Annual Christmas Stroll returns to downtown Friday

Downtown is putting on its holiday best as the annual Whitefish Christmas Stoll returns Friday with events happening from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The lighting of the Depot Park Christmas trees, the arrival of Santa Claus in a horse-drawn wagon, street corner caroling, fire-dancing and more are highlights of the evening.

There’ll be music by the Alpine Bell Ringers, a bagpiper, North Valley Music School, the Flathead Valley Community College Vocal Ensemble and other community groups. There will be artists, crafters, food vendors and nonprofits set up on Central Avenue.

Don’t miss the frozen turkey bowling with StayMontana and the Pin n’ Cue, and plenty of toasty fire pits to help keep strollers warm.

Winners will be announced of the annual window decorating contest and the Gingerbread House Contest sponsored by Century 21 Deaton and Company Real Estate.

Entries in the Gingerbread Contest are on display throughout the week at downtown businesses with a map available at whitefishgingerbreadcontest.com.

Youngsters can make their own gingerbread cookie at the Deaton & Company booth or visit the Stumptown Art Studio to make a Christmas ornament.

Whitefish Winter Carnival Royalty will be on-hand for the festivities, Santa will be doing “selfies” at FORLOH, and the Bar W Guest Ranch will offer free wagon rides around Depot Park throughout the evening. Pet a Clydesdale with the folks from the Clydesdale Outpost, check out the SnowBike Nation “Bike Cave,” and crawl through the cab of a Great Northern Powder Guides backcountry snowcat.

Strollers will also have a chance to win hundreds of dollars in prizes in the annual Shopper’s Drawings, simply by shopping (or dining) in Whitefish this coming week. Shoppers can exchange their receipts for raffle tickets at the Chamber Tent on Friday night (one ticket for every $20 spent), for a chance to win one of a half dozen great gift packages donated by local businesses.

The Whitefish Christmas Stroll is presented by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Century 21 Deaton & Company Real Estate. For more information, call 862-3501, or visit whitefishchamber.org.