Here we sit - two weeks away from Christmas day. On one hand the year seems like it just flew by and it's hard to believe Christmas is already here. On the other hand, 2020 seems like it took about 3 years to get through. As we count down the days, if you're looking for something festive to do for the weekend - here's a list of things that are happening to keep your Christmas cheer meter at 100%.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC
'Holiday Pops' with the Missoula Symphony is an annual local favorite, and will be happening twice this year! Enjoy the show on December 11th at 7:30 p.m. or December 13th at 3 p.m., or both! Your purchase code will work for both showings, you can buy a code here. They are promising some tropical surprises mixed in with your holiday faves.

Missoula City Band concert at Bonner Park. Their Tuba Christmas will be held outside for the first time in 30 years! Social distancing and masks are required. And I'll tell ya what, the masks really hold in a lot of heat, I think we've all learned as the weather has turned. The show is Saturday, December 12th at noon at Bonner Park.

SANTA'S RANCH
Hood's Western Adventures in Alberton is inviting families to enjoy their ranch for the holidays. Sunday, December 13th starting at 1 p.m., you can enjoy a "western" Christmas with Santa. There will be horseback rides, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and a fire pit! The event is free to attend, however horseback rides will be $10 per person and includes picture with Santa. You can also do a family photo with Santa for $5, and children 3 and under are free. Masks will be required, they ask that you please social distance from other groups, which shouldn't be too difficult as they have lots of room to spread out. They are saying masks can be removed for pictures and cocoa sipping only.

MAKE A SANTA PLATE
Santa is getting really excited for his pottery deliveries this Saturday (12/12) and Sunday (12/13)! Order your favorite Santa Plate Package (and anything else you might want to give or just paint and keep for yourself this holiday), until 5 PM this Friday (12/11) and Santa will deliver it to you at home for FREE this weekend in our new ZACC VAN. Just pick a day and time spot at checkout. SATURDAY MORNING IS ALMOST FULL, but Saturday afternoon and Sunday spots are still available! Don’t miss out. Order now at https://www.zootownarts.org/shop/pyop-curbside.html!

MISSOULA LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREES
The Missoula Lions Club has been selling Christmas trees since 1944 and the pandemic isn't keeping them from selling trees for a 76th year. And if you purchase a tree from the Lions Club you're helping make a difference in a pretty amazing way. Proceeds from their tree sales go towards eyeglasses and eye screening equipment for children. How cool is that?

They'll be selling trees while they last at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Trees are available daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

SANTA PICTURES
@ Southgate Mall
Share your Christmas wish list with Santa and go home with a memorable family photo at Santa's North Pole located in front of Cinnabon. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made here. Get hours and picture pricing HERE.

@Cabela's
One great thing about the Santa pictures at Cabela's is you get a free 4x6 studio-quality photo that they'll send to your email address. Of course, you can purchase additional photo packages to share with family and friends. Reservations are required and Santa's Wonderland will be open for photos through Christmas Eve.

LIGHT UP MONTANA
Finally getting around to putting the lights on the house this weekend? We want to see them - and it could score you some money!

Got lines and lines of lights lining the roof of your home? Towering trees with strands of lights and ornaments in the front window of your business? Those hard plastic candles and light-up Santa everyone's parents had in the '80s? We want to see ALL of it.

One lucky person who shares their holiday light display will win $500, courtesy of Republic Services. But hurry, our contest ends on Sunday (12/13.)

Submit your photo from our website or through our app. Also presented by Republic Services, TrailWest Bank, and Missoula Pediatric Dentistry.

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