Happy Tuesday, Missoula. In today’s edition: Little Red Truck’s European Christmas Market, Holidays on Higgins, All Under One Roof winter celebration, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Cheer takes flight: Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky returns to Missoula this season, with a single flyover just days before Christmas. Donations were at 20% of the goal as of Nov. 28 — learn how you can help.

Pre-feast run spurs generosity: Run Wild Missoula’s Turkey Trot drew 3,100 participants on the University of Montana campus, raising over $13,000 for the Missoula Food Bank and marking the event’s biggest donation year yet — read the full story.

Firefighter residency zone expands: Missoula Fire Department lets firefighters live up to 60 road miles from their station, a November change aimed at lifestyle flexibility and recruitment that may bolster rural volunteer departments — see what changes and why.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Drop in for Friday yarn time
• Explore Little Red Truck’s European Christmas market
• Enjoy Higgins tree lighting and parade
• Honor loved ones at Tree of Life
• Join Draught Works’ merry Christmas Steamer
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Holiday kindness takes root: Lolo Peak Brewery & Grill is spreading cheer again, offering free Christmas trees to anyone who needs one. The annual tradition, running since 2014, brought 200 trees from Lolo National Forest. Many are already gone. If any remain, they’re stacked by the patio. Just grab one, no questions asked. See how to get one.

Winter burn rules update: Montana’s winter open burn season is underway, running Dec. 1 through February. Western zone residents must submit a DEQ request before burning; in the east, a quick call will do. Approvals come the day before based on air quality. Burn only clean, untreated wood and plant material, and check local county or tribal restrictions. See how and when to apply.

Burrito craving, solved. El Diablo Burrito & Taco serves made-to-order burritos and bowls with cilantro-lime rice, beans, and proteins like steak, pulled pork, chicken, fish, or veggies. Add Gorgonzola and cilantro-lime sauce if you dare. Local, fast-casual, and satisfyingly simple.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎶 UM Choirs Winter Gala @ Dennison Theatre | Tuesday (12/2) at 7:30pm – UM Choirs are filling Dennison Theater with winter cheer, lush harmonies, and the kind of holiday music that makes you forget the mall playlist. Big ensembles, polished small groups, and zero gimmicks, just voices, tradition, and a good excuse to dress like adults again.

🕯️ Beeswax Luminaries @ Zootown Arts Community Center | Thursday (12/4) at 5:30pm – Trade doomscrolling for a warm, honey-scented workshop where you’ll handcraft beeswax luminaries, decorate if you’re feeling fancy, and take home several. Learn the trick so you can keep the glow going all winter, because the sun clocks out early here.

🦉 Roosting Hours @ Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium | Thursday (12/4) at 6:00pm – Nothing says date night like beers with beetles, butterflies, and no kiddos. The Butterfly House opens after hours for adults to explore, make themed crafts, quiz up on trivia, and meet animal ambassadors, with monthly themes like climate change, moth appreciation, and holiday butterflies.

🛍️ Target Range Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair @ The Olde Dairy | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Target Range’s holiday arts and crafts fair is back for round two, with local makers, actual craftsmanship, and a free hot cocoa bar. Shop for gifts, pretend you’re early this year, then inevitably keep one for yourself, guilt-free, festive, and local.

🎄 Little Red Truck’s European Christmas Market @ Missoula Fairgrounds | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Craving a little Europe without the jet lag? Little Red Truck takes over the fairgrounds with barns packed with vintage, artisan finds, and gifts, plus twinkly lights, bonfires, gluhwein, brats, and live music. Early-bird gets first dibs, kids are free.

This weekend

🎁 Holidays on Higgins @ Downtown Missoula | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Start with free Santa photos and a horse-drawn carriage spin, then head to Higgins for Missoula’s holiday kickoff. Expect a stationary parade, a makers market, and the big tree lighting from Broadway to the X’s. You stroll, they sparkle, cocoa highly recommended.

🛠️ Multi-Age Workshop @ Missoula Art Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – If you’re craving a little glow therapy, join teaching artist Jennifer Ogden for a multi-age lantern workshop, then parade your handmade silhouette beauties down Higgins that evening. Craft together, share a laugh, and pretend winter darkness is charming, not relentless.

✨ Holiday Ornament Making @ Cranky Sam Public House | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Post-parade warm-up on Higgins at Cranky Sam: you sip something adult, the kids craft ornaments, and everyone pretends this counts as cleaning up holiday chaos. Frame of Mind brings supplies and a photo printer, plus brunch specials, seasonal cocktails, and zero glitter in your carpet.

🏠 All Under One Roof Winter Celebration @ Missoula Public Library | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – All Under One Roof is turning the library into a holiday playground, with Santa sightings, kid-approved science, treats, and crafts galore. Think wreaths, ornaments, henna, and a local orchestra serenade, no mall madness, all cozy and walkable. Bring the family, linger, call it a win.

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour @ The Wilma | Sunday (12/7) at 7:00pm – Banff is taking over The Wilma with the year’s best mountain and adventure films, big scenery, bigger nerves. It’s the perfect way to feel wildly outdoorsy from a cushy seat, with good company, zero blisters, and all the stoke your knees can handle.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/3 Trivia Night @ Cranky Sam Public House – 7 pm
• 12/3 Trivia Night @ Draught Works – 7 pm
• 12/4 Pesky Varmints @ Draught Works – 7 pm
• 12/4 Commercial Music Ensemble @ Zootown Arts Community Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/4 Paula Poundstone @ The Wilma – 8 pm
• 12/5 Yak Attack @ Top Hat – 10:30 pm
• 12/6 The Benevolents @ Draught Works – 7 pm
• 12/6 Memphis May Fire @ The Wilma – 7 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Megan Twohig (Glacier Sotheby's International Realty Missoula)

5-bed, 3.5-bath on 3+ acres with protected views, 10 minutes to downtown Missoula. 4,300+ SF across three levels, with an elegant staircase, a living room fireplace, and a cherry kitchen with breakfast nook, new appliances, and a second fireplace. Office with built-ins and a three-car garage on main. Upstairs, a primary suite with walk-in and jetted tub faces the panorama. Walkout level adds a second living room, two bedrooms, and big storage.

Outside, a broad deck, gazebo, fenced yard, garden beds, and native landscape make the acreage play nicely. Spanish Peaks address, privacy bragging rights.

Take a peek inside →