Even as the fridge is still full of Thanksgiving leftovers and the family drama has ceased, it’s already time to start thinking about Christmas! What to cook? How to decorate? Who to buy for? These are just a few of the questions fluttering as though falling snowflakes through the minds of people all over the Gallatin Valley in preparation of the festivities.
Luckily, Bozeman and Livingston Area Holiday Markets will be open for those who missed a relative or opted out of spreading the yuletide cheer on Black Friday. Here’s a look at some great events to help stuff stockings and fill the empty spaces under the tree. SLAM will host its 5th Annual SLAM Winter Showcase, Friday, December 4th, Saturday the 5th, and Sunday the 6th at the ballroom of the Masonic Temple in Bozeman. Hours of the showcase are 2pm- 8pm on Friday, 10am-8pm on Saturday, and 10am-2pm on Sunday. Showcasing more than thirty artists from around the state, this free event is family friendly and will surely help you check friends and family off your list. Come on down and get your SLAM on! The Masonic Temple is located at 14 South Tracy Avenue.
The Bozeman Weavers Guild Annual Show & Sale will take place Friday, December 4th and Saturday the 5th. Handcrafted fiber arts including clothing, holiday items and home décor will be for sale. Demonstrations on weaving and spinning will be ongoing during the course of the show and sale. The sale and show will be open both Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8:00pm in the space (formerly Universal Athletics) on 25 W Main Street downtown. A Holiday Market Jubilee will take place Saturday, December 5th from 9am- 4pm at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Sip, shop, and socialize at this exciting event complete with local artists and vendors, live holiday music, raffle, winter-land photos, hot apple cider, culinary delights and more! In the spirit of giving, 100% of admissions go to our local food bank. Bring a nonperishable food item and get in free! SHOP for unique, handmade goods and support local artisans. “Small Gems” will be the theme of the LCAC’s 2015 Holiday Show with a reception to be held Friday, December 4th during Livingston’s Annual Holiday Stroll. Local Montana artists have created original giftable art, size 12” x 12” or smaller at prices ranging from $25 to $250. These are beautiful, unique gifts appropriate for the season. This event will include painters, print makers, weavers and silk print artists, ceramics and jewelry and even upcycled metal sculptures. The event will start at 4pm with a kids craft taught by metal sculpture artists Bill and Julie Ryder. The reception with live music, holiday treats, and wine to run from 5:30 to 8pm.
The WSE will host their 10th annual Holiday Farmers Market on Saturday, December 5th from 8:30am-4pm at the Livingston Civic Center. This one-day shopping extravaganza will feature handmade toys, apparel, jewelry, baked goods, and artwork. As usual, the market will provide live holiday music, raffles, a strolling magician, and free photos with Santa. So come kickstart your holidays, and wrap up your gift shopping list in one day of music, food, and fun for the whole family while supporting your local economy! Admission is free. •
