Winter Family Fun
Winter Market Stand
WINTER HOURS: November–May
Wednesdays: 12–6pm + Sundays: 9am–1pm Visit our farm stand in the blue barn at Rocky Creek Farm for fresh organic veggies, herbs, flowers, eggs, honey, farm-raised meats, and seasonal apple cider. at
34297 Frontage Rd (3 miles E of Bozeman) www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com
Enjoy 12km of family-friendly ski trails at Rocky Creek Farm, a Gallatin Valley Land Trust–conserved property. Wander along Rocky Creek, glide through open fields, and take in beautiful mountain views. Trails include both skate and classic lanes, starting right at the Rocky Creek Farm barn. Come ski Bozeman’s newest groomed Nordic Ski Trails. Just 10 minutes east of downtown. Open daily, 6am-9pm. Pass sales and more information at www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com/nordic-ski-info.
Winter Family Fun
PHOTO MADI BRUGGEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Winter Family Fun
Keeping it real
WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH
Helena has a way of showing off in every season, but winter feels like her love language. The quiet mornings when frost clings to pine branches, the watercolor skies over Mount Helena and the evenings when downtown glows like a Hallmark movie set. For families, winter here isn’t about hibernating, it’s about finding the cozy.
At our house, we trade soccer cleats for snow boots, late summer nights for early sunsets and our usual rush for a slower rhythm. Winter has a way of pressing pause, just enough to notice each other again.
Each winter, the snow gracefully covers Helena’s Bill Roberts Golf Course, making it the perfect place to test out family cross-country skiing. Did you know that Charles Lindbergh once landed his Spirit of St. Louis there in 1927?! The terrain is perfect for families, and skiing is free for everyone. Rentals for kids of all ages, even us middle-aged ones, can be found at Basecamp and Capital Sports.
After a day on the snow, Broadwater Hot Springs is a great way for families to thaw out. It’s Helena’s version of a winter happy place. My kids can swim for hours, even in the dead of winter, and the food and beverages hit the spot after a long day outside.
Great Divide, just a short drive away, offers family-friendly runs, night skiing and a lodge that feels straight out of an old Montana postcard. My kids have taken group ski lessons there and are now part of the AllMountain program. I can finally enjoy my book while they spend three hours every weekend supervised by ski professionals. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Ice fishing is a Montana staple and definitely one we Helenans embrace. From Spring Meadow and Hauser to Holter and the Causeway, ice fishing is a rite of passage and a great way to spend a day unplugged. Don’t forget to pack the snacks.
If you need an indoor adventure (or your mittens are permanently damp), Helena has no shortage of creative escapes. The Holter Museum of Art
offers free admission on Fridays, and their rotating exhibits make for a colorful break from gray skies. Across town, the Montana Wild Education Center is a hidden gem. With more than 100 wildlife mounts, a native fish aquarium and free admission, it’s one of the most educational and exciting indoor stops for families.
A new discovery for me this year was the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison. Open on Thursdays and free to visit (donations welcome), this museum is small but rich with local history. It’s a perfect stop for curious minds who love a good story.
For kids with endless energy (and parents trying to keep up), ExplorationWorks is a winter lifesaver. Hands-on exhibits, STEM projects and that glorious hum of happy kids remind you that learning really can be play. And if you’re looking for something that burns a little more energy, Stonetree Climbing Center is a must. My kids love spending an afternoon there, climbing until their arms give out.
No Helena winter is complete without a visit to Memorial Park Warming House and Ice Rink, where the cocoa is hot and everyone looks like they just stepped out of a snow globe. With inexpensive skate rentals and special events (our favorite is Neon Night), this is the place to be on winter evenings. If you have your own gear, you can also skate at Cunningham Park, Lincoln Park and Canyon Ferry Lake.
And if you haven’t been to a Helena Bighorns hockey game yet, go. Steed Arena fills with laughter, community spirit and that unmistakable small-town pride.
Whether you’re skiing the same snowfield that once met Lindbergh’s plane, cheering at a hockey game or watching your kids learn something new at ExplorationWorks, winter in Helena reminds us that warmth isn’t measured in degrees, it’s found in togetherness.
Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker. inc@gmail.com.
Family Fun on ice
There’s something timeless about spending a winter afternoon at the ice rink. Whether gliding hand-in-hand during public skate, cheering from the stands at a local hockey game or watching kids take their first confident strides on the ice, skating brings families together in a way few activities can.
At Gallatin Ice, Bozeman’s community rink located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, families with children of all ages can find something to enjoy. Public skate sessions run throughout the week, and themed events—like Skate with Santa in December—turn a simple afternoon on the ice into a family tradition. These events are affordable, open to everyone and offer a fun way to celebrate the season together.
For those looking to learn or build skills, structured programs help skaters progress in supportive group settings. The Learn to Skate program introduces children and adults to the basics of balance and movement, while Hockey Skating Skills classes and youth hockey leagues help players develop speed, confidence and teamwork. Those already experienced in hockey can drop in for stick and puck sessions or pickup games throughout the week. Gallatin Ice’s programs and schedule are designed to provide opportunities for every user group, every day.
Spectators can also enjoy the fast-paced excitement of local hockey, with teams like the MSU Bobcats, Bozeman Icedogs and Bozeman Stingers playing right here in town. Tickets are affordable, the atmosphere is lively and it’s an easy night out for families looking for something different to do together.
With recent support from key donors, Gallatin Ice, a nonprofit facility, is preparing to announce a large-scale renovation project scheduled for 2026. The multimilliondollar expansion will increase spectator capacity and create a more family-friendly environment for watching games and tournaments. The scope of the project includes a new concessions area, a bar and restaurant, an executive suite, 1,200 seats and an expansive mezzanine. The Finish the Ice Barn – West Side Project will make the facility even more welcoming and convenient for local families.
To learn more about programs, events and updates on the expansion project, visit gallatinice.org.
Two Bozeman Locations (North campus) 3774 Equestrian Ln. (South campus) 233 Enterprise Blvd. Serving ages 6 mths to 6 yrs
All Annual Fees waived for new families enrolling before the end of 2025! Save up to $625!
Enrolling Infant, Toddler and Primary classrooms!
• Hot lunches & snacks from our own school kitchen included with tuition
• Weekly music classes included
• Supportive community of teachers & families
• Licensed early childhood center with DPHHS since 2013
• Children’s developmental needs supported by trained Montessori teachers
• Variety of scheduling options available
• Spacious, beautiful environments
• Best Beginnings, Ace MT scholarships & CCAMPIS grants accepted
CONTACT US TODAY!
Email: enrollment@bozeman montessori.com Ph: (406) 600-8098 www.bozemanmontessori.com Follow us on
SCHOOL Enroll Now & SAVE!
