pub
105 W. Main St., Suite 1A
Check out the spinning bike wheel and win some prizes!
THE SALVATION ARMY
Gem Gallery
402 E. Main St.
Hot cocoa, coffee and cider.
THRIVE & ERA LANDMARK
REAL ESTATE
ERA Landmark Real Estate
8 E. Main St.
Various holiday themed kid games!
VENTURE CHURCH
Soroptomist Park
Soroptomist Park
Enjoy Hot Dr. Pepper!
YELLOWSTONE ALLIANCE
ADVENTURES
Bozeman Running Co.
132 E. Main St.
Play Archery Tag.
YELLOWSTONE BOYS
AND GIRLS RANCH
Burger Bob’s
39 W. Main St.
Get to know our Angel Tree
YELLOWSTONE FOREVER
Baltimore Building
222 E. Main St.
Yellowstone Trivia & Prizes!
COWBOY CHRISTMAS SALE
12/7 & 12/8
IN STORE Activities
LEWIS & CLARK MOTEL’S
Believe in the magic of Christmas while meandering through extraordinary Nutcracker collection before, during, or after the Christmas Stroll.
OWENHOUSE
Come on by for kids facepainting!
DUCKWORTH
Join us outside of Schnee’s for last-minute Christmas gifts and special discounts on your favorite Montan-born, American-made Merino Wool gear.
TREELINE AND BOZEMAN ICE FEST
Join forces to present a rock wall!
KIMPTON
Come by to do some cookie decorating in the lobby!
Sing along to Cowboy Christmas Carols.
LEEANN RAMEY ART
Swing by to do some Christmas Ornaments painting! Spend $50 in store and get a free chance to win much more!
INTRIGUE INK
Merry Mail is here to cheer!
Stop by and spread joy far and near. Write a (free) postcard, send some love— We’ll mail it for you, like a holiday dove!
Join us in sharing holiday delight, And make someone’s season merry and bright!
Annual Gingerbread House Contest Display
The American Legion, Sweet Pea Festival, and First Interstate Bank invite you to view the Gingerbread House Contest entries!
Gingerbread houses are to be constructed prior to the event and will be on display at the American Legion’s Second Floor Event Space (225 E Main, Second Floor) Saturday, December 7th from 2:30-7:30 PM. Winners will receive a ribbon for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as a prize package including Downtown Dollars, Sweet Pea Festival Day passes, and other great prizes!
GENERAL SCHEDULE of Christmas Stroll Activities
THE LEWIS & CLARK MOTEL’S SIGNATURE NUTCRACKER COLLECTION
Believe in the magic of Christmas while meandering through Lewis & Clark Motel’s extraordinary Nutcracker collection. Visit the lobby and view over 900 nutcrackers on display from 10 AM - 9 PM through New Year’s.
HOLIDAYS WITH THE EMERSON
Join “Holidays with the Emerson” for a festive extravaganza, featuring a Holiday Bazaar, Santa’s letter station, and the saucy variety show –Holiday Noir. Engage with the community at Galleria Hall, enjoy local art, and experience the spirit of the season with our diverse lineup of events.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
8 PM – Holiday Noir begins SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
11 AM - 3 PM – Emerson’s ’Tis the Season: Family-Friendly festivities at the Emerson from 11 AM - 3 PM. Come enjoy performances in the theater, sing-a-long to holiday favorites, and create a piece of art with us! Other studios open around the building include…
o Galleria Hall will be open until 7:30 PM
• Artist’s Gallery: over 20 local artists/members who create original works using various techniques (blacksmith, mosaic glass art, jewelry design, graphite, ink art, functional and decorative ceramics, wood, oil, acrylic, watercolor, and alcohol ink paintings. Many of the artists will be around for a meet and greet, along with some holiday cheer. Also, for the kids, come visit the Snowman Photo Booth! Stop by the Artists Gallery for your gift giving needs!
• Rod Zullo
• The Coin Laundry
• Verge Theater
• Popup Shop: Ladybird & Friends
• Verge Gallery and Theater
• Pop-Up Shop, Ladybird Market & Friends, featuring art, fun jewelry, & gifts!
o West Wing
• Kelsey Dzintars Art + Design: West Wing #5
• Open Studio and Sale!
• Hybrid Media: West Wing #250
• Open studio and art sale: small original mixed media works on paper and wood panel, note card sets, and hand knit hats.
• Loretta Fine Art: West Wing #257
• Original Oil Paintings, Art Cards, Art Workshops, Open Studio Sale, & special discounts. Friday & Saturday Dec. 6 & 7 10 AM – 4 PM
o Main Building 2nd Floor
• Montana Dreamweavers: #210
• Displaying Swedish style handwovens for the home
• Sharon Iltis Music: #201
• Music Listening and Interpretive Dance
• Extinction Witness: #215A
• Writer Megan Hollingsworth will read from her book “Frong Song” at 11:30, 1:30, and 2:30. There will be illustration activities for all ages and a 25% discount on in-studio book purchases www.frogsongbook.com.
