Hey there, Flathead Valley friends. As we approach the shenanigans of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I’m here with a roundup of local activities for those still looking for a holiday outing idea. Many local restaurants are closed to relieve service industry staff over the holidays. Yet, not everything is closed, and I’m here to clue you in to some activities and restaurants around the Flathead Valley graciously keeping their lights on and doors open while Santa does his thing.
If you’re craving a fancy dinner with surf and turf or beef Wellington, the chef at Grouse Mountain Lodge has crafted an exclusive holiday menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can reserve a table at Grouse Mountain Lodge for dinner between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Up at the Whitefish Mountain Resort, a Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade will take place starting at 6 p.m. Just outside of Ed and Mully’s, you’ll be able to watch the Torchlight Parade descend from the top of Chair 2. Following the parade there will be a Santa sighting as he and an elf hand out gifts.
If you have a season pass or lift ticket, you can register to ride in the parade for free. Those participating are encouraged to wear “warm but worthless clothing to avoid damages from torches,” and those under 18 must have a guardian sign a waiver.
(For gifts, anyone can bring one present per child to be given by Santa and his Whitefish elf. For more information on dropping off a gift, visit the resort website.)
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is spinning its chairlifts for the first time this season on Christmas Eve. The lifts are set to run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.
For those hoping to skirt the kitchen, I’ve got a few options for you.Kohchang Thai in northern Kalispell (a new personal favorite) will be open starting at 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and until 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. For an option a little closer to downtown, Himalayan Kitchen will also be operating during normal hours on both days. Ceres Bakery will be closed on Christmas, but open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve for those looking for last-minute holiday treats.
And, of course, there are several local churches offering Christmas Eve candlelight services.
I’m Zoë Buhrmaster, delivering you the last Daily Roundup until Friday as the Beacon staff closes up shop to enjoy the holiday with our furry friends and our human ones. Merry Christmas!
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This holiday season, celebrate the spirit of our community by shopping local. Every purchase you make from a neighborhood business helps support local jobs, families, and the unique character that makes the Flathead Valley such a special place to call home. From thoughtful gifts to festive experiences, our local shops have everything you need to make the season bright. Here’s some information on how to keep it local this holiday season.
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