Winter Family Fun
outdoor ice - Skating rinkS in
Bozeman
Ç soutHside Park: Fifth Avenue and College Street
Ç Beall Park: Villard Street and Black Avenue
Ç Bogert Park: South Church Avenue
*Rink is closed for city ice-skating lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m.
Rink hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Opening dates for the city ice-skating rinks vary according to weather and conditions. Rinks close when weather is too warm or the ice becomes too soft. For rink conditions, visit www.bozeman.net/parks or call the rink hotline 406-582-2905.
ice-skating lessons - ages 5 to 11
Learn to Skate afterschool ice-skating lessons are offered through a partnership with the Bozeman Figure Skating Club. The Learn to Skate USA program teaches fundamental ice-skating skills and techniques that will build your child’s confidence on the ice for a lifetime.
Lessons will take place on the outdoor rink under the Anderson Pavilion in Bogert Park and are offered to all ability levels. Bozeman Figure Skating Club instructors will lead the lessons, which include a half-hour of instruction and a half-hour of free skating to hone the new skills. Ice skates and helmets are required and not provided.
January 6-February 26, 2026, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Ç Session 1: 4 p.m.
Ç Session 2: 4:30 p.m.
Ç Session 3: 5 p.m.
Ç Cost per session is $100 for city of Bozeman residents; $140 for nonresidents.
The city of Bozeman will make every attempt to hold lessons. Lessons will be cancelled if the temperature is 10 degrees F (or below) or if the weather is too warm and the ice is soft. Cancellation decisions are made by 3:30 p.m. the day of lessons. Please note that the season is subject to shortening depending on rink conditions.
For more information and to register visit www.bozeman.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation.
Helena outdoor ice - Skating
MeMorial Park
The Memorial Park Ice Rink, located at 5 Memorial Dr., is a cozy place to rent skates, enjoy a hot chocolate and ice-skate under the twinkling lights. The ice rink hours are always weather dependent, so call the ice-line at 406-443-8774 or check Facebook for current conditions. Memorial Park Ice Rink is expected to be open from mid-December through February. Entrance fees range from free to $4. Skate rentals are free and concessions are available for purchase.
Hours of oPeration:
Wednesday: 4-8 p.m.
Thursday: 4-8 p.m.
Friday: 4-8 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday: 12-6 p.m.
Extended hours are offered over Helena School District winter break from 11am-8pm daily. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day.
sPecial events:
Ç December 20: Winter Break Kick-off Skate, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Ç December 24: Free hot chocolate from 11 a.m.-4pm
Ç January 3: Neon Night Free Glowsticks, 4-8 p.m.
Ç January 19: MLK Jr. Day, open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Ç January 26: Disney’s Frozen-Themed Skate, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Ç February 6: 90’s-Themed Skate Party, 4-8 p.m.
Ç February 14: Everyone gets a Valentine
Ç February 16: President’s Day, open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
unattended Helena ice rinks
Unattended ice rinks are located at Cunningham Park and Lincoln Park and Canyon Ferry. The rinks are open from dawn to dusk. You must bring your own gear and share the ice with other skaters. Cunningham and Lincoln are flooded in the mornings, weather permitting, so please avoid using the ice while it is freezing.
Ç cunningHaM Park : 1234 Floweree St.
Ç lincoln Park : 1800 N Roberts St.
Winter
Family Fun
Start the neW Year bY learning Something neW — together
WRITTEN BY NAOMI SHAFER, 406CIRQUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The new year always brings a sense of renewal — a chance to reset routines, explore fresh interests and reconnect as a family. While many people focus on resolutions around health or organization, one of the most powerful ways to grow as a family is by learning something new together. Whether it’s a dance class, pottery session or a parent–child music class, shared learning experiences create lasting memories and strengthen bonds in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
tHe Power of sHared curiosity
When parents and children take on a new skill side-by-side, they both enter a space of curiosity and vulnerability. Kids see their parents learning, making mistakes and improving — powerful modeling that helps them understand that growth takes time and effort. Parents, in turn, get to rediscover the joy of play and creativity, free from the pressure of “getting it right.”
So often, parents and kids get stuck in a familiar dynamic: parent as teacher, manager, scheduler and helper. There isn’t always a lot of laughter in those roles. Often, the most fun parenting moments happen when parent and child are united in exploration, creativity and joy.
As parents, one of the best things we can show our children is our own curiosity, our own knowledge gaps and our own commitment to practice over perfection.
Benefits tHat go Beyond tHe lesson
Learning together isn’t just fun — it’s deeply beneficial for both kids and adults. Research shows that shared learning experiences:
Ç Strengthen family connection through laughter, teamwork and mutual encouragement. Being students together lets you and your child be equals. Sure, probably only one of you is remembering to bring snacks, but you all share the experience of being learners.
Ç Improve communication as family members learn to listen, cooperate and problem-solve. Take some pressure off yourself. In a class, you don’t have to have all the answers. You and your kids get the shared challenge of following directions, and letting someone else take the lead. You might be delighted to see your child take
leadership in putting away the instruments, or delighted in your own confusion about the directions.
Ç Boost confidence by creating opportunities to celebrate small wins together. With practice, comes confidence. You and your child will create a special ritual of learning together. Whether that’s improving your balance as you walk on the tightwire or understanding how to attach a handle to a mug, you’ll build confidence together.
Ç Reduce stress by offering a shared creative outlet away from screens and daily routines. Maybe just for an hour a week, you’ll get a break from your daily activities. Choose something where you can’t have your phone in your hand (pottery class) or you need to give your fullbodied focus (trapeze!).
a resolution wortH keePing
In a world that moves fast, taking time to learn something new as a family is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. It’s not about mastering the skill — it’s about sharing the experience, laughter and growth that come from trying something new together.
While I’m hesitant to use the G word, most parents are guilty of being half-present. Playing Legos while reading the news. Playing dress-up while writing a shopping list. Or my favorite: Lying on the floor while my toddler rolls trucks over me.
This year, skip the traditional resolutions and make one that truly connects you: learn, explore and grow — together. Let yourself be present with your family and also enjoy the benefits of a beginner’s brain.
Bozeman’s outdoor options need no introduction, but for those of you wanting indoor options—whether because you want to skip the hassle of a snowsuit or the unpredictability of snow—here are a few resources.
406cirque (18 months to adult)
Ç Circus, aerial and movement classes for kids to adults. Great for families looking to move, get silly and try something new.
Ç Parent and child classes are offered for young students.
Ç After-school, evening and weekend classes offered for all ages as ongoing or drop in.
Ç Free trial classes offered.
Ç www.406cirque.com
Music togetHer (ages newborn to 6)
Ç Child and caregiver music classes that teach musical foundations (vocal, rhythmic) in a family-friendly, engaging format.