• 8 PM – Holiday Noir begins
• 10:30 PM – Club Noir After Party
BOZEMAN SCHOOLS FOUNDATION HOSTS THE ANNUAL SANTA RUN FOR EDUCATION
• Day-Of Registration ends at 9 AM on Saturday, December 7th
o 9 AM - 12 PM – Race time
COME SKATE WITH SANTA! @HAYNES PAVILION 12/15 - 3-5:00PM
COME EARLY FOR A FREE HOLIDAY SHOW FROM 1-3PM
“Join us for Bozeman’s most beloved holiday tradition –the Christmas Stroll! Come kick-off the holiday season in Downtown Bozeman. Enjoy fun activities and great food provided by local businesses and Non-Profits. Bring the whole family to get your photo taken with Santa Claus, watch the Lighting Ceremony, and stop in to view the Gingerbread House Contest Display. Grab a bite to eat, sing some carols, and bask in the magic of the season at the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Bozeman.”
For more information about the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll, visit www.downtownbozeman.org/stroll.
DOWNTOWN STROLL Evening Activities
• 4-7 PM – Music Performed by Local School Choirs at S Willson & Main intersection
o 4:30 Gallatin High School Jazz Choir
o 5:00 Emily Dickinson Elementary Choir
o 5:20 Longfellow Elementary Choir
o 5:40 Morning Star Elementary Choir
o 6:00 SMS Select Choir
o 6:20 Bozeman High School Jazz Choir
o 6:40 Monforton Elementary Chorus
o 7:00 Monforton Middle School Choir
• 4:30 PM – The Christmas Stroll Parade begins at the intersection of Main & Willson. Join our Master of Ceremonies, Heidi Krutchkoff, as she and Santa make their way down Main Street, lighting the traditional Downtown Bozeman Christmas Spiders. Sing along with the Chief Joseph Middle School Choir as they ring in the Holiday Season at the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll. The parade vehicle, generously provided by Bridger Bowl, will be escorted by Montana Youth Challenge Academy’s uniformed cadets!
• 4:30-7:30 PM – Main Street is filled with food vendors offering a variety of festive fare. All food vendor booths are either hosted by a Non-Profit organization or donating a portion of proceeds to a Non-Profit organization. Grab a
bite and know you are eating for a cause!
• 4:30-7:30 PM – Join our Sponsors and local Non-Profit groups as they host holiday-inspired activities. Warm up around a fire pit with some of your favorite groups, enjoy live caroling, crafts and other festive activities.
• 4:30-7:30 PM – Downtown businesses feature live music, yummy treats, and holiday fun of all sorts. The Stroll is a great chance to get a few holiday gifts checked off your list.
• 5-7:30 PM – Santa pictures at the Baxter Hotel, located at 105 W Main St *$4 Stroll Button Required for ages 1+
o Enjoy traditional holiday songs performed by the Bridger Mountain Harmony Chorus.
o Sample tasty cookies and fill out holiday cards provided by Ted’s Montana Grill.
o Adults, make sure to grab a delicious libation from Bacchus Pub or from Ted’s Montana Grill’s patio bar featuring Willie’s Distillery.
o Photos are taken by 406 Photo; get your Santa Photo Download to cherish for years to come.
For more information about the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll, visit www. downtownbozeman.org/stroll.
