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🎁 Billings, Let’s Get Festive!

The lights are up, cocoa’s calling, and Billings is officially sliding into holiday mode. Whether you're a snow-lover, gift-hunter, or just here for the cookies, this week brings peak cozy-season energy. We’re talking glowing zoo lights, downtown strolls, handmade treasures, and a string quartet playing carols by candlelight. It’s the perfect excuse to grab your mittens, rally your crew, and lean into the local magic. In this issue, we’ve packed your December calendar with the best of what’s happening around town. Spoiler: it's merry, bright, and very Billings.

In Billings, Montana, two adorable red panda sisters at Zoo Montana experienced their first snowfall, creating a magical winter spectacle.

The siblings, welcomed to the zoo in June, frolicked in the snow, tumbling and chasing flakes with boundless energy.

Their playful antics mirrored the resilience of wild red pandas in the Himalayan highlands, thriving at high elevations.

Local families flocked to the zoo, snapping photos and enjoying the heartwarming scene amid Billings' holiday buzz.

Zoo staff highlighted the pandas' thick fur and bushy tails, perfect for Montana's crisp winters, turning snow into a fun playground.

This event underscores Zoo Montana's conservation efforts, including breeding programs for the endangered species.

With expanded events like family nights and fundraisers, the zoo strengthens community ties and inspires appreciation for nature.

As Billings sees real estate growth and new spots, these red panda moments add wild wonder to local life.

Festival of Trees

When: Thurs, Dec 4 → Sat, Dec 6, 2025 metrapark.com
What: Billings’ signature holiday fundraiser, hosted at the Montana Pavilion. This event brings together community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and service clubs — ideal for families, supporters, and folks wanting to get into the holiday spirit and support a local cause. metrapark.com
Why it matters: It’s one of the city’s biggest early‑holiday happenings — a great opportunity for people to get out, enjoy seasonal decorations, and support local community efforts

Downtown Billings Holiday Stroll (combined with Art Walk / WinterFair at Yellowstone Art Museum)

When: Friday, Dec 5 — starting at 5:00 PM rtmuseum.org+2
What: Downtown businesses open late, local shops run specials, seasonal treats and drinks, festive ambiance — plus WinterFair at the art museum featuring handmade goods by local artists and vendors.
artmuseum.org+2
Why it matters: Perfect for folks looking to support small businesses, find unique gifts, or enjoy an evening out downtown — especially as the holiday season ramps up.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at Billings Depot

When: Evening sometime this week (check ticket site for exact date — event listed for Billings) Fever
What: A festive concert featuring holiday carols performed on string instruments — a cozy, atmospheric way to celebrate the season. Fever
Why it matters: Great for listeners who want a quieter, more intimate holiday‑music experience than a loud concert — ideal for families, couples, or anyone craving a peaceful seasonal event.

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana (holiday lighting + seasonal fun)

When: Ongoing — nightly through Dec 2025 (so active this week) HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT ZOO MONTANA
What: A festive lighting experience with holiday lights, decorations, cozy family activities — often including photo ops, holiday treats, and a fun seasonal atmosphere. HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT ZOO MONTANA
Why it matters: A family‑friendly holiday outing — a nice option for folks with kids or anyone who loves that “winter wonderland” vibe without traveling far.

Daniel Tosh Live

• 📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM Ticketmast

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT 

• 🎟️ Admission: Tickets available via the theater website / box office.  Alberta Bair Theatre

• 📄 Details: A comedy show — a good pick if you're looking for a fun night out.

Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song

• 📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM  

• 📍 Location: Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, MT 

• 🎟️ Admission: Tickets listed on event schedule

• 📄 Details: A theatrical show — a fun option if you enjoy live theater.

🎶 Upcoming at The Pub Station

Tanner Laws

📅 Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 🕒 Time: Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM📍 Location: The Pub Station Taproom, 2502 1st Ave N, Billings, MT       The Pub Station

📄 Details: Live‑music night featuring this act — a relaxed option for a Friday evening. The Pub Station

Club Night 406

📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 The Pub Station

🕒 Time: Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM The Pub Station

📍 Location: The Pub Station Taproom, Billings, MT The Pub Station+1

📄 Details: Nightlife/club‑style event — likely music and dancing, a fun Saturday night outing. The Pub Station

The Waiting: Celebrating The Music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 The Pub Station

🕒 Time: Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM The Pub Station

📍 Location: The Pub Station Taproom, Billings, MT The Pub Station

📄 Details: Tribute‑band show — good for fans of classic rock/’90s rock.

🌍 Did You Know You’re cruising through space right now… at over 66,000 mph!

The Earth travels about 66,627 mph around the Sun.

That’s a staggering 1.6 million miles every day. Forget roller coasters — you're on the ultimate thrill ride, 24/7. No seatbelt required. Just  gravity.

Billings tow truck drivers have emerged as unsung heroes amid the recent winter storm's chaos.

The late-week snowfall dropped temperatures below freezing, transforming streets into icy nightmares.

Local companies like JH Motors Inc faced a flood of distress calls from stranded motorists.

One driver described the treacherous conditions, with ice complicating every rescue effort.

Round-the-clock shifts kept crews busy, even through the holidays, thanks to proactive preparations from weather forecasts.

Residents dealt with everything from flat tires to serious accidents in Billings.

These pros take pride in turning stressful situations around for those in need.

With more cold weather expected in Montana, tow teams remain on high alert.

This first major snow of 2025 has roads slick and services in demand.

Winter's just starting its hold on the region, per recent reports.

Authorities and experts urge safe driving as hazardous conditions linger, with more snow and ice forecast.

Community input has improved snow removal, lightening the load for everyone.

For those stuck in the freeze, tow truck crews are an essential lifeline.

• Did you hear about the guy who's afraid of escalators? He takes steps to avoid them.
• Why did the boy do his homework on the plane? He wanted a higher education.
• Why did the cake cross the road? It saw a fork up ahead.

🧭 That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for exploring this week’s local highlights with us! From festive strolls and live shows to cosmic trivia and community happenings, we hope you found something to spark your weekend joy.

Have a tip, event, or feel-good story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime at thetrailheadbuzz@gmail.com

Mount Everest is 29,031' 8"