East Helena Christmas Stroll 2026

About East Helena Christmas Stroll

The East Helena Christmas Stroll is a one-evening holiday event along Main Street, held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of December in each recent year on record (December 2, 2021; December 7, 2023; December 5, 2024; December 4, 2025). Businesses along Main Street stay open, and artisans and vendors set up there and in buildings around town, including the VFW, the Boilermakers union hall, the Eagles, Firemen's Hall, City Hall and the East Helena library branch. There is a kids' activity tent on Main Street, performances at Radley Elementary, a basket and Christmas tree raffle, and a visit from Santa.

The stroll also raises money for local causes. In 2023 the raffled tree benefited the East Helena Rodeo Association's new rodeo grounds and vendor registration fees went to the East Helena Booster Club's senior scholarships. In 2021 buses carried visitors between stops, and in 2025 the Friends of the East Helena Library ran a fundraising booth in the branch's community room. Visitors come from Helena, Townsend and Boulder as well as East Helena. A 2026 date has not been announced; the first Thursday of December 2026 is December 3.

What happens

• Main Street businesses open late, with artisans and vendors in shops and halls across town
• Kids' activity tent on Main Street
• Performances at Radley Elementary
• Basket and Christmas tree raffle benefiting local groups
• A visit from Santa

Tips

• Vendors are spread across several buildings, so plan to walk the length of Main Street.
• It is an evening event in December; dress for walking outside between stops.
• Bring cash for raffle tickets and small vendors.