Holiday Go-Time in Helena

PHOTO: LIGHTING OF FIRE TOWER | THOM BRIDGE

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

If you are like me, the first of November kicks off Holiday Go-Time. The cookie recipes come out, the wrapping paper is already almost completely used and the holiday playlist is near complete. Helena becomes even more vibrant during the holiday season and there are ample things to do for all ages and religions.

Plan a Family Scavenger Hunt by registering at puzzlingadventures.com. The hunt begins on November 3 at 10 a.m. This is an outdoor scavenge and perfect for older kids, teens and parents.

Puzzling Adventures is a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race and an informative self-guided tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. All you need is your own mobile device; all adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly.

The Helena Fall Art Walk, scheduled for November 12, is the perfect time to take an energetic stroll downtown as a family. This fun evening out can be kicked off by eating at a downtown restaurant or one of Helena’s amazing food trucks. Often businesses have goodies and giveaways. With the town festively decorated and the street lights aglow, this can be a fun night for children to explore downtown Helena.

If the national papers are correct, it looks like shipping delays are expected and prices on gifts are increasing. A way to solve this problem and help our community is by shopping locally and Art Walk is the perfect time to do it. The Montana Book Co. has an amazing children’s book selection, stocking stuffers and a wonderfully curated adult selection of must-reads. The Lasso the Moon crew are toy geniuses and can point you to the most beloved toys by age so you can get the perfect gift.

Christmas For The Birds at Tizer Gardens will be held on November 20 and 21. This family event requires a reservation but is worth the effort. Your child will receive a Christmas tree in a pot and all the trimmings to make their own decorated tree. The event will also feature kid-friendly crafts and refreshments. Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is one of only three internationally accredited arboreta in the United States that is privately owned, and Montana’s only full-time operated Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Reserve your spot online at tizergardens.com. Make your own gifts by taking a trip to Painted Pot in downtown Helena. I take my children here each year to decorate their own ornaments. Our collection continues to grow as the years roll by. This is a great place to make the grandparents a mug or spoon holder for Christmas as well.

Afterward, walk up to the Parrot for their famous hot chocolate: Warning: this is not a low-fat option, but what it lacks in health consciousness it makes up for in pure joy and happiness. You can pick out a box (or two) of chocolates to send to friends and families.

And finally, the much-loved Parade of Lights is back this year. This magical evening can make even the biggest Grinch nostalgic. Santa Clause (and the Grinch) will both be back in town at this event on the evening of November 26.

The parade will start at Last Chance Gulch and end in Anchor Park. Make sure to hang around a bit longer to take in the Lighting of the Fire Tower at 8 p.m. The theme this year is Candyland!

Keep your eyes on HelenaEvents.com for new and updated posts on activities and events around town.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.