If you ever thought to yourself that Christmas should be celebrated all month long, guess what, you are not alone. The folks in Belgrade, Montana keep December near and dear to their hearts not only for the revered holidays but also to kick off their Annual Christmas Convoy/Festival of Lights. Here, family, tradition, and the warm and joyous essence of illumination are fully embraced and highly anticipated.
In past years, there have been a number of fun family activities surrounding the festival of lights that have garnered much enthusiasm. It has become a festive occasion that draws the attention of all of Montana. In fact, living at the gorgeous Prescott Ranch in Belgrade gives you access to this wondrous festival of lights and is merely one aspect of the incredible sense of community that is fostered all year round.
Stroll through the Holiday Light Park
The Festival of Lights kicks off with a breathtaking winter wonderland situated by the walking path at the Belgrade Senior Center. Sparkling lights twinkle every evening in December from the time the sun goes down to about 11 pm. The Memorial Light Tunnels are also decked out in glittering lights and you’re likely to run into some inflatable characters from everyone’s favorite Christmas movies including the Misfit Toys, Rudolf and Clarice, and Frosty the Snowman. It’s a dazzling display for the young and the young-at-heart alike!
Sit Back, Relax & Get Captivated by the Christmas Convoy
Whoever said trucks can’t be beautiful, never caught a glimpse of the Belgrade, Montana Christmas Convoy! What can you expect to see? Logging trucks, semis, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and other types of trucks – over 75, in fact – all lit up and parading over a 7-mile long route. There is a convoy map so those watching the convoy can make sure they get to see it up close and personal. The Christmas Convoy takes place in December, and professional drivers are welcome to join in on the fun.
There may even be an opportunity to get to meet the drivers, grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many food trucks, and purchase a holiday gift at Truck Village at the Gallatin Speedway. Get prepared to be thrilled by fireworks, too.
Join in on the Belgrade Jingle Jog 5K
The Belgrade Jingle Jog 5K is open to everyone whether you would like to run, walk, skip or stroll along the route. Festive holiday attire isn’t required but it is highly encouraged! Entrants into the 5K are automatically signed up for the GET UGLY Christmas Outfit contest which takes place directly after the race.
So, grab your winter gear, and your ugly holiday sweater, and get ready to have fun with friends, family, and neighbors this holiday season. With several events taking place during the month of December, the Belgrade Annual Christmas Convoy / Festival of Lights is proudly sponsored by the Belgrade Community Coalition and intended for all residents and visitors to enjoy.
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To live in Belgrade Montana is to live with intention. From fly fishing along the many miles of scenic waterways to skiing the slopes, Belgrade, Montana truly has it all. It provides a more affordable and less populated alternative to the county seat, Bozeman which is a mere 15-minute drive away.
What Makes Belgrade A Nice Place to Live?
At the foothill of the Rocky Mountains, visitors, and residents of Belgrade are greeted every day by spectacular scenery. Those who adore nature and wildlife have much in store for them here. With a variety of outdoor activities, cultural events, and an abundance of conveniences, Belgrade spoils residents with its ‘hidden gem’ status.
Community-oriented neighborhoods such as Prescott Ranch in Belgrade make it easy to live a life of luxury, stability, and security, smack dab in a landscape that never fails to awe and inspire.
What is Belgrade, Montana Named After?
Thomas B. Quaw, an entrepreneur, located the land that is now Belgrade in 1882 and took a great liking to the area. He named it after the capital of Serbia in part to show his appreciation for the Serbian investors who financed part of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Downtown Belgrade
This charming city prides itself in being home to a multitude of locally owned shops and businesses. A lively town of 10,000 people, downtown Belgrade offers many opportunities for antiquing, dining, and shopping. There’s a quaint, rustic atmosphere that runs through the city via a welcoming community who are loyal to their small town and to preserving its delightful character.
Eateries
Don’t let the small-town vibe fool you, though! There are restaurants to cater to every taste with a variety of cuisine from burgers and pizza to the more exotic, you’ll find culinary experiences like Cugino’s Pizzeria, The Local American Saloon, and The Wok. Stop in at the Madison River Brewery for a refreshing beverage and a chat with the locals.
Shopping
You might expect a town like Belgrade, Montana to have a few stores dedicated to outdoor adventure and you would be right. There are also shops to be explored that concentrate on art, gifts, and rustic furniture to help you bring the feel of the Big Sky indoors, leather shops such as RO Brooks Custom Leather, and places to discover antiques like Brass Monkey the Sandman. The shopper in you will never be disappointed.
Outdoor Activities
Celebrating every season, there are a number of outdoor activities to be enjoyed including picnicking at the Lewis and Clark Park, catching the parade at the Belgrade Fall Festival, or simply strolling through downtown to people-watch.
Prescott Ranch in Belgrade is also home to five neighborhood parks. Residents love having these amazing outdoor features where the kids can run and play. Whether it’s a soccer game or building snowmen, the parks are a place where neighbors can congregate for fun and community.
For those who enjoy celebrating the December holidays, a month-long community celebration brings you the Festival of Lights which includes the exciting Christmas Convoy and the Truck Village at the Gallatin Speedway.
A Cheerful Community
Belgrade, Montana is fully committed to fostering a sense of well-being and togetherness among its residents to create a cheerful community. The Belgrade Community Library is home to a number of family-oriented events, clubs, and presentations designed for both entertainment and education.
With one high school, three middle schools, seven elementary schools, and ten preschools, the Belgrade School District ranks among the highest-rated public schools in Montana. The high school boasts the largest sporting facility in the state, making it a popular host for various state, regional, and district sporting events.
