Discover Helena Montana’s Unique Holiday Shopping Experience

By Chelsea Paschall

Crave a standout shopping experience? Helena has you covered! Put these events on your calendar and enjoy the sport of gift hunting while supporting independent artists and local businesses. Awaiting your discovery are Made in Montana products, fun stocking stuffers and strikingly unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Make a weekend of it! Plan a playful shopping adventure. Visit Helena’s Trip Planner will help you organize your trip and finish your holiday shopping early this season.

November 11th

Bundle up and get ready to be warmed by the hospitality of Helena’s Downtown. Over a hundred local artists and businesses will welcome you at the Fall Art Walk! Beyond shopping, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the gift of community.

Body Mind Spirit Day pairs intrigue with shopping. This event features market vendors with a variety of metaphysical and spiritual products including books, crystals, jewelry, and holistic wellness products. Bonus, while doing your shopping you can also visit with a variety of practitioners spanning tarot to Reiki and much more.

November 12th

The Marysville Fall Festival, happening a short 20-minute drive NE of Helena, grants you the opportunity to make a gift discovery at the special occasion venue, the Historic General Store/ Cotton Club. We can only imagine what unique treasures await! While there, learn about Marysville’s fascinating history, arts and access to outdoor recreation.

The Archie Bray is unveiling their newly completed Sales Gallery with a Holiday Sale celebration! Consider these top gift ideas; a handmade mug, a comforting soup bowl, a distinctive pitcher for the table, a stand-out vase, unique jewelry, stunning sculpture, pleasant cocktail cups, uncommon ornaments and find more in-person at the gallery. To sweeten the deal, they will also host an Open Studios on the same day. Proceeds from the sale benefit the resident artist program at the Archie Bray Foundation.

Recurring On the second Saturday of every month, you can pair a delicious beverage from Montago Coffee with discovering eclectic finds from Hoot Owl Vintage, and a rotation of local makers, artists, bakers and vintage vendors.

November 17th

Celebrate with The Myrna Loy at their Artist’s Reception for the Holiday “Found It!”, offering Made in Montana gifts. Local artists will feature gifts for every taste in this celebration of color, form, and beauty. Browse jewelry, sculpture, home gifts, and other artworks to fit any budget. A portion of sales will help fund the Myrna Loy Grants to Artists program. Top it off with a live concert after the reception.

Don’t forget to purchase a Holiday Gift Certificate for upcoming concerts or independent film. In the spirit of cheer, pick up Myrna Loy wine glasses, available in gift packs of four.

November 19th

Should you care to wager on a gift, The Holter Museum of Art will be hosting the Last Chance Public Radio Gift Auction. This annual auction is always a smashing hit with live music, food, drinks, silent live auction and community uplift. While at The Holter, consider a gift certificate for one of their unique classes to ignite artistic inspiration during these cold months and beyond.

Mae & June Vintage Market knows how to set the mood, and shopping with them will help the host/hostess you know do the same. The day will start with a Winterland Open House and wrap up with a Candlelight Sip & Shop.

Photo Credit: Jacob J. McEachern

November 20

Add some cultural flair to your shopping with the Fair Trade Market at St. Paul’s UMC. Global Vendors will have a wide range of artisan products including baskets, pottery, jewelry, scarves, rugs and alternative giving. Anticipate flavorful food and beverages to sample in your gift quest.

Bonus December 10

The Helena Avenue Theater (HAT) will host their Holiday Sale with antiques, collectibles, crafts and of course hats! Gift certificates will be available to share the gift of the local theatre.

More to come! Check out the Visit Helena Events Page for unique shopping opportunities throughout the holidays.