Ç Most sessions are 8 to 10 weeks.
Ç Free trial classes are offered.
Ç www.musictogetherbozeman.com
arts on fire (3+)
Ç Paint-your-own-pottery studio, glass fusing, canvas art. They also host wheel lessons (pottery) for beginners.
Ç Great for families with mixed ages; kids and adults can create art together in a relaxed environment with no heavy pressure.
Ç Kids under 17 are free on Wednesdays
Ç www.artsonfirebozeman.com
BozeMan coMMunity kiln (ages 9+)
Ç Pottery/ceramics studio offering clay technique classes and casual clay encounters.
Ç Great for families looking for a hands-on craft and tactile experience.
Ç Choose between a class or an “encounter” (workshop).
Ç www.bckstudio.com/classes
DayWinterCamps
AVOID SCREEN TIME AND BOREDOM THIS CHRISTMAS BREAK WITH MORE ACTIVITY AND FUN AT RIDGE KIDS!
CAMP DECEMBER 22 ND & 23 RD WINTER CAMP DECEMBER 29 TH , 30 TH & 31 ST
Swim, play and stay engaged at Ridge Kids Camp! DAY CAMPS RUN FROM 8:30AM-4:30PM FOR DETAILS OR TO REGISTER: Email camps@ridgeathletic.com Visit ridgeathletic.com $60 MEMBER/DAY • $75 NON-MEMBER/DAY
Winter Family Fun
PlaY together, groW together
cultivating connection and generoSitY at home
ARTICLE
AND PHOTOS BY KATIE DOLEN, COFOUNDER OF
At State of Play, they believe that play is one of the most powerful tools for children (and families) to build connection, empathy and imagination. As the year winds down and our days grow slower and cozier, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what it means to give and receive — not just in the form of gifts, but in the ways we offer our attention, time and care to one another.
tHe sPirit of generosity in Play
The holidays can bring a flurry of expectation (gifts, events, to-dos) but for children, the most meaningful moments often come from simple acts of connection. When a child shares a toy, makes something for someone or invites a friend to join their game, they’re practicing the spirit of generosity: giving without expecting anything in return.
Play provides a natural space for this kind of giving. In State of Play classrooms, they often witness moments of unspoken generosity — a child handing another a paintbrush, offering a block to complete a structure, or scooting over to make room for a friend. These gestures may seem small, but they reflect big lessons: empathy, awareness and joy in shared experience.
At home, you can nurture this same spirit by slowing down and joining your child in moments of play, not to direct or correct, but simply to be together. Presence itself is a gift, and it teaches children that what matters most isn’t what we buy or make, but how we show up for one another.
“Family time doesn’t have to be elaborate or picture-perFect. What matters most is togetherness — shared discovery, laughter, and joy.”
~ Katie Dolen
STATE OF PLAY
tHree siMPle faMily Play invitations
1. the “gift of time” table
Set out a tray of art materials or building pieces and ask your child what they’d like to make for someone else. It might be a sculpture for grandma, a drawing for a friend or a fort “for everyone.” Talk about how giving can be an act of creativity and kindness.
2. StorY StoneS of gratitude
Decorate small stones or pieces of wood with hearts, stars or simple drawings. Take turns choosing one and telling a short story about something you’re thankful for or something kind someone did for you.
3. ShadoW PlaY of SurPriSeS
In a darkened room, use a flashlight to cast shadows with your hands or toys. Take turns guessing what the other person is making or create “shadow gifts” to give away. It’s silly, imaginative and full of laughter — the best kind of giving.
Presence over Perfection
As parents, it’s easy to feel the pressure to meet every holiday expectation, to buy, plan or create the “perfect” season. But the truth is, children remember how things felt far more than what they got. They remember laughter, warmth and moments of being seen and included.
When we model generosity, patience and gratitude — showing kids that giving can simply mean being there — we help them internalize the real meaning of this season.
So, give yourself permission to slow down. Play, laugh and connect. Your presence is the most powerful gift of all.
To explore more opportunities for creative family play, visit www.stateofplay.co and join one of their open play sessions, classes or special events.
Homestead Holiday
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 & 13 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Tinsley House and Planetarium
$10/adult, $5/child age 5-17, $0/child up to age 4
Registration is required; limited capacity.
Celebrate the season with festive fun while enjoying carolers, crafts, treats, a planetarium show, storytime, and a visit from St. Nick!
Winter Family Fun
rendezvouS Ski trailS
Where gold medal grooming and reliable snow come together to create a Nordic skier’s dream, the Rendezvous Ski Trails consist of more than 35 kilometers of gently rolling, beautifully-groomed trails that wind through tall stands of lodgepole pine and open meadows. The trail system is located entirely on U.S. Forest Service land and is managed through a cooperative partnership between the Forest Service, the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation (WYSEF).
Ideally situated at just over 6,800 feet, the Rendezvous Ski Trails provide perfect conditions for high-altitude training or recreation at any time of the year. The altitude and location adjacent to the Continental Divide also mean that snow comes early and stays late.
eventS
SPam cuP claSSic croSS-countrY Ski race and biathlon
DECEMBER 13, 2025
This event provides racing opportunities for experienced biathletes with their own rifles and for novice participants. If you are not an experienced biathlete with your own rifle, please register in the appropriate novice category (www.skireg.com/wysefaltiusbiathlon-dec).
free Ski daY and trY it biathlon
JANUARY 10, 2026
No trail pass is required through National Winter Trails Day in collaboration with Custer Gallatin National Forest, Hebgen Lake Ranger District
Ç Free 3-hour rental provided by Freeheel & Wheel
Ç 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ç First come, first served
Ç Free 1-hour lesson (classic or skate)
Ç Be at the trailhead at 10:30 a.m. ready to ski
Ç Try IT Biathlon (1 session)
Ç Meet at noon at the biathlon ready
SPam cub and biathlon
JANUARY 11, 2026
This event provides racing opportunities for experienced biathletes with their own rifles and for novice participants. If you are not an experienced biathlete with your own rifle, please register in the appropriate novice category (www.skireg.com/wysefaltiusbiathlon).
taSte of trailS
FEBRUARY 14, 2026
This is a supported 5-km tour with four strategically placed food stations. To register, visit www.skirunbikemt.com/event/taste-ofthe-trails).
rendezvouS Ski race
MARCH 7, 2026
The 2026 Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will once again be part of the American Ski Marathon Series—North America’s longestrunning and largest citizen’s racing and touring series—that highlights long-distance ski events throughout the country. To register visit www.skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-rendezvousrace/home.