What is Belgrade, Montana Best Known For?
A mere 10 miles away from Bozeman, Belgrade Montana has seen interest and growth increase over the past couple of years, but it is still a small western town. The tight-knit community atmosphere appeals to people who are looking for a delightful blend of gorgeous vistas, outdoor adventure, and community pride.
International Airport
Belgrade is home to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, one of the most beautifully crafted airport terminals in the country featuring a view of the snowcapped mountains, while inside visitors are treated to a prominent wood and stone aesthetic that accurately reflects the beauty and prominence of the surrounding landscape. The airport underwent an expansion in 2021 to add 31 new routes and destinations.
Exciting Speedway
The Gallatin Speedway is a popular destination for those looking for some good old-fashioned, dirt track fun. A variety of events are planned every year featuring different classes that are guaranteed to keep the entire family enthralled and rooting for their favorite racer.
Unprecedented Mountain Skiing
If you’re into skiing or boarding, there’s simply no overlooking the trails at Big Sky Ski Resort. Spanning over 5,800 acres of terrain, half of them are dedicated to those who are aiming at improving their skills and techniques. The other half presents experts with some of the most vigorous runs in the country. Big Sky Ski Resort is just one of many ski resorts to explore in the Gallatin Valley, there is also Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Discovery Ski Area, and Great Divide Ski Area, to name just a few.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
The caverns at Lewis and Clark State Park were discovered back in 1892. The Park is home to caves filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and other beautiful natural formations; they are open year-round for safe and well-lit guided tours. Just 45 minutes from Belgrade, visitors are treated to limestone formations that rival the most magnificent cave sites in the world.
Madison River
A beautiful tributary of the Missouri River, the Madison River runs 183 miles long through the states of Montana and Wyoming. A quick 30-minute drive from Belgrade, the river is fly fishing only and is also a great place for a refreshing swim. It boasts a hot spring to sit in and banks to explore.
Yellowstone National Park
Belgrade is a mere 1 ½ hour drive away from one of the most majestic national parks in the world. At over 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone spreads through three different states – Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. It features a variety of must-see features including jaw-dropping canyons, lush and fragrant pine forests, rivers flanked by endless evergreens, and of course, geysers such as the world-famous Old Faithful. Wildlife abounds in this raw, untouched country including wolves, elk, bison, antelope, and bears. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is just one of the many reasons why living in Montana, Belgrade is so spectacular.
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As one of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Belgrade has plenty to offer anyone with a thriving lifestyle. And with new businesses opening all the time, the options for dining, drinks and shopping will only continue to expand. Feel the pulse of Belgrade and check out this selection of the newest local businesses in town. Read more
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There are plenty of appealing reasons to move to the Treasure State – from the unmatched quality of life to the beautiful views and beyond – and there is much to love about the mountains and valleys of Southwest Montana.
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With hundreds of miles of wild rivers, beckoning mountain ranges full of hiking trails and ski slopes, and plenty of fresh ingredients right in your backyard, Montana makes it simple to live a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why it’s so easy to stay healthy and be your best self when you make your home at beautiful Prescott Ranch in Belgrade, Montana. Read more
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There’s no arguing that the Gallatin Valley has a mean breakfast game. Brunching on a Sunday is something of a sport in this area, similar to the likes of New York City (only it’s a lot easier to get a spot at a table). Belgrade is no exception. When it comes to breakfast joints and cafes, locals can look forward to an array of options that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to grab on your way or a good sit-down meal, we’ve got Belgrade’s best cafe and breakfast spots nailed down for you.
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When it comes to winter in Belgrade, there’s no rule written that you have to stay cooped up in your house for a fourth of the year if you don’t want to (but if you do, more on how to do that well here). It’s more than possible to stay active and get out and about during the winter months— in fact, it’s the norm here! You don’t have to be shredding pow to take part in some outdoor adventure this winter. Plenty of locals and visitors alike are still able to hit the snow, get some fresh air, and exercise without ever strapping on a snowboard or a pair of skis. The answer? Snowshoeing of course!
We’ve talked before about the many perks of settling in Belgrade. There is a reason this little town has proven to be incredibly popular with locals and those coming from out-of-town. Belgrade residents enjoy all the perks that await them in the sister city of Bozeman just a quick jaunt down the interstate while still enjoying that authentic, small-town Montana feel homeowners crave. Best of all? Some of the best skiing in the country exists just up the road, with more than one mountain an hour outside your backyard. Here are four ski destinations to visit within a short day-trip from Belgrade.
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We all know there are enough sights to see in Montana that someone could live here for years and still have a massive bucket list. While we’ve gone over some of the best ways to view the landscape, today we are talking about something a little wilder. We’re dishing on the best wildlife viewing opportunities that await you and your family just outside of Belgrade. Let’s take a look! Read more
The holiday season anywhere is a special time, but something about holidays in Bozeman and Belgrade is truly magical. All of the small wonders that knit our community together in their own unique way are magnified by the spirit of the holiday season. As snowfall begins to blanket the city and the lights go up on Main Street, the buzz of the holidays begins to settle in among the locals.
Of course, with such an interesting year nearly under our belts, its only natural to expect that celebrations may look a bit different this year. Our valley has had to stay agile and adjust as a community throughout all of 2020, and the holiday season is proving no different. But if ever there was a time to keep the woes of the world from getting you down, it’s now. That’s why we’ve put together out best list of holiday happenings in the Gallatin Valley you can still look forward to this season.
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