No matter what time of year you need a getaway, the four-seasons fun of Whitefish is waiting to give you all the rest and relaxation you desire. When planning the perfect Montana adventure this Christmas, you’ll want to include plenty of time to experience everything Christmastime in Whitefish. Whitefish and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities, fun, and merriment to keep everyone in your group happy and busy throughout the trip.
If you don’t want to prepare the big Christmas feast yourself, there are several restaurants in and around Whitefish that will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas day to serve the traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings. Make reservations in advance and ask about take out or delivery to avoid the crowd.
Whitefish and area churches will be celebrating the birth of Christ. Contact a church and ask about services. Many hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and some may even hold outdoor, slopeside services.
Follow the moderately-difficult trail that runs throughout the Viking Creek Preserve. It’s fun for everyone, and you’ll see Whitefish in a way you can’t see it from your rental car. Ask about snowshoe rental when you rent other winter gear like snowboards and skis.
Santa and his elves arrive at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Christmas Eve before heading ‘round the world. In a spectacular torchlight parade, resort employees escort Santa and his team down the mountain. Get the best view from the main village area, where hot chocolate – and Schnapps for the adults – will be served slopeside. After the parade, Santa and his elves will stroll the village handing out gifts to the kids before taking to the skies for his annual flight.
The slopes of Whitefish open in early December, and you’ll have a great time riding them. Some of the best are at Whitefish Mountain Resort, but there are others around the area that give just as much of a thrill. Take some time away from the slopes for a little cross-country skiing through the beautiful Whitefish landscape.
Not only is it an UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also the world’s first International Peace Park, a designation earned by the collaborative agreement of the U.S. and Canada in 1932. Glacier National Park is just 27 miles from Whitefish. You’ll encounter beautiful scenery and landscape, snowshoe, cross-country, and hiking trails to keep you busy and exploring while you breathe fresh mountain air. You’ll have a chance to see 25 named glaciers. There are over 1,000 species of plant life! Most Montana wildlife will be sleeping for the winter, but you might still spot some, so bring your camera. You can get out and hike or take a scenic drive through the area.
Take the holiday celebration inside but keep the cold temperatures! This Christmas, make sure to stop in and enjoy a few laps around the rink. Located in Whitefish, the Stumptown Ice Den is a year-round facility offering year-round ice activities. Check their calendar for days and times when public skating is available. Admission rates are low, including free entrance for children five and under. Skate rentals are also available. There are no reservations necessary before showing up, but space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
If you’re looking for some delicious Christmas pairings, there are plenty to choose from. Before the big day, set out on a tasting tour of northwest Montana’s award-winning craft beer breweries, wineries, and distilleries. You’ll taste brews in Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Flathead Lake. Experience the flavors of local craft beers, wines, liquors, and hard ciders and pick your favorites to add to your Christmas dinner menu. Some companies around Whitefish offer special tours focused on the breweries or wineries. Those last about four hours and include multiple stops. Some tour prices include samples at each stop, as well as bottled water and snacks to soak up the alcohol between stops. These are typically 21 and older events and you must present valid ID.
Begin and end every fun-filled day in and around Whitefish this Christmas with a vacation rental by I Love Whitefish. We offer three-bedroom units all the way up to five-bedroom units, so you’ll find something to fit your entire group. Make a delicious home-cooked meal in a fully equipped kitchen or relax and spread out in the open floor plan living area. Gather your group and enjoy a favorite Christmas movie or TV show. Retreat to the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom for a refreshing nap or good night’s sleep before Santa arrives. Many units are close to all the activities and adventures you came to experience. Choose a premium unit for perks and upgrades like stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs, and beautiful bathrooms.
Contact us today to start planning your Christmas adventure in Whitefish!