Holidays
PHOTO BY ADP STUDIO
Eight Heartfelt Ways to Ring in the New Year
WRITTEN BY VICTORIA VAN GARDEREN, CO-OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF BOZEMAN MONTESSORI
The turn of the annual calendar page holds a unique kind of magic as we celebrate the ultimate paradox of endings and beginnings, letting go and welcoming in. While often associated with grand parties or resolutions, the New Year is truly an opportunity to build special family traditions that reflect your deepest values—whether that means a night of cozy reflection or an all-out family adventure.
Around the globe, different cultures honor the New Year with a diverse range of powerful rituals from feasting and loud noises to symbolic acts of renewal. For instance, many traditions believe cleaning the home is a way to create a clean slate and welcome good fortune; literally sweeping away the “old” to make way for the “new.” As a parent and now grandparent, I have celebrated the New Year in a variety of ways as the ages and interests of my children evolved over time.
Here are my eight ways to ring in the new year with intention and joy.
1. The Team Housecleaning Session
As the busyness of the holiday season draws to a close, embrace the concept of a clean slate by holding a team housecleaning session in the days leading up to December 31. Play upbeat music, set a timer (maybe 15 minutes for little ones) and assign everyone an area. Keep it realistic based on age; even toddlers can help toss toys in a bin. Focus on high-fives and fun, making the process of “clearing the deck” a celebratory, collaborative effort.
2. Set Intentions at a Family Meeting
Forget rigid resolutions and hold a family meeting to set your “intentions” for the year ahead. This is a chance to dream together. Pull out a fresh calendar and discuss planned trips, family visits or goals like hiking a new trail every month. You can also establish simple, beneficial habits, such as a 15-minute clean-up time every night after dinner. Write these intentions down and hang them up.
3. The “My Favorite Things” Dinner
Plan a special New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day dinner themed around “My Favorite Things,” for which every family member contributes one favorite menu idea. If a child is old enough, they can head up making the dish—with supervision and support from the adults or older kids. Take the whole afternoon at a slower pace, enjoying the process of creation and collaboration. When you are ready to eat, consider turning off the lights and eating by candlelight to make your “Favorite Things” dinner truly memorable.
4. Hold a New York New Year’s Eve
For children (or adults) who might not make it to midnight, hold a New York New Year’s Eve celebration. Dress up as much as you like, light candles, pull out the “fancy” china and enjoy a special dinner, maybe even one with a New York theme. Hold a dramatic countdown at 10 p.m. (midnight Eastern Time). Maybe watch the ball drop live, hand out kazoos or light a few sparklers outdoors.
5. Sledding Party with Friends
Organize a sledding party. Arrange a rendezvous with your friends and extended family at a favorite sledding hill. Bring thermoses of cider or cocoa and some easy snacks. This tradition is less about a single night and more about embracing seasonal joy and building community. Bonus: With enough moonlight and an unobstructed (hazard-free) hill, you can hold this at dusk or after dark.
6. Hit the Slopes or Trails
Arrange a New Year’s trip to the ski hill, crosscountry trail or snow-shoeing adventure. Spending a day surrounded by snow can feel like stepping inside a quiet, beautiful snow globe, offering a refreshing way to welcome the first moments of the new year. As with any of the ideas, grab a special New Year’s group photo while you are out there!
PHOTO MADI BRUGGEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
7. The Annual “Letting Go” Hike
Take an annual hike to a favorite natural spot, such as a waterfall or park. If you end up by a body of water, invite your kids to find a small rock. Each family member thinks of something they want to let go of from the previous year (such as impatience, worry or an outgrown habit). One by one, they shout out what they want to release as they throw the rock into the river or creek. Take time to let each kid have their moment, and the family’s only role is to listen and support. Wrap up with a big group hug.
8. Build a Positive Intention Wishing Chain
Cut strips of colored paper (or recycled gift-wrapping paper) to make a wishing chain for your positive intention words. Every family member writes a word on a strip of paper—words like helpful, sharing, adventure, kindness, courage—that they want to embody in the new year. Build the beautiful chain together to hang up, showcasing all of your family’s positive intentions and values. You can do this over the days leading up to the New Year and if a dramatic finish sounds right, take the chain down on New Year’s Eve and burn it in the fireplace or outdoor bonfire as a symbolic internalization of the shared hopes. Watching the sparks and smoke rise from the burning, colored paper can create a lasting moment to hold close —maybe while you sing “Auld Lang Syne” together.
Remember, the goal is not performance or perfection, but connection. Align expectations with the ages and abilities of your children: The younger the child, the simpler the tradition. Building small, repeatable moments creates lasting memories far more powerful than any one event.
Victoria van Garderen is a long-time resident of Bozeman who believes every New Year is a chance for meaningful connection. A parent, grandparent, teacher educator and administrator, she is the co-owner and director of Bozeman Montessori.
bozeman Holiday Events
11th Annual
Santa Run for Education
DECEMBER 6, 2025
Letters From Santa
THROUGH
DECEMBER 12, 2025
The Parks and Recreation Department elves will be helping Santa send out his letters again this holiday season. To request a letter, visit www.bozeman.net/ recreation and select “recreation registration” by December 12 at noon.
The Bozeman Schools Foundation will once again host its annual Santa Run for Education on the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2025. This is the foundation’s primary fundraiser, bringing together runners, families and supporters for a festive 5K through downtown Bozeman. Proceeds from the event support the foundation’s work promoting academic excellence, fostering teaching innovation, recognizing students of character and helping connect students in need with housing, nutritional support and other essential resources so they can focus on learning and thrive.
The Santa Run celebrates the enduring partnership between Bozeman School District 7 (BSD7) and the community that champions its students. In recognition of this partnership, BSD7 Superintendent Casey Bertram and his Executive Cabinet have been named this year’s Honorary Race Marshals.
“Whether it’s promoting early literacy or addressing student well-being and mental health, the Bozeman Schools Foundation has repeatedly seen the commitment of Casey and his team to tackling important issues,” said Jenn Lammers, Executive Director of the Bozeman Schools Foundation. “With support from the Bozeman community, we are breaking new ground, and the work we are doing will make a difference in the lives of Bozeman students for years to come.”
“The partnership between the Bozeman Schools Foundation and BSD7 is an incredible example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared belief in our students,” said Superintendent Casey Bertram. “The foundation not only helps provide resources that enhance learning, but it also strengthens the connection between our schools and the broader Bozeman community.”
The Superintendent and his team will be donning festive costumes in keeping with the Santa Run’s spirited, family-friendly nature.
With prizes for both serious and not-so-serious runners, the Santa Run for Education is a great way to kick off the holiday season while showing support for local schools.
Prize highlights include:
Ç $1,000 each to the two schools with the highest participation (based on percentage of total enrollment). All Gallatin County schools are eligible.
Ç $500 each to the two BSD7 teams or clubs with the greatest number of participants, thanks to the Neil Family.
