10 Things to Do in Bozeman in Winter
Winter is a great time to get outside and explore the Gallatin Valley. If you're looking for things to do in Bozeman in winter, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of the season, from snow tubing and holiday lights to skiing, ice skating, and soaking in hot springs. Whether you're a local looking for something new, planning a family outing, or visiting Bozeman, Montana, these 10 winter activities are worth adding to your list. A couple are right here at Yellowstone Alliance Adventures, just 10 miles south of Bozeman, and the rest are scattered around the valley.
10 Things to Do in Bozeman in Winter
From snow tubing and holiday lights to skiing and soaking in hot springs, here are ten ways to enjoy winter in the Gallatin Valley.
1. Winter Tubing Near Bozeman at Yellowstone Alliance Adventures
Looking for snow tubing near Bozeman? YAA's tubing hill is located in South Cottonwood Canyon, about 10 miles south of town, making it an easy winter outing for families, youth groups, and friends. Tubing at YAA comes in two versions: Winter Fun Days are daytime, family-friendly sessions with music and room to play, and Cosmic Tubing is a nighttime run with lights and music that suits teens, college groups, and friend groups.
Best for: families, birthday parties, youth groups, and friend groups.
Good to know: Tubes are provided. Children 3 and under are free. Dates are limited each season, so book early through YAA's tubing page. Each tube holds one rider, and helmets are recommended but not required. Wear snow pants, boots, gloves, a hat, and warm layers. Private tubing events can be booked for parties and group outings.
2. Holiday Wreath-Making in Bozeman
Wreath Making Nights are a cozy indoor evening at camp: you build your own holiday wreath while enjoying hot drinks and desserts. This year's nights are Nov. 19 and 20, 7-9 p.m. All wreath-making materials are provided, and you bring your own garden gloves.
Best for: friends, couples, and anyone who wants a hands-on holiday project.
Good to know: Tickets are sold through YAA's ticket page.
3. Bozeman Christmas Stroll and the Gingerbread House Contest
Downtown Bozeman's Christmas Stroll is a free community evening on Main Street, held on Saturday, December 5, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, a gingerbread house competition, Santa, and the lighting ceremony for the downtown decorations.
The Gingerbread House Contest is open to the public, not just professionals. Entries compete in five divisions: children 6 and under, children 7-12, teens 13-17, adults 18 and over, and professional baker or pastry chef. Three winners are chosen in each division, plus a People's Choice Award voted on by visitors.
Best for: families, teens, and anyone who likes to build with candy or vote on the results.
Good to know: Gingerbread House entry drop-off is Dec. 4th. Check Downtown Bozeman's contest page to register.
4. See the Holiday Lights in Belgrade
Belgrade's Holiday Light Park is an evening stroll through displays of lights on the walking path behind the Senior Center, at 92 E. Cameron Ave. Highlights include a giant ornament for photos and the Memorial Lights Tunnels, where ornaments carry the names of loved ones.
Best for: families with little ones, date nights, and visitors who want a low-key holiday outing.
Good to know: The park is scheduled to open November 24, 2026, and remain lit through January 8, 2027, with lights on daily from 5–11 p.m. The park is part of Belgrade's Festival of Lights, which also includes the Holiday Hoopla on Main Street and the Jingle Jog 5K. See the Festival of Lights schedule.
5. Ice Skating and Live Hockey in Bozeman
Bozeman is a hockey town, and Gallatin Ice at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is where it plays out. You can catch the Bozeman Icedogs, the Montana State University men's and women's teams, and the Bozeman Stingers, with dozens of home games across the winter.
The rink also offers public skating, learn-to-skate programs, and curling. Skate rental is $5. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for youth aged 5-17.
Best for: sports fans, families with school-age kids, and anyone who wants an indoor activity on a bitterly cold day.
Good to know: Game and public skate schedules change by season, so check the rink's calendar before you go. For outdoor options, the City of Bozeman also maintains rinks at Beall Park, Southside Park, and Bogert Park, weather permitting.
6. Infant Swimming Lessons in Bozeman
Winter is a quiet time to get a young child ready for summer water. Montana ISR teaches Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Self-Rescue skills to children from 6 months to 6 years old, through one-on-one lessons with just the child and the instructor in the water. The Bozeman instructor is Ellen Valle, a certified ISR instructor, and the goal is to build aquatic safety, confidence, and skills before the summer swimming season.
Best for: parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Good to know: ISR courses generally run several weeks, so contact the instructor about the schedule, pricing, and pool location.
7. See the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade
Random Acts of Silliness is a Gallatin Valley arts organization that creates events for all ages built around awe and wonder. It is best known for the Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village in fall, but it brings the magic into winter too. Its Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade is a community procession of handcrafted lanterns, accompanied by musicians and performers.
Best for: families, creative kids, and anyone who wants a winter evening that feels like a story.
Good to know: Dates and details for the next parade and other winter events are posted by Random Acts of Silliness, so confirm before you plan around it. Dress warmly for an evening outdoors.
8. Cross-Country Skiing Near Bozeman at Crosscut
Crosscut sits in Bridger Canyon, about 17 miles from Bozeman, with roughly 45 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, plus snowshoe and fat-bike trails. The nonprofit center also offers rentals, lessons, and community events for all ages and abilities.
Best for: beginners, families, and experienced skiers who want groomed trails close to town.
Good to know: A day pass or season pass is required; an adult day pass is $30.
Bozeman has free-to-access options too. The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms trails in Hyalite Canyon and Sourdough, funded by a voluntary trail pass.
9. Skiing and Snowboarding at Bridger Bowl
Bridger Bowl, in Bridger Canyon, offers roughly 2,000 acres of terrain for everyone from first-timers to experts, and it is known for its light, dry snow. The 2026–27 season is projected to open on December 11, 2026, and run into late March 2027. Opening day depends on snowfall, so check Bridger Bowl's website for the latest updates.
Best for: skiers and snowboarders of every level, and families who want a small-town mountain feel.
Good to know: Opening day depends on snowfall, and lift ticket prices vary by date, age, and number of days, with cheaper passes usually available before the season starts.
10. Warm Up at Bozeman Hot Springs
Bozeman Hot Springs, about 8 miles west of town on US 191, has 12 indoor and outdoor pools ranging from roughly 60 to 106 degrees, plus a steam room, dry sauna, and cold plunges. It is the closest hot springs to downtown, and a favorite way to warm up after a day outside.
Best for: couples, friend groups, families, and anyone who needs to thaw.
Good to know: Winter hours vary by day, and the hot springs are closed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Admission varies by day, so check Bozeman Hot Springs before you go. If you want to make a longer outing of it, Norris Hot Springs (about 45 minutes west) and Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley are popular too.
Plan Your Winter in the Gallatin Valley
Whether your winter plans include a day on the slopes, an evening among the holiday lights, or a little snow tubing with friends, there's plenty to explore around Bozeman, Montana.
At Yellowstone Alliance Adventures, just 10 miles south of Bozeman in South Cottonwood Canyon, we're excited to welcome you for winter tubing, seasonal events, and more. Explore our upcoming YAA events, check our winter tubing options, and join our email list for updates on seasonal activities and new Journal articles.
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