HAPPENINGS UNDER THE BIG SKY

ALBERTA BAIR THEATER

A Christmas Carol

12.20.22 - 7:30pm > 12.21.22 - 12:30pm (Student Matinee) > 12.21.22 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $47.00, $37.00, $27.00; $17.00 Student + non-refundable fees A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and The Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future. With script adaptation by award-winning 40-year theater veteran Scott H. Severance, and direction by veteran Broadway director Clayton Philips, this new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with firstclass professional actors, lush costumes, stunning sets and puppetry, song and dance, a heavy dose of humor, and a timeless message.

Handel’s Messiah

Saturday, December17, 2022 7:30 pm, Alberta Bair Theater, Tickets: $15 - $66 Dr. Steven Hart, Billings Symphony Chorale director Hannah De Priest, soprano, Amy Schendel, alto, Klaus Georg, tenor, Daren Small, bass Hallelujah! Handel’s glorious yuletide tradition, Messiah, returns to the ABT stage, featuring the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. Dazzling vocal solos, instrumental fireworks, and splendid choral writing combine in this moving and powerful presentation of the greatest story ever told.

BILLINGS DEPOT

Mackenzie Melemed: Rachmaninoff at Carnegie

Thursday, Dec 1, 7 pm Billings Depot, Tickets: $20-$40 Internationally acclaimed pianist Mackenzie Melemed has played in esteemed venues from the White House to Beijing, his passion for music ignited by a $1 keyboard his grandfather bought him at a yard sale. Melemed will perform selections from Rachmaninoff’s November 7, 1942 Carnegie Hall recital—the great pianist’s final solo recital at the world’s most famous concert hall. Chamber ensemble works with Billings Symphony musicians will round out the program.

BILLINGS STUDIO THEATER

Disney’s Beauty & The Beast, Musical

December 2-18, 2022 The enchantment never ends in the romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale that tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, the Beast, who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

COLUMBIA CLUB

2216 Grand Avenue COME DANCE WITH US – Sponsored by BSCI 2nd Wednesday of the of every month. 7:00-10:00 pm - Cover Charge: $5.00

LOCKWOOD PEFORMING ARTS CENTER

Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Sunday, December 4, 4pm Lockwood Performing Arts Center The Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra (formerly Billings Youth Orchestra) presents a December concert as part of their 15th season featuring four orchestras with students from preschool to college age and include home-schooled students and students from outlying rural schools. BYSO is a premier orchestral experience for talented young musicians in the area, open to all students by audition.

METRAPARK

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Date: Dec 01 - Dec 03, 2022, Location(s): Montana Pavilion The Holiday Event of the Season! The Festival of Trees is the major fund-raiser for The Family Tree Center. The Festival has become one of the finest community activities, garnering support from banks, hospitals, churches, non-profit organizations, local businesses, schools and service clubs. Admission Price: $5 per person or $15 per family (2 adults); Children 6 and younger are free. Gala & Tea in the Trees tickets may be purchased online or at the Family Tree Center. To purchase online, go to https://events.readysetauction. com/familytreecenter/festivaloftrees2022 Call 406.252.9799 for more information. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Thursday, December 1 Gala & Tree Auction 6:00 pm, ($75 per ticket or $800 Reserved Table) Friday, December 2 Special Viewing for Children & Seniors 9-11 am Tea in the Trees 1-3 pm ($15 in Advance / $20 at the Door) Gift Boutique 3-8 pm Public Viewing of Trees 3-8 pm Family Fun Night & Photos with Santa 5-8 pm Entertainment 5-8 pm Synthetic Ice Rink Skating 5-8pm Saturday, December 3 Public Viewing of Trees 10 am-5 pm Gift Boutique 10 am-5 pm Entertainment 10 am-5 pm Synthetic Ice Rink Skating 10 am-5 pm Brunch with Santa 11 am-12 pm Photos with Santa 10am-11am, 1pm-5pm

CHASE HAWKS RODEO

Date: Dec 17, 2022, Time: 7:00 PM, Location(s): First Interstate Arena The Chase Hawks Rough Stock rodeo starts with memories of when the Angels came for 6-year-old Chase Hawks. Then look out! Here comes "One of the best rough stock rodeos in American". With most of the stock and cowboys coming direct from the just concluded NFR, it's almost impossible to see more world champion cowboys, horses and bulls than on this one night inside the First Interstate Arena in Billings, Montana. ROUGH STOCK RODEO AFTER PARTY A live concert will take place immediately following the rodeo and included with your ticket. Upgrade to a ticket on the dirt for just $20.

YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM

WinterFair Arts & Crafts show

The Yellowstone Art Museum is again hosting WinterFair on December 2 and 3, 2022! The Arts and Craft Market will showcase local artisan vendors throughout the museum featuring hand-made goods and more. The opening evening on Friday, December 2, will coincide with the annual Holiday Stroll and December ArtWalk in downtown Billings. Start your holiday shopping locally by visiting the YAM’s WinterFair.

Connections at the Art Museum with the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

When: Every 3rd Friday | 10:30 AM – 12 PM Cost: Free Registration in advance is required. Call 800.272.3900 or email montana@alz.org to register. This monthly program is an important way for people living with early-stage memory loss, including those living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia and their care partners to connect with others at the YAM. Promoting connection, interaction, and companionship through viewing and discussing artwork and creating art in the studio. The bonds formed at these programs often last throughout the duration of the disease, creating additional support for all involved.

ZOOMONTANA

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

December 1st-4th, 7th-23rd, 28th-31st *Closed Christmas Eve (Dec.24) & Christmas Day (Dec. 25) Show Hours: 5pm – 9pm (Lights off at 9:00 pm) Coming to Billings in 2022, an all-new walk-through Christmas Holiday Lighting Experience that will enhance the joy and beauty of the season for you and your family, Nov. 25th through Dec. 31st at Zoo Montana. 10+ million lights, large-scale displays, garland, and festive decor will transform the Zoo into a winter Christmas village for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the seasons! Bring your family and friends, and let’s celebrate the Christmas season together! ENJOY IT ALL! > Large-scale Christmas-themed lighted displays > Enjoy traditional holiday music > Get a family photos with Santa > Rent a private S’more tent for the family > Go for a Sleigh ride with your friends > Enjoy holiday inspired food and drink …and much, much more! NOTE: THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT AND MAY CLOSE BASED ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE OR EXCESSIVE SNOW FALL.Y Dec 1, 2022

LAUREL

Christmas to Remember

December 4, 2022 10am – 4pm. This daylong celebration includes a community bazaar with musical entertainment and children activities held in the Laurel Middle School at 725 Washington, a lighted Christmas Parade, fireworks and the arrival of Santa during the parade. Craft Show – 10 am to 4 pm – Laurel Middle School Parade – Starts at 5:15- Goes from Altana Bank to Colorado Ave (Float line up starts at the corner of 1st Ave and 3rd St) For information please contact: Jean Carroll Thompson phone: 406-248-8557 HURSDAY Dec 1, 2022