Montana’s Christmas Train Is Sold Out. Here Are 6 Festive Things To Do Instead

Like Brittney sang so eloquently back in 2000... "Oops, I did it again." I forgot to buy tickets to the legendary Charlie Russell Chew Choo Christmas Train early, before they sell out. I forget, EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.

At this rate, my kids will be too old to appreciate the holiday magic of this cookies-hot cocoa-Santa holiday experience, on a real train through the hills and hollers outside of Lewistown.

To be honest, I'm probably more bummed out than my kids. Ever since I got to ride a train for the first time last summer, I've become somewhat infatuated with Montana's railroad history, as well as the dream of a "southern route" Montana passenger train becoming a reality.

If you forgot to get tickets to the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, too, here's my favorite roundup of great alternatives for jumping into the holiday spirit in the Billings area and southern Montana.

1. The Downtown Billings Holiday Parade

It's always on Black Friday. Don't ask why, don't try to change it. This holiday tradition draws big crowds under Skypoint and the surrounding streets. Celebrating 40 years, you'll enjoy vendors, music, drinks, food, and, of course, the festive parade.

2. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride or carriage ride.

Head for the mountains if you've always wanted to ride in a sleigh. The Lone Mountain Ranch south of Bozeman is one great option with its "stay and sleigh" packages, as is Elkhorn Ranch south of Big Sky.

Red Lodge is offering horse-drawn wagon rides at their festivities on December 5 and 6. You also head east to Miles City for horse-drawn rides from Hoofbeats Wagon Services.

3. Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

The Holiday Nights drive-through display at ZooMontana brings over 15 million lights to Billings. It truly is incredible. Grab a hot cocoa (virgin or spiked!) on-site and enjoy the biggest holiday light show in Montana. If you wanna' feel fancy, you can rent a private fire pit and posh s’mores tent.

Read More: Holiday Nights at ZooMontana Brings 15 Million Lights to Billings

4. Laurel's Christmas to Remember

The date for 2025 is December 7th. The festivities run from 10 to 4, but the real fun starts at dusk with the holiday parade, with Jolly Old St. Nick at the helm. Here's the best part... I'm pretty sure Laurel, MT, is the only town in the state that lights off fireworks in December.

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5. Red Lodge Christmas Stroll

I heard they filmed a Christmas movie in Red Lodge earlier this year, and anyone who's ever been to Red Lodge will agree the town's setting is made-for-Hallmark-TV. The Red Lodge Christmas Stroll is December 5 and 6.

6. Drive Around and Look at Lights

If you're not a big fan of crowds (I hear you), the tradition of driving around and looking at Christmas lights is tough to beat. It's free, you can set your own schedule, make detours for food and beverages, and you can sing along as loud as you'd like to non-stop Christmas music on 95.5 FM (from 11/21 - 12/26).

Search for Billings Christmas Lights on Facebook and you'll find maps to neighborhoods and houses that go ALL OUT for the season.