When was the first Tournament of Roses parade?

As we wave goodbye to 2025 and step into a brand-new year, it's the perfect time to cozy up with loved ones, make a few fresh starts, and enjoy all the goodness Billings has to offer. Whether you're counting down with the kids, strolling through the last of the holiday lights, or tapping your toes to some live local tunes, we've got the scoop on all the ways to welcome 2026 with heart and hometown cheer. Here's to a warm, wonderful New Year filled with community, connection, and a little bit of magic. 🥳🌟

Downtown Billings experienced significant business turnover in 2025, with 25 new establishments opening while 8 closed their doors.

The year's standout addition was Doc Harper's Tavern expansion into The Waiting Room, a speakeasy requiring passwords for entry through a hidden bookshelf entrance.

Medieval-themed Captain Scurvy's Black Dragon Den on Minnesota Avenue attracted visitors with its Renaissance Festival atmosphere and costumed staff.

In Montana's frosty expanses, Becky Ham has turned her knitting hobby into a powerful force for community goodwill.

She crafts warm hats with dedication, donating them to those in need amid harsh winters.

Her quick production and generous spirit have resulted in over 1,250 handmade items distributed across Billings and surrounding areas.

From newborns in hospitals to homeless individuals, these cozy creations provide essential comfort and a personal touch.

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

📅 Date: December 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: ZooMontana
🎟️ Admission: Tickets required (check ZooMontana website)
📄 Details: Enjoy the last week of this magical holiday lighting event! With millions of glowing lights, festive displays, cozy fire pits, and photo ops with Santa, this winter wonderland experience continues through Dec 31.

New Year’s Eve Party — Midnight Over Montana

📅 Date: December 31, 2025
🕒 Time: Evening – late night
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings (Downtown)
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event
📄 Details: Ring in the new year with live music by DJ Dave Austin, fun celebration vibes, and great views of the city from downtown — perfect for an adult night out!

New Year’s Eve Local Celebrations (Multiple Spots)

📅 Date: December 31, 2025
🕒 Time: Evening – Night
📍 Location: Downtown Billings & Local Venues
🎟️ Admission: Mostly free/varies by venue
📄 Details: Several local establishments are hosting NYE fun:

• NYE Bash at Hooligans Sports Bar

• Live music at Thirsty Street Brewing Co.

• Soul Funk Collective at Craft Local
  Plus free 2‑hour downtown parking all day through Jan 1 to help you enjoy the festivities.

Moss Mansion Tours — Holiday Break Tour Series

📅 Date: January 2–5 & January 7–8, 2026
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Moss Mansion Museum
🎟️ Admission: Standard tour prices apply
📄 Details: After the holidays, Moss Mansion resumes daily tours (closed on Tuesdays) — a great historical outing to kick off the new year.

New Year’s Holiday Classic at MetraPark

📅 Date: January 3, 2026
🕒 Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: MetraPark
🎟️ Admission: Varies by event
📄 Details: Kick off January with this family‑friendly celebration of the new year — part of the MetraPark event calendar that also includes trade shows, fairs, and more throughout January.

NYE Live Music — El Wencho

📅 Date: December 31, 2025
🕒 Time: ~7:00 PM
📍 Location: Thirsty Street Brewing Co. (The Garage)
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed/Varies
📄 Details: Ring in the New Year with El Wencho’s 5th Annual NYE performance at the Garage stage — expect lively music and party vibes rolling into 2026.

New Year’s Eve Party with DJ — Live Music + DJ Beats

📅 Date: December 31, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM – after midnight
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton (NYE Party)
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Includes DJ Dave Austin live music & dance party as part of the “Midnight Over Montana” celebration — great for dancing into 2026.

Live Music at Local Bars & Breweries (ongoing)

(Venue schedules vary — check social pages/calendars for specific acts & times)

• The Pub Station – Major venue hosting bands & touring acts later in January (e.g., Emo Kids on Jan 23, Kitchen Dwellers on Jan 29) The Pub Station

• Thirsty Street Brewing Co. – Live music nights and events, like singer‑songwriter shows in mid‑January (Jessica Ann on Jan 17). Thirsty Street Brewing

• Craft Local & Squire Lounge & Patio – Frequent live music/performances in a cozy setting.

• Levity Bar and Casino & Kirks’ Grocery – Spots with occasional live music shows or open mic nights.

🏃 New Years Day Run / Fitness Start

📅 Date: January 1, 2026
🕒 Time: Morning
📍 Location: Lake Elmo State Park or local YMCA
🎟️ Admission: Usually free or low cost
📄 Details: Not NYE exactly, but a great healthy, alcohol‑free start to the year with community running/fitness activities, music, and camaraderie.

🍭 WISE Wonders Early New Year’s Eve (Daytime)

📅 Date: December 31, 2025
🕒 Time: Morning / Early afternoon
📍 Location: Children's museum/science center  

      (Billings) 3024 2nd  Ave. North 
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Bubble dance party + activities with a noon countdown celebration ideal for younger kids (listed in local family NYE guides).

Billings is always growing and shifting — and with the start of a new year, there’s a fresh batch of local changes to take note of! Here’s a quick roundup of what’s opening, what we’re saying goodbye to, and what’s on the horizon:

🆕 Now Open

• Prairie Pines Bakery (Downtown): This cozy new spot opened in late December, serving small-batch sourdough, morning buns, and some seriously good espresso. Already a hit with the downtown morning crowd.

• Yellowstone Wellness Collective (West End): A new space for yoga, acupuncture, and community wellness events — perfect timing for those New Year intentions.

😢 Recently Closed

• The Burger Dive: After over a decade of award-winning burgers, The Burger Dive announced its closing at the end of 2025. Loyal fans are hopeful for a pop-up or food truck comeback.

• 2nd Street Vintage Market: This charming secondhand shop closed its doors just before the holidays — but rumor has it the owner is working on a new location with even more local vendors.

🏗️ Coming Soon

• River Bend Taproom (Spring 2026): A new brewery + kitchen concept coming to the Heights, with a big outdoor patio planned for summer nights.

• Northside Dog Park Expansion: Scheduled for early spring, this expanded space will include agility features, shade zones, and water access — a win for our four-legged neighbors.

• Trader Joe’s — Maybe?: The internet rumor mill is swirling again after a city permit was filed near Shiloh Crossing. It’s not confirmed, but folks are buzzing.

Whether you’re craving something new or just curious about where the town’s headed, we’ll keep tracking what’s next in Billings — one grand opening (or bittersweet goodbye) at a time.

Downtown Billings is experiencing a remarkable business renaissance with

Cookie Dough Dip

This easy Cookie Dough Dip recipe is the best cold dessert appetizer, including cream cheese, chocolate chips, toffee bits – and no egg! Whip up a batch in just 10 minutes, take it to a party and make all the friends!

• 8 ounce package cream cheese, , softened to room temperature
• ▢1/2 cup unsalted butter, , softened to room temperature
• ▢1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• ▢1 cup mini chocolate chips
• ▢1 cup toffee bits

Instructions 

Thank You, Reader...We Appreciate You!

As we roll into the new year, let’s hold on tight to the simple joys — good neighbors, warm kitchens, and a town that always feels like home. Whether you're trying out a new recipe, stopping by a local event, or just soaking in the slower pace of January, we hope this little newsletter brings a smile to your face. Here's to 2026 — may it be full of heart, laughter, and all the little things that make life sweet. We're sure glad to have you along for the ride!

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