The return of “Tagging the Yeti,” sponsored by Bozeman’s independent Charles Schwab branch, gives attendees a chance to win assorted prizes by spotting and posting a photo with the race’s furry (and fast) Yeti mascot.
Racers, families and friends are invited to warm up, visit sponsor booths and enjoy hot chocolate inside the Winter Wonderland set up in the Willson Gym before, during and after the race. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of Babcock and Fifth Avenue.
Packet pickup will take place at Stockman Bank on Kagy and 19th Ave., on Friday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is now open, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Bozeman/ SantaRunforEducation5K
45th Annual
Christmas Stroll
in Downtown Bozeman
DECEMBER 6, 2025
On Saturday, December 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., join the Downtown Bozeman Association for the 45th Annual Christmas Stroll in historic downtown Bozeman.
Bring the whole family to get pictures taken with Santa Claus, watch the lighting ceremony of the downtown decorations, vote in the Gingerbread House Contest display, sing Christmas carols, engage with local nonprofits as they host winter-themed activities and grab a bite to eat from one of the various food vendors.
The Christmas Stroll is a free community event that is supported by business sponsors and the sales of timeless button souvenirs. You can support the Christmas Stroll by purchasing an “Official 2025 Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll Button” for just $4, and be put into a drawing to win various prize packages totaling over $3,000.
Prizes this year include Bridger Bowl Lift Tickets, an Endeavor Ballooning Flight for two, Downtown Dollars and more. As an added bonus, you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that your purchase allows the continuation of this anticipated event without requiring an entry fee to stroll down beautiful Main Street and check out all the amazing vendors.
The Official 2025 Christmas Stroll Buttons are currently available at various locations. For more information visit www. downtownbozeman.org/stroll for the most up-to-date information.
MBC’s 42nd Annual
Nutcracker
DECEMBER
6 & 7, 2025
Montana Ballet Company (MBC) will unveil a fresh, new Nutcracker this year, and for the first time in their 42-year history, they will be collaborating with both the Bozeman Symphony and Opera Montana.
One of the largest artistic collaborations in the region, MBC’s The Nutcracker with the Bozeman Symphony and Opera Montana’s Youth Chorus, will be held during Christmas Stroll weekend at the Willson Auditorium on Saturday, December 6th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 7th at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
MBC Artistic Director, Melissa Bowman, notes that while staying true to everything audiences cherish, this year’s production will introduce all-new choreography, stunning sets and costumes and exciting theatrical elements.
“Our new Nutcracker celebrates the beauty of Montana, blending its spirit with the timeless language of ballet. It’s the holiday classic you love, with a few surprises—and a production that feels both fresh and rooted in our home,” said Ms. Bowman.
MBC is thrilled to welcome world-renowned guest artists Lyrica Woodruff and Benjamin Freemantle, performing the celebrated roles of Sugar Plum and her Cavalier.
Woodruff and Freemantle will share the stage with Soren Kisiel (co-director of Broad Comedy) MBC's own company dancers and more than 100 dancers from the community.
Another highlight of this charming production is the Bozeman Symphony, conducted by Dr. Matthew Makeever, Concert Manager and Librarian for the Bozeman Symphony, and Artistic Director and Conductor for Second-String Orchestra in Bozeman.
"I am so excited to be returning to conduct the Montana Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker with the Bozeman Symphony. The Nutcracker is one of my favorite works, and was such a joy to perform last year. My involvement with this production has spanned probably 25 years: From being on stage as a tumbling bear, to playing trumpet in the pit alongside my father and now leading the orchestra and collaborating with the dancers, I am so honored and fortunate to have this opportunity to be involved in a production and community I feel like I have known my whole life. This production is a treasure, and I am thankful to be here!” said Dr. Makeever.
Alongside the Bozeman Symphony, MBC is delighted to welcome Opera Montana’s Youth Chorus.
Emerald Hart-Ullman, Opera Montana Director of Community Engagement says, “We are excited to be joining MBC and the Bozeman Symphony, for the first time, in such a wonderful Bozeman tradition. Our choristers are looking forward to being a part of the magic!”
Celebrating 42 years in Bozeman, MBC’s production of The Nutcracker is a treat for the entire family! For tickets visit MontanaBallet.org or call 406.582.8702. All seating is reserved.
PHOTOS LAUREN BROWN
Victorian Tea
at the Story Mansion
DECEMBER
7, 2025
Here is your chance to truly experience the grandeur of the historic Story Mansion in Bozeman. Enjoy being served homemade cookies, pastries and savory treats by the grand ladies of Bozeman who will be dressed in period clothing. Brought to you by the Friends of the Story Mansion. Sittings will be available at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. The fee is $35 per adult and $15 per child. Please register your group at the same time to be seated together. To purchase tickets please visit www.bozeman.net/Recreation.
Holiday Spectacular
DECEMBER
12-14, 2025
Embrace the magic of the season at Bozeman Symphony’s most popular concert of the year. The Holiday Spectacular returns to the Willson Auditorium for its fifth year, featuring the warm, expressive voice of tenor Terrence Chin-Loy and a heartwarming program of holiday favorites.
Celebrate the true spirit of the holidays with Ave Maria, the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, Sleigh Ride, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming and the beloved Christmas Carol Sing-Along.
Make lifelong memories with family and friends at this cherished tradition. Don’t miss this joyous concert that will fill your heart with peace and holiday cheer. For tickets, visit www. bozemansymphony.org.
Ç Friday, December 12 - 7:30 p.m.
Ç Saturday, December 13 - 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Ç Sunday, December 14 - 2:30 p.m.
Skate
with
Santa
DECEMBER 14, 2025
On Sunday, December 14, Gallatin Ice welcomes the community to its annual Skate with Santa event from 3-5 p.m. This holiday tradition offers an affordable, family-friendly way for skaters of all ages to celebrate the season together and enjoy time on the ice.
Before Santa hits the ice, guests can enjoy a free holiday-themed figure skating show from 1:30-3 p.m., featuring performances by local figure skaters set to their favorite Christmas classics.
After the show, Santa will join skaters on the ice, giving children the chance to take photos and share their holiday wishes. The event will also include a bake sale, hot cocoa for sale from concessions and candy canes courtesy of Santa.
Tickets are $10 per skater (including skate rentals) and spectators are welcome at no charge. Tickets can be purchased in advance at tickets. gallatinice.org.
Both events will take place at Gallatin Ice, located at Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
Bozeman Symphony Presents
406Cirque Presents the Third Annual
A Circus Carol
DECEMBER 19 & 20, 2025
406Cirque is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday tradition, A Circus Carol, a dazzling circus adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. Audiences will experience the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Cratchit family and spectral visitations like never before, performed entirely through circus arts.
