by Ian Farquharson

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

Located in Montana, the city of Missoula has an interesting history. This dates back to the time of the Lewis and Clarke Expedition, with the explorers having camped on the Blackfoot River, close to what is now modern Missoula. From these early days the city has grown to a thriving community and now  offers residents and visitors a wealth of opportunities for leisure activities. During the holiday season there are a variety of events staged that provide fun and excitement for kids and adults.

Missoula Parks and Recreation

Missoula Parks and Recreation Department produces a Seasonal Recreation Guide, with the winter/spring edition highlighting a range of events to enjoy during the holidays. These include skating at an outdoor ice rink in Pineview Park. Public skating is permitted on the rink daily, from 9am to 10pm and volunteers also stage ice hockey matches for those interested in the sport. Skating clinics aimed at kids aged 4 to 10 take place over a three day period in December. These teach the basics of skating and provide a fun introduction to the activity. Other holiday activities offered by the Parks and Recreation Department include “Santa’s Calling” during December, which offers the chance for kids to meet Santa, and a free swim at the Currents Aquatic Center that generally takes place on the last day of the year.

Missoula Downtown Association

The Missoula Downtown Association represents the businesses of the historic downtown area of Missoula. They help to get the winter holiday season started by organizing the Parade of Lights festival in early December. This event offers a variety of fun and entertainment for the whole family. The highlight of the festival is the evening parade, as well as the lighting of the Missoula Christmas tree. However, there are plenty of other activities scheduled during the event. These generally include a chance for kids to meet Santa, children’s workshops for Christmas card and ornament making, holiday story time at the library, and free family films at the local cinema. The Parade of Lights festival has been a feature of the Missoula calendar since the early 2000s and offers the chance for residents and visitors to get into the holiday spirit.

Mountain Home Montana

Mountain Home Montana, in association with the Community Medical Center Foundation, has been staging the Festival of Trees in Missoula since the early 2000s. This event includes the Tour of Trees, which offers the

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