Celebrate the holidays on the slopes this season at Big Sky Resort with a torchlight parade, skiing Santa Claus and firework displays sure to wow even the biggest Grinch.

For decades, Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Sports instructors have meandered their way down Andesite Mountain for the awe-inducing annual torchlight parade. Holding flares while skiing and riding in a single file line, about two dozen of the resort’s instructors snake their way down Ambush on Christmas Eve. Hundreds turn out to watch, many securing a prime viewing spot at the base of the Ramcharger Chairlift.

After all of these years, these employees have perfected the careful timing of the torchlight parade – not skiing too fast so as to stay together, but not too slow so that the torches don’t burn out prematurely. The Dec. 24 torchlight parade is a must-not-miss event beginning at 8 p.m.

It’s also possible that Santa Claus may stop in for the torchlight affair to distribute treats to the crowd. Keep your eyes on the sky for Santa and a fireworks display.

If 8 p.m. is past the kids’ bedtime, maybe visit the Huntley Lodge Sunken Lobby at 7 p.m. to hear Santa read aloud the holiday classic, “T’was the Night Before Christmas.”

The Huntley Dining Room will be serving a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The next day, Dec. 25, guests should keep their eyes peeled on the slopes as Santa and one of his elf helpers have been seen skiing the Lone Peak Tram, hitting the terrain parks or enjoying the groomers on Andesite Mountain. In the afternoon, around 1:30 p.m., look for Santa visiting with guests in the Mountain Village and Madison Base areas.

As the New Year approaches, Big Sky Resort again has a whole list of fun events for the whole family. On Dec. 31, there will be two firework shows, one at 8 p.m. and the other at the stroke of midnight. These shows are best viewed from the Mountain Village plaza.

There are New Year’s Eve parties in the Talus Room of the Summit Hotel, and live music of the Dusty Pockets at Montana Jack. Kids ages 4 and up have a supervised party all of their own in the Yellowstone Conference Center from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

For an elegant, intimate New Year’s Eve celebration, Everett’s 8,800 on top of Andesite Mountain is offering gourmet Alpine cuisine perfect for ringing in the New Year. Limited seats are available.

Not only is there lot happening during the holidays at Big Sky Resort, but also snow is in the forecast. For more information on snow conditions or events, visit bigskyresort.com. As always, purchasing lift tickets online saves guests the most.