Happy Friday, Beacon readers! Now that we’ve all eaten our body weight in pie and stuffing or turkey trotted til we dropped (or both, because balance), the Flathead Valley is full steam ahead through the rest of the holiday season.
I’ve noticed a bit of a mixed reaction at the Beacon HQ to the ever-growing seasonal tidings, made evident by the dull roar of grumbling when our Editor-in-Chief, Kellyn, lets his Christmas music eclipse more than a low volume. I, however, have embraced both the holly and the jolly — even joining the office Christmas Party Planning Committee (CPPC) before my official first day at the Beacon a couple weeks ago.
If you’re channeling your inner Clark Griswold like me, you’re in luck this weekend. From parades and tree lightings to music events and craft sales, cities across the valley are hosting a series of events to kick off the holiday season.
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, at Bigfork Middle/Elementary School Cafeteria and Gym
Bigfork Middle School students organized a Winter Market to showcase local businesses and vendors and student-made crafts and decorations.
Bigfork Parade of Lights
6 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, in downtown Bigfork
This year’s theme, A Very Merry Grinch-mas: Grow Your Heart, is inspired by the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre’s production of The Grinch and celebrates community spirit by encouraging everyone to support local businesses and non-profits. Come early to explore the city’s Christmas Village — shop locally, enjoy a warm drink, and admire the beautifully decorated storefronts. Stores will be open late, so you can soak up the magic before the parade begins. Roads will close at 5:30 pm for the safety of parade-goers.
A Touch of Christmas at Bigfork Center for Performing Arts
7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, at the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts, 526 Electric Ave.
Celebrate the magic of the season with Brach Thomson and friends in this festive holiday concert. From sparkling jazz riffs to soulful blues and rockin’ holiday hits, Brach brings the music alive on multiple keyboards alongside special guests. Tickets are $14.75 and can be purchased here.
Columbia Falls
Night of Lights Parade
6 p.m. on Friday, December 5, starting at Nucleus Avenue
The 40th annual Night of Lights Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club, will sport the theme of “Super Hero Christmas.” The parade starts at 6 p.m. and floats will start lining up at 5 p.m. with judging at 5:30 p.m.
Kalispell
Downtown Kalispell Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Ceremony
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 5, at Depot Park
Experience holiday lights, joyful music, delectable treats, community art, a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more as you explore downtown Kalispell. The highlight of the evening will be the tree lighting ceremony at Depot Park, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Santa Paws — pet photos with Santa
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, at Dee-O-Gee Kalispell, 635 Treeline Road Suite 2
Santa Paws is coming to town — his sleigh will be stopping by Dee-O-Gee Kalispell on Saturday and Sunday. Come and have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. Santa requests a $5 donation for the photos, and all money raised will be going directly to the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter in Eureka.
A Christmas Carol Radio Broadcast
Various showtimes December 5-7 at The Conrad Mansion Museum, 330 Woodland Ave.
The Conrad Mansion Museum invites you to a live radio-style performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, based on Orson Welles’ original play. The actors of the Gypsy Theatre Guild will bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas to life from the second floor of the Mansion as guests in the audience listen to the 90-minute broadcast below. Tickets are $20-$35 and can be reserved at www.conradmansion.co. All proceeds benefit both the Conrad Mansion Museum and the Gypsy Theatre Guild.
Showtimes:
Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Whitefish
“Let Nothing You Dismay” at the O’Shaughnessy Center
7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6; 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents “Let Nothing You Dismay” by Topher Payne (Evelyn In Purgatory, The Baby Shower) — a lightning-paced holiday farce that celebrates what it really means to be family. Tickets (Adults $25, Seniors $20, Students $10) can be purchased here.
Holiday Bake Sale & Vintage Jewelry Sale
5 p.m to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 5; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 E Second St.
Whitefish Thrift Haus, Soroptimist International of Whitefish, and The Crafty Women Holiday Market gather together again for their 4th annual Holiday Market. All proceeds from the Bake & Jewelry Sale benefit Soroptimist International of Whitefish, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
I’m Lauren Frick, and Ho, Ho, Here’s the rest of your Daily Roundup.
Whitefish Education Foundation Launches First Capital Campaign to Replace Music Equipment
The campaign has a goal to raise $400,000 to replace instruments for both the orchestra and band programs. Part of the funds will also go in an endowment to ensure that funds are available to replace outdated equipment in the future.
In Their Chef’s Journey Class, Kalispell Middle School Students Learn About Career, Life
The middle schoolers have the chance to cater events through the course as they understand what it takes to have a culinary career. But the lessons they take away go far beyond cooking.
Join the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale for the yearly tradition of Handel’s Messiah to ring in the Christmas season! The orchestra, chorale, and four voice soloists shine in the performance of this 284 year old sacred oratorio. The Hallelujah chorus sing along creates a powerful feeling throughout the audience in the hall.
Pinky and the Floyd celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic album “Wish You Were Here” with a series of can’t-miss performances in 2025. These shows will hold a particularly special weight for the band and their fans as they mark their first performances following the recent passing of their beloved keyboardist (and founding member), Joe Kirchner. While his absence will be deeply felt, the band is dedicated to honoring his memory by bringing the timeless music of Pink Floyd to the stage with the passion and artistry that Joe himself embodied.
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