Sleigh Bells & Surprise Heroes: Teachers and First Responders Bring the Cheer

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Experience holiday magic with inspiring teachers, festive workshops, live music, and more in Billings! 🎄✨

Randy Diefel

Dec 16, 2025

Trivia Question❓

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

🎅✨ Look Up! Santa’s on His Way!

Enter Subtitle

As Santa soars through the skies, we're reminded of the magic this season brings — joy in little moments, warmth in community, and the sparkle of hope for the year ahead.
Whether you're gathered with family, giving back, or simply soaking in the lights, we wish you peace, love, and laughter this holiday season. Let the festivities begin! 🎄✨

"One Class at a Time" Honors Ben Steele Middle School Teacher for Inspiring Young Minds

In Billings, Montana, educator Clint Mainwaring is captivating sixth graders with his dynamic history lessons at Ben Steele Middle School.

He recently earned recognition from the "One Class at a Time" program, supported by local sponsors.

Coming from a family of teachers, Mainwaring swapped dreams of law enforcement for inspiring young minds

🎆 ZooMontana Holiday Nights

📅 Dates: Dec 1–Dec 31, 2025
🕒 Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 ZooMontana (Downtown Billings)
🎟️ Admission: General admission (check site for pricing)
📄 Details: Enjoy a spectacular lighting experience with millions of lights, festive displays, Santa visits, sleigh rides, and cozy holiday activities perfect for families.

🏛️ Moss Mansion Holiday Evening Tours

📅 Dec 17–Dec 19, 2025
🕒 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Moss Mansion, 914 Division St.
🎟️ Admission: Usually $15–$20 (check location details)
📄 Details: Explore the historic Moss Mansion by evening with seasonal decorations and tours — a festive way to take in Billings’ history during the holidays.

🎄 Live Nativity – Family Christmas Experience

📅 Dates: Fri, Dec 19 & Sat, Dec 20, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Open Bible Christian Center (Billings)
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Walk through a live Nativity scene with live animals, warm cocoa, and a family‑friendly holiday atmosphere celebrating the Christmas story.

🎨 Last Chance Christmas Craft Show

📅 Dates: Sat, Dec 20 & Sun, Dec 21, 2025
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Miller’s Horse Palace (Billings)
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Browse 65+ local artists and makers at this final holiday craft market — great for finding handmade gifts and supporting local creators.

🍰 Public Library Workshops & Activities (Dec 20, 2025)

📅 Date: Sat, Dec 20, 2025
🕒 Time: Various times (noon – 4:30 PM)
📍 Billings Public Library
🎟️ Admission: Free (registration may be required for some)
📄 Details: The library offers free community programs this day including:
- Dungeons & Dragons for Teens & Tweens
- Open Notary Hour
- “Charlie Cart: Carrot Cupcakes” cooking activity — bake and decorate carrot cupcakes celebrating Montana Harvest of the Month.

🎸 Parker Brown & The Bleeding Hearts + The Bills

📅 Fri, Dec 26, 2025
🕒 Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:00 PM
📍 The Pub Station Taproom
🎟️ Live music event – local bands mixing rock/blues/roots vibes.

🎤 John Prine & Me – John Adams Tribute

📅 Fri, Dec 26, 2025
🕒 Doors 5:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM
📍 Craft Local, 2501 Montana Ave
🎟️ Tickets ~$10 advance / ~$15 DOS
📄 A heartfelt live performance honoring the songs and spirit of John Prine.

🤘 Wretches & Kings (Linkin Park Tribute)

📅 Sat, Dec 27, 2025
🕒 Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:00 PM
📍 The Pub Station Ballroom
🎟️ Rock tribute show with guests Hang Em High & Roben X.

🎶 Riley Haynie with No Cigar & Gallatin Ghost Train

📅 Sun, Dec 28, 2025
🕒 Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM
📍 The Pub Station Taproom
🎟️ Music night featuring local/regional performers.

🎤 El Wencho — NYE Celebration

📅 Wed, Dec 31, 2025
🕒 ≈ 7:00 PM
📍 Thirsty Street Brewing Co.
🎟️ Country & festive live music to ring in the New Year.

🎶 Keith & Dave Duo at Squire Lounge

📅 Thu, Jan 8, 2026
🕒 ≈ 6:00 PM
📍 Squire Lounge & Patio
🎟️ Free/low‑cost local live music.

🎸 Calvin and The Coal Cars

📅 Fri, Jan 9, 2026
🕒 7:30 PM
📍 2501 Montana Ave
🎟️ Country‑influenced live music.

🎼 Billings Community Band – Winter Performance

📅 Thu, Dec 25, 2025 @ 3:00 PM (and other winter concerts planned)
📍 Alberta Bair Theater
🎟️ Free or low‑cost community band performance.

🎭 Upcoming at Billings Studio Theatre

🎟️ The Outsider

📅 Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2026
🕒 Shows generally in evening/weekend slots
📍 Billings Studio Theatre
📄 A smart comedy about a reluctant politician trying to navigate public life — part of BST’s Season 73 lineup. Billings Studio Theatre

🎭 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

📅 Feb 27 – Mar 15, 2026
📍 Same venue
📄 A musical comedy with laughs, tunes, and plenty of quirky competition — another mainstage offering for the season. Billings Studio Theatre

🎭 The Wind in the Willows (Growing Stage)

📅 Jan 9 – Jan 18, 2026
📍 A production by The Growing Stage (children’s/theatre for young audiences).

Holiday Magic Unfolds as First Responders Transform Shopping Into Special Moments for Kids

Holiday magic came alive in Billings as first responders transformed Saturday morning into an unforgettable experience for dozens of children in need.

The sixth annual Shop with a Cop event brought together