Holiday

Montana's roads are about to get busy! Almost half of us are hitting the road for the holidays this year — let’s see how that trend unfolds.

With Montana's strong Irish roots, we asked locals: "What's your favorite Irish food or drink?" From classic dishes to iconic drinks, here's what they had to say!

As long as kids across Southwest Montana secured a letter in the mail to Santa or at least told their parents, aunts, teachers, or siblings their desired wish list, then it's certain that Ol' St. Nick has "gotten word" and will be making a trip to their homes in record time late this evening with many presents in hand. Even if "stockings aren't hung by the chimney with care," Santa will definitely be making his rounds, especially since he knows not everyone has a chimney. He's magical that way and has his own system of ensuring each boy and girl receives something special this Christmas! They just have to believe! With a jolly laugh like his, you know he wants only the best for everyone on his list. Naughty or nice, Santa cares about each child around the globe and here in Southwest Montana!

To completely fulfill the holiday season, local theatre is a nice added touch! Since early December, Cutler Brothers Theatre in Deer Lodge has brought to the stage the production of Home Alone II, Lost in New York. Cutler Brother's presentations know how to "bring it", and you may even recognize an actor or two during the performance. According to Cutler Brother insiders, after a successful run of the original Home Alone in December of 2021, theatre directors and producers knew the stage adaptation of John Hughes' Christmas comedy sequel would be a hit on the Cutler Brothers' stage. As a result, many of the same scenes and characters portrayed in the film are front and center for the LIVE theatre version in Deer Lodge.

The holiday season is action-packed, and Saturday, DECEMBER 10th, is twofold! Here's a list of festive events to check out all in one day on the 10TH in the surrounding area, or choose your top two or three favorites!

All families have different entrees that garnish their tables during the holiday season. What might be traditional to one family may not be to another. Dinner entrees and dishes such as turkey, prime rib, ham, pasta, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and sweet potatoes were standard choices for our family growing up. However, if it were up to my adult children, they would list SWEET POTATOES as their number one pick OVER any meat entree or green vegetable. Technically, my girls have been heck-bent on "sweet potatoes this and sweet potatoes that" since they were five years old, every holiday, and basically any time of the year. My son, however, the oldest of the bunch, definitely leans more towards the carnivore and greens aspect of grazing during the holiday and probably wouldn't even notice if sweet potatoes were on the table.

Don't be fooled by the quaintness of Philipsburg, Montana. The community's level of innovation and drive undoubtedly surpasses the majestic beauty of its scenic mountains and vibrant downtown. Philipsburg always has something in the works and this holiday season is no different. The non-profit organization Montana Grit Outdoors and countless volunteers have come together for several years to help put food on the table for families in need with their annual "Meat and Greet" event! No, it's not a typo, as this spectacular fundraiser is indeed premised on "meat"! The idea behind it allows ranchers and hunters to donate beef, pork, or venison to not only families in the area but also to the Southwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry in Deer Lodge.

Throughout the Mining City, every resident has their own set of traditions and period of time when they "plan" to start celebrating the holiday season. Many customarily start decorating and buying gifts for Christmas at the onset of Thanksgiving. Some have been ready since last summer, while others wait a few days before December 25th to get into the spirit. Then, there are those who have key events that help gear them up for the holiday. One popular and inspiring event in the community that has done just that for so many is the Uptown Butte Christmas Stroll! Like clockwork, it all happens tomorrow night (December 2nd) for everyone in the community and the surrounding area to enjoy! Butte's Stroll has been the leading festive gathering in the area to full-heartedly welcome the December month for decades! Its nostalgic and festive appeal is what keeps people coming back for more.

Tis' the season for a variety of amazing events, including this year's Anaconda Christmas Stroll! For decades, the stroll has been a breathtaking community gathering that commences the day after Thanksgiving. This year's stroll, hosted by Discover Anaconda, will begin with a festive lighted parade down Main Street beginning at 5:30 p.m. From there, everyone is welcome to join together at Kennedy Common (corner of 4th & Main Street) for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Then, leading to the aha moment, rumor has it that Santa will make an appearance with the help of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Fire Department at 6 p.m. From atop one of their pristine fire trucks, children will get a chance to see Old St. Nick greet the community. LIVE music will then fill the air leading to the grand moment of the tree-lighting ceremony, followed by the drawing of $1,500 to one lucky winner! Anyone can participate for a chance to win by purchasing stroll buttons prior to the Christmas Stroll at several businesses in downtown Anaconda. Also, this year virtual buttons are available by visiting discoveranaconda.com. You must be present to win with "stroll button" physically or digitally displayed. A list of participating businesses is also available on Discover Anaconda's website.

Exactly one week from Thanksgiving, on December 1st, women in the surrounding area will have the chance to enjoy a post "season of giving" treat! That's when Ladies Night Out will take place at the Anaconda Elks Lodge at 223 Main Street! The Copper Village Museum and Arts Center annually hosts the event to raise funds for their non-profit organization. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with wine and appetizers, followed by a LIVE auction at 7 p.m. All attendees are asked to bring a beautiful, unique, or one-of-a-kind holiday ornament or gift as part of admission, along with a 10-dollar entrance fee. All ornaments and gifts provided will be part of an exchange during the event.