Figuring out where to go in Montana for New Year’s Eve is easy when there are numerous vibrant cities ranging from Helena with abundant nightlife, and Hamilton with quaint mountain views and small-town festivals. A cozy Montana vacation rental puts you within proximity of torchlight parades in Whitefish, as well as fantastic fireworks in Big Sky. Consider these cities for your next New Year’s Eve getaway in Montana.
1. Big Sky
A vacation rental in Big Sky puts you within minutes from 5,800 acres of ski terrains and trails ideal for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. Take advantage of the snowy scenery when celebrating New Year’s Eve in this quaint Montana town and participate in the holiday festivities that include a midnight fireworks display at the Big Sky Resort. This mountain village also hosts a torchlight parade on Christmas Eve if you plan to start your vacation well before ringing in the new year. Fill up on Italian cuisine when spending your New Year’s Eve dining at Andiamo Italian Grille or head over to Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro for some comfort food.
Find vacation rentals in Big Sky
2. Great Falls
Located right on the Missouri River, Great Falls provides you with views of waterfalls, towering buttes, and snow-topped mountains. If you’re determining where to go in Great Falls for a formal New Year’s Eve gala, the answer is simple — The Big Olympics Masquerade Ball at the Civic Center. This formal affair features a cash drop at midnight, live music, and free champagne. Before getting the party started, spend the day with the kids touring the area with a visit to the C. M. Russell Museum Complex to view art exhibits by locals or sightseeing at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Treat the kids to lunch or dinner at MacKenzie River Pizza Co.
Find vacation rentals in Great Falls
Find the perfect Montana vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
3. Whitefish
Toast to the current year and ring in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display when choosing a vacation rental in Whitefish. This Montana town hosts a torchlight parade and midnight fireworks at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Spend your days hiking the snowy trails or skiing at one of the city’s resorts before dining on steak and seafood at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Opt for Italian fare with dinner at Ciao Mambo or sample some New Orleans-style gumbo at Tupelo Grille before heading out to see the fireworks.
Find vacation rentals in Whitefish
4. Billings
Find big city excitement right in the heart of rugged rocks and mountain ranges when opting for a vacation rental in Billings. As the largest city in Montana, Billings offers plenty of activities for your New Year’s Eve adventures, including access to skiing through mountain ranges such as Big Horn, Beartooth, and Bull. Visit the Little Big Horn Battlefield with the kids and then prepare for an adult-only evening celebration at the New Year’s Eve Great Gatsby event at the Northern Hotel or the Dueling Pianos at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. A more family-friendly event includes the Noon New Year’s Eve Celebration at Zoo Montana.
Find vacation rentals in Billings
5. Bozeman
Prepare for a black-tie affair when attending the Dance Party at the Emerson Ballroom for New Year’s Eve. Kick up your heels with live music throughout the night at toast to the new year with the complimentary champagne at midnight. Celebrate in funky style at the M.O.T.H. Masquerade New Year’s Eve party at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge or opt for a laid-back evening with a visit to the Moonlight Basin to see the skiers tackle the slopes. This small town is also home to a quaint downtown area complete with specialty shops. Stop in for a bite to eat at Starky’s Authentic Americana for American grub or sample one of the craft beers at Montana Ale Works.
Find vacation rentals in Bozeman
6. Hamilton
When spending your New Year’s Eve holiday in the western part of Montana, you have access to views of the Bitterroot Valley mountain ranges and the small town charm of Hamilton. The city fosters a number of historic buildings available for touring during the day, including the Old Ravalli County Court House and the Daly Mansion. After getting your fill of history, support a good cause when attending the New Year’s Eve Charity Ball at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge. You can also stop in at Brewsky’s for a cold beverage or Bitter Root Brewing for some locally-brewed beer. Feeling lucky? Head over to Marley’s Bar and Casino to ring in the new year.
Find vacation rentals in Hamilton
7. Missoula
Downtown Missoula offers a family-friendly celebration you can enjoy with the kids. First Night Missoula, presented by the Missoula Cultural Council brings live music and performers to the city’s downtown streets. View the art exhibits, let the kids take part in the arts and crafts on site, and sample the cuisine from local food vendors. Adult-only celebrations include live bands at The Elbow Room and The Broadway. The Missoula Hilton takes New Year’s Eve to a formal level with its annual “Night on the Town” event where you can dress up in black-tie attire and dance around the ballroom until midnight.
Find vacation rentals in Missoula
8. Helena
The state capital of Montana puts you within close proximity of historic museums and snow-capped mountains, but the city comes alive with New Year’s Eve celebrations, such as the bluegrass performances at the Gateway Center and classic rock at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel. Benny’s Bistro offers a laid-back evening of jazz for you to enjoy after a hearty serving of prime rib from Boulder Hot Springs restaurant. Before the festivities begin, spend some time touring more than 620 acres at the Mount Helena City Park or the Cathedral of Saint Helena.
Find vacation rentals in Helena
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Montana vacation rentals on Tripping.com.