Good morning, Billings.

Billings Family Service distributed 1,400 Thanksgiving meals Monday morning from community donations including 1,000 turkeys from Q2 during its Turkey Tuesday fundraiser - the event helped families in need and drew long lines of waiting cars down First Avenue South.

Downtown Billings is gearing up for the holiday season as local retailers plan festive events and decorations to draw shoppers this week—residents will soon enjoy unique promotions and community gatherings.

Blind Cat Chocolate has opened its storefront at 733 Lake Elmo Drive in Billings Heights and sells ethically sourced sweets to support saving cats ahead of Small Business Saturday—its owner uses each sale to help local cat rescue.

Engineers and architects planned Mossmain to be a modern garden city with parks, fountains, and a central rail hub a century ago—its bold vision was halted by the Great Depression and World War II.

Today, only a few dirt roads and Mossmain Lane mark the memory of that once-promising site between Billings and Laurel.

High school students now operate the Skyview Shop at Skyview High School where they learn skills like managing inventory, creating displays, and serving classmates.

The shop opened after a Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Billings School District 2, and Valley Federal Credit Union — and it is open before school, during lunch, and in passing periods.

Governor Gianforte signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore investment in Montana’s data centers and energy infrastructure.

He said Montana’s affordable energy and skilled workforce make the state a promising hub for future projects—further talks will focus on project feasibility in southern Montana.

UK citizen Justin Grzeb was riding his bicycle in Havre when a CBP agent stopped him and detained him—despite his pending marriage-based Green Card application and no criminal record; his attorney said filing the application normally keeps him legally in the U.S. and he is set to appear before an immigration judge.

Billings drivers got relief when Gabel Road and Pierce Parkway reopened, although electrical crews replaced traffic signal heads at the Canyon Creek Road intersection with Zoo Drive on November 24—causing a half-day closure of the south leg to Costco—while minor work continued into early December.

Dr. Clint Seger was named the full-time CEO of Billings Clinic-Logan Health effective Jan.

1 — he had served as co-CEO and was selected by the board after Kevin Abel said he preferred his old role.

Local equestrian Katrina Leyh is training for the 1,000-kilometer Mongol Derby horse race in Mongolia next August—she will switch horses every 35 kilometers and set up camp along the route as she aims to finish in 10 to 12 days.

She started a GoFundMe account to help cover her travel and training expenses.

40th Annual Holiday Parade

6:30-8 p.m. — Skypoint — Free entry — Celebrate the festive season with the rockin' theme at this beloved local parade.

Repeat Offenders: Butterball 6 Concert

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — The Pub Station — Ticket info available — Dance through the decades with eclectic hits and a lively atmosphere at this time-traveling concert.

Billings Symphony Presents The Nutcracker

2:00–3:30 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Cost TBD — Experience the Christmas magic of the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, with its enchanting tales and performances.

Tanner Laws Live

8-9:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $22.65 — Experience authentic country music with Tanner Laws and their incredible storytelling melodies.

Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — $67.00, $52.00; $52.00 Student + non-refundable fees — Enjoy a hilarious satirical roast of over 30 Broadway hits with outrageous costumes and madcap impressions from a talented cast.

Rockin’ for Rimrock Benefit Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Pub Station — $59.15 — Enjoy a night of live music and community support for recovery and hope.

Mark O'Connor Christmas Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — $42.00, $32.00; $17.00 Student — Enjoy a festive evening of holiday classics and original compositions by the acclaimed fiddler Mark O'Connor and his ensemble.

Yule-Aissance

Yule-Aissance is a two-day holiday Renaissance festival where knights, pirates, fae, and festive folk gather for shopping, entertainment, and seasonal delights. From Krampus and Father Christmas to dancing, classes, and costumes, it’s a magical winter experience for the whole family

SCB's Nutcracker Ballet Performances

9:00 – 11:30 PM — 1500 N 30th St, Billings, MT — Tickets available at the studio or online — Experience a brand new local ballet featuring all new choreography and local talent.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

6:30 p.m. — Billings Depot — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Adele's music under candlelight with a string quartet.