Watch the Cratchit family spin on unicycles, while the ghostly Jacob Marley makes a thrilling entrance on aerial straps. This imaginative reinterpretation fuses the magic of Dickensian storytelling with the awe-inspiring artistry of circus performance.
Audience members have raved about previous performances:
“Let me tell you, it was the highlight and star of this Christmas season! We laughed, we cried, we cheered for the spectacular talent up on stage! It was incredibly impressive to see the classic tale told in such fun whimsy!”
“The show was amazing. The caliber of entertainment, craft and art exhibited during the performance reminded me of world-class productions.”
Performances will take place on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 at Petra Academy. Families and fans of all ages are invited to celebrate the holidays with laughter, heart and high-flying feats.
Tickets are available now, call 406-404-6208 or visit www.406cirque.com Don’t miss this enchanting holiday spectacle.
State of Play Events:
221 E Oak St
Holiday
Sing Along, Crafts & Cookie Decorating
DECEMBER 20, 2025
Ring in the holiday magic with caroling, cookies and crafts. State of Play will host a holiday sing-along with cozy crafts and cookie decorating from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on December 20. Visit www.stateofplay.co to book your spot.
New Year’s Eve Countdown to Noon
DECEMBER 31, 2025
Ring in 2026 without staying up late! Join State of Play for a dance party, a sparkling cider toast and homemade disco ball drop and countdown. Make your own noisemakers, party hats and mini bedazzled countdown balls to bring home. The New Year’s Eve Countdown to noon will be held on December 31 from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Visit www.stateofplay.co to book your spot.
Helena Holiday Events
Postcards from Santa
Drop off a letter for Santa with a return address in a red mailbox and receive a postcard reply. Mailboxes are accepting letters through December 21 and are located at:
Ç City County Building, Information Desk: 316 N. Park Ave.
Ç Memorial Ice Rink: 5 Memorial Dr.
Ç Civic Center Main Entrance: 340 Neill Ave.
Ç Requests can also be submitted online at www.secure.rec1.com/MT/helena-MT/ catalog.
2025 East Helena
Christmas Stroll
DECEMBER 4, 2025
East Helena will host their Christmas Stroll on Thursday, December 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the kids’ activities tent on Main Street, live performances at Radley Elementary, a basket and Christmas tree raffle and visit with Santa Claus at various Main Street businesses (next to High Plains Sheep Skin). Vendor locations will include the VFW, Boilermakers Union Hall, The Eagles, 4040, Fireman’s Hall, East Helena Library, City Hall, Stacks, Galaxy Roasting and Missouri River Brewing Co. Free bus transportation will be provided between vendor locations.
COOKIES With Santa at
Shodair
COME ONE, COME ALL TO MEET SANTA, ENJOY COOKIES, AND MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES!
COME ONE, COME ALL TO MEET SANTA, ENJOY HOLIDAY MEMORIES!
��DECEMBER 4 | 4–7 PM �� �� 2620 SHODAIR DRIVE ��
Shodair Holiday Events for All Ages:
Cookies with Santa
DECEMBER 4, 2025 | 4-7 p.m.
Shodair's Medical Office Building, 2620 Shodair Dr.
Shodair's Annual Holiday Party
DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Shodair Hope Cafe, 2755 Colonial Dr.
A Christmas Carol
DECEMBER 12-16
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his unforgettable journey of redemption with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come. Filled with dazzling performances, heartwarming music and all the magic of the season, this beloved classic is the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations.
Experience the Civic Center Ballroom like never before and be a part of this magical tradition that’s become a favorite for families and friends alike. This year, the holiday spirit shines brighter than ever before—come see why A Christmas Carol is the can’t-miss show of the season. For performance times and tickets, visit www. grandstreettheatre.com.
Living Tree Community Decorating
DECEMBER 13, 2025
Bring your friends, family and decorations up to the Mount Helena trailhead from noon-2pm and sip complimentary hot chocolate, listen to festive music and decorate a designated area of living trees. No glass ornaments or tinsel. For questions, call 406-447-8077.
DECEMBER 20 & 21, 2025
Get ready for a glittering holiday experience as Premiere Dance Company proudly presents its 33rd annual production of The Nutcracker. Step into a world of swirling snowflakes, enchanted toys and a growing Christmas tree as Premiere Dance Company’s talented dancers bring this beloved classic to life. Join Clara on her magical adventure from the sparkling Land of Snow to the sweet-filled Kingdom of Sweets. Performances will be held on December 20 at 7 p.m. and December 21 at 2 p.m. at the Helena Civic Center. For tickets, visit www.premieredancecompany.org/nutcracker.
This holiday season, give your family the gift of health. Montana WIC offers healthy foods, advice, and care to ensure a strong start for your little ones. Enroll today and let us support you and your family.
This institution is an equal
your
Mount Helena
C E L E B R A T E
T H E H O L I D A Y S A T
Join us at Shodair Children’s Hospital for an evening of live music, appetizers from Shodair’s Hope Cafe, and holiday festivities for the entire community.
11 DEC 2025 4:30–7:30 PM
2755 Colonial Dr. Everyone is
PHOTO BY MADI BRUGGEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
HOCKEY SCHEDULES
Gallatin Ice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, accessible and attainable ice sports to the Gallatin Valley. Since 1983, Gallatin Ice has fostered the growth of the region’s ice-based sports and recreation community by building quality facilities one phase at a time. Today, the Gallatin Ice Arena at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is the exclusive indoor venue for hockey, figure skating and curling competitions in southwest Montana, with nearly 3,500 local families engaged in programs throughout the year. The arena welcomes an estimated 200,000 annual visitors—a number that continues to grow. To meet demand, Gallatin Ice depends on the support of individuals, corporations and grantmakers. For more information, visit gallatinice.org.
Bozeman Symphony Unveils 2025 Commemorative Holiday Ornament
ILLUSTRATED BY BRYAN SCHAEFFER
The Bozeman Symphony announces the release of its 2025 commemorative holiday ornament, featuring artwork by Emmy-winning illustrator and filmmaker Bryan Schaeffer of SINTR Studios. A Bozeman-based artist and storyteller, Schaeffer has developed a close creative partnership with the symphony, and his work will once again help support the organization through this special fundraiser. The limited-edition ornament will be available for purchase at upcoming symphony concerts.
The handcrafted ceramic ornament—the first in a planned annual series—depicts a trumpet player outdoors in the Bridger Mountains, snow drifting softly around him. The reverse side features the Bozeman Symphony logo.
Schaeffer first partnered with the symphony in 2024, creating an animated video for the organization’s annual fundraising campaign. He also designed the visual artwork for the Bozeman Symphonic Choir’s production, The Stones Sang. This piece quickly became an audience favorite and was later offered as a limited-edition print to benefit the symphony.