STROLL STREET Food Vendors
AMERICAN INDIAN COUNCIL
American Indian Council
Indulgence Beauty Salon
101 S. Wallace Ave.
Pre-made Frybread and condiments: honey, cinnamon, cheese
ATG PAINTING & FINISHING
Heart of the Valley Schnee’s
35 E. Main St.
Pulled pork sandwiches, chips, water, and hot chocolate
BLUE MOOSE BBQ
Royal Family Kids
Rug Gallery
201 E. Main St.
Tri-tip steak sandwich and wraps, chips, and a bottle drink
BOZEMAN LODGE 18 AF&AM
Shrine Hospital for Children
ERA Landmark Downtown Visitors Center
8 E. Main St. Hot Chocolate
BRIDGER SKI FOUNDATION
Bridger Ski Foundation
First Security Bank
208 E. Main St.
Cookies
BROWNIE BEAR LLC
Fork & Spoon
Rice Thai Fine Cuisine
140 E. Main St.
Brownies, hot coffee and hot chocolate
CC GOURMET
Fork & Spoon
Bozeman Co-op Downtown
44 E. Main St.
Steamed buns, Potstickers,
Spring rolls, Teriyaki chicken,
Tempura shrimp, Eel rice; Boba tea
D&D POPPERS, THE ORIGINAL KETTLE KORN
American Red Cross
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
36 E. Main St.
Kettle Corn, Soda, and Water
GALLATIN COUNTY 4H RABBIT
PROJECT
Gallatin County 4H Rabbit
Project
The Last Wind-Up
11 E. Main St. Cotton Candy
GALLATIN EMPIRE LIONS CLUB
Gallatin Empire Lions Club
National Building
104 E. Main St.
Brats, Hot Dogs, & Apple Cider
GALLATIN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR BOOSTER
Gallatin High School Choir
Booster
Jam! On Main
25 W. Main St.
Pastries, “bougie” hot chocolate bar, fig/pecan/brie bites, BaconCheese Gougères
GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUST
Gallatin Valley Land Trust
Country Bookshelf
28 E. Main St.
Hot Chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles
JACKSON CONTRACTOR GROUP
Fork & Spoon
The Crystal Bar
123 E. Main St.
White Chicken Chili
KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS
Knight of Columbus
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
36 E. Main St. Fry Bread and water
Tote Bag Sale: Buy a Co-op branded tote and get 20% off everything you can fit inside. (some exclusions apply)
Stroll, Shop, and Celebrate at the Co-op! Celebrate at the Co-op!
Tote Bag Sale: Buy a Co-op branded tote and get 20% off everything you can fit inside. (some exclusions apply)
Christmas Dinner Menu: Enjoy festive favorites crafted by our team.
Christmas Dinner Menu: Enjoy festive favorites crafted by our team.
Live Music: Cozy up with local tunes from The Dirt Farmers.
Live Music: Cozy up with local tunes from The Dirt Farmers.
Co-op Downtown, 44 E. Main St. you (someexclusionsapply) by ourteam.
Co-opDowntown,44E.MainSt.
Co-op Downtown, 44 E. Main St. you (someexclusionsapply) by ourteam.
Co-opDowntown,44E.MainSt.
MODZ PORK SLIDERS
Thrive
Miller’s Jewelry
35 W. Main St.
Pork Sliders, topped with special BBQ sauce and fresh coleslaw and Chili bowls
MS. SIPPI’S SOUTHERN CUISINE
Make A Wish Foundation
First Security Bank
208 E. Main S.
Cajun chicken pasta, shrimp poboys, chili, gumbo, shrimp and grits
PRAIRIE DOGS
The Table Church
Cosmica World Boutique
10 E. Main St.
We specialize in gourmet hot dogs
ROZA LLC
Eagle Mount
Treasure State Hostel
27 E. Main St. Paella
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Bozeman 3rd Ward LDS Youth
Bangtail Bicycles
137 E. Main St. Scones and hot chocolate
THE NUTTY MONTANAN
Wounded Warrior
Blackbird
140 E. Main St. Nuts, Popcorn
THE NUTTY MONTANAN Wounded Warrior
Onyx
29 W. Main St. Nuts, Popcorn
VICKIE’S PIEROGIES
Ukrainian Relief Effort
Cello
2 W. Main St.
Handcrafted pierogi fried with ghee & served with sour cream and an optional side of Polish sausage
Christmas Stroll
December 7th 2024
Stroll into the Spice & Tea Exchange for 10% off your entire purchase*
Warm up with a sip of Hot Tea while you shop.
*ValidOnly 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM During Stroll
Embrace the Holiday Spirit at the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Bozeman
By Abby Weingarten
For 44 years, the annual Christmas Stroll in Downtown Bozeman has kicked off the holiday season with warmth and magic.
The free community event returns from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sat. Dec. 7, as Santa Claus works his way down Main Street (beginning at the intersection of Main and Willson), singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holidays lights with his festive friends.
“I’m very excited to join Santa in the sleigh and celebrate the historical kickoff to the holiday season with our community,” said Heidi Krutchkoff, the managing director of Verge Theater who will be the master of ceremonies at this year’s event. “I love that Santa uses the crowd to build the Christmas magic that lights up the bells that hang in downtown Bozeman throughout December.”
A third-generation Montanan and second-generation Bozeman resident, Krutchkoff has attended the stroll with her family for as long as she can remember. This year, her daughter’s choir will be performing, as will students from numerous local elementary, middle, and high schools.
“I am very honored to be the host for this year’s Christmas Stroll,” Krutchkoff said. “I have never hosted this incredible event but I’ve been attending the stroll since childhood. I can remember watching Santa light up the bells every year with my family.”
Krutchkoff looks forward to the vibrant schedule during the event. Main Street will be rife with food vendors offering festive fare, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit organization. Montana Youth Challenge Academy’s uniformed cadets will be escorting the parade vehicle, which Bridger Bowl has donated. There will be holiday-inspired activities, a fire pit, crafts, and Santa pictures at The Baxter. Guests can also enjoy traditional holiday songs performed by the Bridger Mountain Harmony Chorus, and sample cookies and fill out holiday cards provided by Ted’s Montana Grill.
