With a fresh start to a brand new year, we all get the opportunity to look forward to another 12 months, each filled with different ceremonies and celebrations. With a January birthdate myself, I am no stranger to the way winter birthdays sometimes get overlooked or underdone. Some years, we find them swept into the holiday spirit and lumped together with other pre-planned parties, or even frozen out by dreaded sub-zero days.

Anyone with a winter birthday understands the annual struggle of choosing the best way to celebrate their special day. But in a winter wonderland like Bozeman, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you prefer cozy indoor parties or festive outdoor celebrations, these birthday possibilities will bring your special day to the forefront of the season.

A classic winter birthday party includes ice skating, a memorable opportunity to embrace the weather and get out of the house. Luckily, Bozeman’s multiple outdoor rinks and the indoor option of Haynes Pavilion means anyone can have a skate-centered birthday, even if the temperature drops below zero. For bigger parties at the Pavilion, you can rent out the whole rink, or view their website and shape your more intimate plans around their pre-made schedule. You’ll find stick and puck, public skate, or even just catching a local hockey game as great opportunities to celebrate. The Barnburner Grill offers a full menu including pizza, sandwiches, snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Other outdoor winter activities include skiing and sledding, readily available and easy to plan around town. Bridger Bowl and Big Sky ski parties are incredibly fun for everyone, but do require more preparation. Something closer to home, such as a trip down Peet’s Hill, or sledding down the massive mound at Gallatin County Regional Park, are equally exciting ways to begin a new trip around the sun. Follow this up with a DIY hot cocoa bar to warm those frozen bones, and you and your guests are sure to have a time to remember, skiing or sledding the day away.

If you or your loved ones are looking for a more indoor-based birthday, options like bowling at Bozeman Bowl, stopping by the Museum of the Rockies, a downtown dinner, or a sip and paint class are always available. If you’re in need of some great party ideas for kids, The Ridge offers awesome packages for members and non-members alike. You can go all out for your kids’ winter party with the pool and play zone, and request additional options (like a bounce house, decorations, cake, goodie bags, and more) to take the stress out of party planning. Alternatively, for animal lovers, Heart of the Valley offers behind-the-scenes tours of the shelters, and the opportunity for your child to name a new incoming stray. It’s the perfect winter party idea to interact with pets and the community, while benefiting the local shelter.

Popular amongst the college crowd, downtown bars offer week-night specials for those determined to celebrate on their actual birthday, no matter the day of the week. Trivia nights occur almost nightly if you know where to go—like Rocking R Bar, which hosts Monday Night Sports Trivia, Tuesday Night Bingo, Wednesday Night Trivia, Thursday Night Tanks, and Alumni Fridays. If it happens to be your 21st birthday, they’ll even offer you a free hat to commemorate your time there. It’s a great downtown spot to have fun, engage in some friendly competition, and enjoy a birthday drink or two. From here, you can bar hop to any of the other events at the downtown bars, or take a safe ride with Party Bus Rentals, and continue the birthday celebrations.

For those looking to keep the party indoors but full of energy, Jump Time Bozeman is the ultimate winter birthday destination. With trampolines, foam pits, and a ninja warrior course, it’s a perfect way to burn off energy, stay warm, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.

Other indoor options that are kid- and adult-friendly include the local escape rooms. Their rotating options offer new adventures for those who have tried them all. Bozeman Breakout and Escape 406 both have a friendly staff, and super fun rooms to duck into to get out of the cold. Rooms like ‘A Death in Wonderland,’ and ‘Dracula’ are exhilarating, and take your mind off the frozen tundra that awaits outside. This activity is great for smaller groups, allowing anywhere from two to six players at a time.

For a fun twist, and a different kind of escape from the cold, I’ve attended my fair share of beach-themed parties. While the host may have to crank up the heat, it’s well worth it to wear shorts and a t-shirt, enjoy a Piña Colada, and sit back and relax with your feet in a kiddie pool—preferably surrounded by pink flamingos and blown up palm trees. While this can obviously result in a messy clean up, it’s worth it to pretend to jet out of Montana and off to a beach somewhere, all while sticking close to home.

Personally, I love to finish off my birthday with a long, relaxing soak at a nearby hot spring. Having visited Chico, Norris, and Bozeman Hot Springs, each to commemorate the start of a new year, I struggle to pick a favorite. The relaxing and homey atmosphere of Chico pairs perfectly with a few friends and a fine dining experience. Norris provides a rustic and natural local experience. Bozeman Hot Springs yields a busier crowd, with more room and spa-based services. With differing options like live music, drinks, dinners, and amenities, choosing which one is best for you all comes down to personal preference on your special day.

While it’s important to recognize every milestone, some years I don’t mind when my birthday finds itself combined with a New Year’s celebration or a last-minute Christmas party. Oftentimes, more friends and family are able to attend and offer an extra special in-person happy birthday wish. It can be exciting to enjoy a Christmas meal followed by a birthday cake, or a New Year’s toast and a Happy Birthday glass clink. It brings a special memory, and special people together for a reason. As they say, the more the merrier! Happy New Year, and Happy Birthday!