This winter, Schaeffer will introduce his newest creative endeavor, The Snow Day, with a special Montana-exclusive “Pray for Snow Edition.” The book series blends hand-drawn illustrations with folklore, storytelling and deep reverence for wild places—inviting readers of all ages to rediscover wonder, curiosity and resilience in the winter season. The limited edition will be sold at the Symphony’s Holiday Spectacular concerts, December 12–14 at the Willson Auditorium.
The “Pray for Snow Edition” features three new titles:
Ç The Snow Day: A Yellowstone Adventure (Picture Book)
Ç The Snow Day Coloring Book
Ç The Snow Day (Young Adult Novel)
Each limited-edition copy includes a collectible “Pray for Snow” sticker and early access to Made in Montana, a short film connected to the series and supported in part by the Montana Film Office’s Big Sky Film Grant. The film is scheduled to premiere in fall 2026. “The Snow Day is about creativity, resilience and that shared spark of wonder we feel when winter transforms the landscape,” says Schaeffer. “Launching this series here in Montana is a way of giving back to the community that continues to inspire my work.” Following the local launch, The Snow Day series will be released nationwide in March 2026, beginning with select independent bookstores—including Bozeman’s own Country Bookshelf.
Tinworks Art
expands in Bozeman at
Historic Rialto Theater
Tinworks Art is thrilled to announce the opening of a new downtown Bozeman site at the historic Rialto Theater, expanding the organization’s footprint and deepening its commitment to bringing contemporary art to the American West. The new space, Tinworks at Rialto, is now open with Matthew Barney’s Redoubt, on view through January 2026. The presentation of Redoubt coincides with the 30th anniversary of the return of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most successful conservation efforts in modern history.
The addition of Tinworks at Rialto establishes a dynamic, year-round presence for contemporary art in downtown Bozeman. The space offers a flexible venue for installations, artist talks, film screenings and performances, inviting visitors to engage with new ideas and creative experimentation at the center of the city. This complements Tinworks’ existing two-acre site on N. Ida Ave. — a former metal manufacturing warehouse and mix of old agricultural buildings — which continues to support large-scale art projects, exhibitions, artist residencies and experimental work.
Lamouche, a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation. These elements echo and foreshadow the characters’ encounter with the wildlife and terrain of the West.
“Bringing Tinworks into the heart of downtown strengthens our connection with the community and ensures that ground-breaking contemporary art is part of Bozeman’s daily life,” said Jenny Moore, Director of Tinworks Art. “The Rialto is a beloved local landmark and we’re thrilled to see it become a hub for new ideas and creative dialogue. It feels especially fitting to open with Matthew Barney’s Redoubt, a film that captures the magnificence and complexity of the American West and reflects Tinworks’ ongoing engagement with place, myth, history and experimentation.”
Barney’s Redoubt was filmed in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountain range and layers classical, cosmological and American myths about humanity’s place in the natural world. When it premiered in 2019, the New York Times called it “breathtakingly beautiful…a western that reaches for the cosmic.” Continuing the artist’s long-standing interest in landscape as both setting and subject, Redoubt loosely adapts the myth of Diana, goddess of the hunt, and Actaeon, a hunter who trespasses on her and is punished. Like much of Barney’s work, the film contains no dialogue. The narrative is conveyed through an original score composed and orchestrated by Jonathan Bepler, the modern-dance movements of Eleanor Bauer and Laura Stokes and the hoop dancing of Sandra
Since joining Tinworks in 2023 as its inaugural director, Moore has guided the organization through a significant period of growth. Tinworks commissions and presents work by diverse artists that reflects the distinctive context of the contemporary West. Under Moore’s leadership, the organization has expanded its programming, formalized its operations and launched major capital projects, including the addition of Tinworks at Rialto and the renovation of its mill building on N. Ida Ave., set to open for the summer 2026 season. These initiatives advance Tinworks’ vision of continuous, year-round, dynamic engagement with audiences and community.
The opening of Tinworks at Rialto is a key component of this broader initiative, linking Bozeman’s historic downtown with Tinworks’ evolving campus on the edge of the city in the creative and industrial northeast neighborhood. In addition to Tinworks’ own programs, the Rialto space will also serve as a community resource, available for use by other local nonprofits and partnering organizations for cultural and educational programming, and also offering venue rentals that provide essential support for Tinworks’ commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem in the Gallatin Valley region.
Bozeman Public Library
Baby Storytime
Features 15 minutes of songs and movement, one short board book and 45 minutes of sensory play, process art and gross motor exploration. Especially for kids from birth to 35 months and their caregivers. Held every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. in the Community Room.
Toddler & Preschool Storytime
Features 20 minutes of songs and movement, one or two full-length picture books and 40 minutes of sensory play, process art and fine motor exploration. Kids may be invited to use tools like scissors, glue or tweezers during this program and may handle materials that are choking hazards for babies. Especially for kids ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the Community Room.
Family Storytime
Features 20 minutes of songs, stories and movement and 40 minutes of playtime. Library staff varies this program week to week to meet the developmental needs of the attending little ones. Especially for kids birth through 5 and their caregivers. Every Saturday at 10:15 a.m., check out the Bozeman Public Library events calendar for current location.
Symphony Storytime
The Bozeman Symphony invites families with young children—especially those ages 3 to 5—to experience Symphony Storytime, a free and engaging program presented in partnership with the Bozeman Public Library in its Community Room at 626 E. Main St.
Symphony Storytime is designed to inspire a love of music, reading and creative discovery in young children. Each session coincides with the library’s regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime at 10:15 a.m. There is a special guest reader and a live performance by a Bozeman Symphony musician bringing a beloved storybook to life in an engaging, multi-sensory experience.
The 2025-26 season Symphony Storytime dates:
Ç WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Ç WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
Ç WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Ç SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Ç WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Ç WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Ç WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Follow the Bozeman Symphony on Facebook and Instagram for updates on featured instruments, musicians and readers.
For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774
Bozeman parks & Recreation
Park and Play
The Story Mill Community Center gym will be open on Friday mornings from 10-11 a.m. and full of fun activities for preschoolers to explore at their leisure. No preregistration is required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children. Held Fridays, December 5-February 27 (excluding December 26 and January 2). Cost is $3 for city of Bozeman residents and $4 for nonresidents.
A New Era of Discovery ExplorationWorks to Unveil Cutting-Edge Classroom and Immersive Exhibit Space
Big things are happening at ExplorationWorks, and for families, educators and curious minds in the Helena area, the excitement is only just beginning. On January 10, 2026, the science center will open the doors to its long-awaited expansion: A brandnew enclosed classroom and exhibit space that includes the Discovery Lab and the oneof-a-kind Anywhere Room.