“It is such an honor to be a part of this tradition. This event is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the holiday season,” Krutchkoff said. “Spirits are high and it’s one of the best nights downtown.”
For more information on the event, visit downtownbozeman.org/ event/christmas-stroll-2024.
2024 Santa Run FOR EDUCATION
Begin your stroll with a live timed 5K run! The 10th Annual Santa Run for Education starts at 9 AM outside the Willson Gym at 5th & Babcock on Saturday, December 7th.
Participants, spectators, neighbors, and friends are invited to the Willson Gym during and after the race to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and delicious cookies while taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Over $5,000 in cash prizes for PACS at 3 Schools with best participation, 2 BSD7 School Clubs or Teams with most registered runners, and 3 top male and female finishers!
The $35 adult/$25 youth registration fee includes a race bag with goodies from event sponsors and the signature Santa Run 2024 commemorative t-shirt. Visit https://runsignup. com/Race/MT/Bozeman/SantaRunforEducation5K for more details.
Downtown Business Window Decorating Contest
Participants
ERA LANDMARK REAL ESTATE
8 E. Main St.
https://www.eralandmark.com/era-landmarkoffice/bozeman-downtown-visitor-center
KIMPTON ARMORY HOTEL
24 W Mendenhall St https://www.armoryhotelbzn.com/
MOO COUNTRY
16 N. Grand Ave. #C www.moocountry.com
MOUNTAIN TRAILS
GALLERY
303 E. Main St. mtgbozeman.com
MEATEATER
129 W. Main St.
https://www.themeateater.com/
BOZEMAN SPIRITS DISTILLERY
121 W. Main St. www.bozemanspirits.com
LEEANN RAMEY ART
27 N. Tracy Ave. leeannrameyart.com
THE GREAT ROCKY MOUNTAIN TOY COMPANY
111 E. Main St. rockymountaintoycompany.com
Fun Facts & Stories about the Downtown Bozeman Holiday Decorations
By Chronicle Staff
Bozeman Firefighters have been spreading holiday cheer by decorating downtown for the Christmas season since the early 1960’s. What began as the task of installing the holiday streetlight decorations has evolved into a beloved tradition that lights up the heart of Bozeman each year.
The current decorations are striking 24-foot-tall cone-shaped structures made of steel and chain, with each one towering above the downtown streets. These festive creations, which some interpret as bells, trees, or even the body of a spider, are installed on streetlight poles, adding a magical touch Downtown Bozeman.
In the early days, the Bozeman Fire Department’s 1955 Pirsch Ladder Truck was used to set up the decorations, and it was even called out just to replace a single burned-out bulb!
Over the years, the decorations have evolved, the Downtown Business Improvement District replaced all the bulbs with LED versions for energy conservation and longevity.
The lights are traditionally lit during the Bozeman Christmas Stroll, where the crowd gathers in anticipation. With a wave of Santa’s hand and a sprinkle of holiday magic, the lights twinkle to life, accompanied by cheers and confetti prompted by Santa and the Master of Ceremonies.
In 2002, the decorations caught the attention of HGTV, which featured them in a special segment about small-town Christmas celebrations.
However, not every year has gone off without a hitch—like in December 2009, when the Montana Department of Labor briefly halted the decorating process until a copy of our Crane operator’s license and an appropriate number of hard hats to be on location.
One of the more dramatic moments occurred during the 2021 Christmas Stroll when high winds toppled the green intersection decoration, causing a flurry of action as city departments swiftly cleared the fallen spider. Despite the setback, the parade carried on, rerouted down Black Avenue, and the three remaining “Holiday Spiders” continued to shine. After a year of repairs, the beloved green decoration was back in 2022, ensuring that the tradition would continue.
Let the magic of the season fill your heart as you enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit that have been a part of our community for over six decades!
For a full Unofficial History of Downtown Bozeman’s Holiday Decorations, visit www.downtownbozeman.org/spiders.
Whether Grandma got ran over by a reindeer or Flick stuck his tongue to a pole, B2 is here to help.
Know when and where to go when you need care.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
for when Clark Griswold hangs up Christmas lights. Your first stop should always be your primary care provider. If your provider is unable to see you, they will help guide you when and where to go to get the care you need. See
PRIMARY CARE
B2 CARE
for when Flick’s tongue gets stuck to a pole.
Life is unpredictable. When you are unable to be seen by your primary care provider, or if you don't have a primary care provider, see one of our B2 Care locations.
EMERGENCY CARE
for when Grandma gets run over by a reindeer.
For any injuries or illnesses that are serious or life threatening, call 911 or head straight to the emergency room.
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