Winter in the Flathead is an interesting time: When other animals are sleeping off the frigid season, the valley’s human contingent is committed to combatting the gray weather with sparkle and frivolity.
Just as we hang lights on our homes to add a warm glow to the deep dark, Flathead residents have come together for years during winter to celebrate community and the end of another year.
Many of the valley’s hallmark parties and shows take place in the winter, further confirming that the Flathead is a year-round destination for anyone who likes a good time. With that in mind, here are some of the major events scheduled for winter 2015-2016. For day-to-day updates, visit www.FlatheadEvents.net.
Kalispell
On Dec. 4, join hundreds of shoppers and window-shoppers as they peruse the goods and services in downtown Kalispell for the annual Art Walk and Holiday Stroll. It’s a classic, free event during which attendees can find great deals, free food, live music, holiday beverages, and plenty of catching up with friends.
(If you go, be sure to stop by the Beacon’s office at 17 Main St. and say hello; we throw a great party and love chatting.)
The Art Walk and Holiday Stroll takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. While the promise of a good time might be enough for most, the Kalispell Downtown Association, which presents the event, will be giving away 12 $100 gift certificates. For more information, visit www.downtownkalispell.com.
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will present its powerhouse performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 11 at Saint John Paul II Catholic Church; Dec. 12 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center; and Dec. 13 at the Flathead High School performance hall. For tickets, visit www.gscmusic.org or call 406-407-7000.
Also, if you feel like getting more into the Christmas spirit, head to the Conrad Mansion throughout December for the Christmas Tea and Tour events, along with children’s events. Visit www.conradmansion.org for more information.
Whitefish
For 11 years, the Alpine Theater Project’s “Yuletide Affair” – a variety show full of Broadway-level talent as well as accomplished professional musicians from around the country – has sold out every show, to much acclaim.
Mixing satirical takes on current events – especially local events – with heartwarming music, Yuletide Affair has become one of the valley’s most popular year-end traditions.
This year’s 12th annual show take place on Dec. 20 and 21, at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. ATP will once again offer Sweet Seat purchase options for the Dec. 21 performance, which awards the ticket holder with an exclusive champagne and dessert reception with the artists following the show.
Tickets go fast, and are on sale now. Visit www.atpwhitefish.org for ticketing information.
Head downtown on Dec. 11 for the Whitefish Holiday Stroll, and it’s never too early to start prepping for the Whitefish Winter Carnival, a fever dream of a party that takes place every February. Join the yetis, the penguins, the Viking women, and the crowned royalty as they bring the fun and joy back to the homestretch of winter. For more information, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.
Columbia Falls
Thirty years of tradition have gone into making the Gateway to Glacier’s Night of Lights one of the must-see events of the season, taking place this year on Dec. 4. An evening parade slices through the cold, providing an opportunity for the community to gather together.
Anyone can participate in the parade, which starts at 6:30 p.m., as long as they are ready to go at the north end of Nucleus Avenue by 5:30 p.m. Of course, the parade’s headliner – Santa Claus – takes time afterward to meet with naughty and nice alike, and many of the parade goers stream to downtown businesses to keep the fun rolling.
Bigfork
The village by the bay hosts its seventh annual Holiday Wine Stroll on Dec. 2 at the Marina Cay Resort, where a ticket gets you access to a plethora of gift ideas from local artists and craftspeople, as well as appetizers and wine tastings.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
On Dec. 5, get ready for some serious holiday cheer at the Holiday Parade of Lights, featuring Santa, at 6 p.m. Afterward, head to the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts for the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre production of “A Touch of Christmas,” a fundraising concert for the children’s program.
And from Dec. 11-13 and 18-19, enjoy the children’s theater’s performance of “A Totally Awesome Christmas Carol.”
Need plans for New Year’s Day? Drive to Woods Bay, five miles south of Bigfork, to the Raven Brew Pub, where the brave and/or possibly delusional take a freezing dip in Flathead Lake for the annual Polar Bear Plunge at 2 p.m. Spectators welcomed, but bring your swimming suit or costume just in case.
Lakeside/Somers
The west shore communities of Lakeside and Somers on Flathead Lake’s north end will join together for the West Shore Holiday Fest on Dec. 5 at the Lakeside Elementary gym, featuring a whole day of fun for the family.
Starting at 9 a.m. and running until 4 p.m., the event offers handcrafted gifts, music, cookie decorating, a kids-only-market for the discerning young shopper, a bake sale, photos with Santa (he’s very busy this time of year) and much more.