The project has been years in the making, transforming what was once an unused outdoor balcony into a hub of innovation designed to spark learning, imagination and community connection. And although fundraising efforts are ongoing, ExplorationWorks is committed to opening the new space on schedule, ensuring that the community does not have to wait to benefit from its impact.
JANUARY 10, 2026
A First-of-Its-Kind Immersive Experience: The Anywhere Room
At the heart of the expansion is the Anywhere Room, an exhibit unlike anything else in the region. This groundbreaking space uses immersive projection technology that mirrors the sensation of stepping inside a virtual reality headset, without requiring visitors to wear any equipment.
Floor-to-ceiling visuals carry guests from Montana’s towering mountains to the ocean’s depths, through ancient civilizations and all the way across the solar system. The experience is fully shared, so families, classrooms and groups can explore together, creating an experience that is truly awe-inspiring.
The impact for educators will be significant. Lessons can come alive in ways once limited to imagination. Students won’t just read about a rainforest; they will stand inside one. They won’t just hear about Saturn; they will drift through its rings.
This immersive learning technology positions ExplorationWorks as a leader in experiential STEM education, expanding the boundaries of what a museum visit can be.
More Room to Learn: Introducing the Discovery Lab
Alongside the Anywhere Room comes another major step forward: The Discovery Lab, a fully enclosed classroom built to support ExplorationWorks’ rapidly growing slate of hands-on educational programs.
For years, the organization has seen demand for camps, workshops and field trips climb far beyond what its existing spaces could support. The Discovery Lab will help change that. The new classroom will host:
Ç Summer camps
Ç After-school activities
Ç Field trips
Ç School-day workshops
Ç Family programs
Ç Community STEM events
The expansion ensures that more children and families will have access to high-quality, interactive learning throughout the year.
Launching January 2026: Atom Academy for Preschoolers
A highlight of the Discovery Lab is Atom Academy, a new pre-K program that supports kindergarten readiness through engaging, hands-on learning.
Designed for preschool-aged children, Atom Academy focuses on four primary learning themes:
Ç Nature – observing the world around us and understanding basic life sciences
Ç Outer Space – exploring planets, stars, and early astronomy concepts
Ç Language Arts – nurturing early communication, reading and storytelling skills
Ç Classroom Skills – practicing routines and social behaviors that set children up for success in elementary school
Blending guided experiments, creative play and structured lessons, Atom Academy will provide young learners an early start in scientific thinking while nurturing confidence and curiosity. The program deepens ExplorationWorks’ commitment to supporting families during the pivotal preschool years. Registration for this program is now open.
Why This Expansion Matters
Montana faces a significant challenge in STEM education, with only about a quarter of students scoring “proficient” in science by fifth grade. ExplorationWorks sees this expansion as part of the solution.
By supporting early learning and giving children access to the tools, mentorship and wonder that inspire curiosity, the new spaces aim to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.
“Adding this new exhibit and classroom space will allow us to welcome more families and children into hands-on learning,” says Executive Director Heather O’Neill. “It’s an exciting step forward for science education in Montana.”
How the Community Can Be Part of the Vision
Although the new spaces will officially open on January 10, 2026, ExplorationWorks is still actively seeking support to finish outfitting the
Discovery Lab and the Anywhere Room with the tools, furnishings and technology needed to maximize their impact.
Community contributions help ensure:
Ç The spaces are fully equipped for hands-on learning
Ç Programs remain accessible and affordable
Ç Long-term operations continue to serve families for years to come Donations of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities are available for major gifts from individuals, businesses or organizations who want to leave a lasting mark on STEM education in Montana.
Looking Ahead
With its upcoming expansion, ExplorationWorks is doing more than adding square footage; it’s opening up new opportunities for learning and discovery. The Discovery Lab and the Anywhere Room represent a future where science education is immersive, inclusive and engaging.
To learn more or contribute to the project, visit ExplorationWorks.org
Warming Hearts This Winter
WRITTEN BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BIG SKY COUNTRY
When the snow starts to fall and daylight fades a little earlier each evening, Montana has a way of reminding us just how much we rely on one another. The holidays bring warmth and togetherness for many, but for some kids winter can feel long and lonely. That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country comes in. For more than 50 years, BBBS has been a part of our southwest Montana communities, connecting “Bigs” and “Littles” in friendships that make a lasting impact.
John lost his father to suicide when he was only 8 years old. His mom realized that, unlike her older children who had more time with their dad, John had a quiet confusion — not just about the loss of his dad, but also about male identity. There were so many experiences he didn’t get to have with his father, each of them a lost opportunity to learn how to grow into a man. After a year of intensive therapy and healing, John’s mother came to BBBS of Big Sky Country to enroll him as a “Little” in the community-based program.
At the time he became a Little, John was an active and outgoing kid but the death of his father left a long shadow. He was anxious when away from his mother and didn’t want to go to school. Kids often don’t know how to react to periods of vulnerability, so John became the target for bullying. When asked why he wanted to be in the program, he said he was “excited to have someone just for me.” John needed someone in his corner, who showed up for him and him alone.
John’s Big came from a large out-of-state family. Although he had built his own community in Montana, he always felt the calling to give back. A friend knew about the program and encouraged him to apply to be a Big. He was a young adult, finally finding his footing and ready to take on something bigger.
When John was introduced to his Big, it was immediately apparent that they had a special connection. His mother reflected on that first meeting: “John is an old soul and with his Big he can totally just be himself.” Since then, they’ve spent countless hours chasing the sunset on hikes, listening to music and just driving around town talking. For the first time, John had a male role model who showed up for him and him alone, and that connection has changed everything. And, as is so often the case, mentorship goes both ways. John’s Big has grown through their time together, too. With support from BBBS of Big Sky Country, John shared his love of fishing with his Big, who learned to cast a line and proudly caught his first Montana fish. Throwing a lifeline to others yields a lifetime of returns for our “Littles,” “Bigs” and broader community.
Mentorship takes many forms but, at the end of the day, it’s about the human connection that sustains all of us. When a child feels seen, supported and encouraged, their confidence grows. And when adults take the time to invest in those relationships, our whole community gets a little stronger.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give this season, we’re inviting you to join our mission. Together, we can make sure no child feels the lack of care, connection and community that afflict far too many youth during our holiday season. Donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country help recruit, screen and support mentors, and every mentor helps light the way for a child who needs someone in their corner. And, for a limited time, BBBS has matching funds available to double the impact!
Scan the QR code to create lasting change in a child’s life.
Littles in our program:
Ç Are 20% more likely to enroll in college
Ç Earn 15% more over their lifetime
Ç Are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
Ç Are 52% less likely to skip school
