Description

Tis the season to bundle up and join the Bigfork Holiday Parade of Lights!

This year’s theme, Christmas Cheer Starts Here, is inspired by the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre’s production of Elf Jr. and celebrates the joy, generosity, and community spirit that make the season so special.

Bigfork, Montana’s Christmas Village, is where the holidays truly come alive. Mark your calendars for the first Saturday of December, when the village glows with festive lights and Christmas cheer.

Come early to explore the Christmas Village—shop locally, enjoy a warm drink, and admire the beautifully decorated storefronts brought to life by the hardworking Bigfork Elves. Stores will be open late, giving you plenty of time to soak up the magic before the parade begins.

The Parade of Lights starts at 6:00 pm, filling the streets with dazzling floats, music, and community spirit. The parade concludes with Santa Claus arriving at the intersection of River Street and Electric Avenue. Santa will remain on his float next to the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center for photos until 8:00 pm.

Then, wrap up the evening with the annual holiday performance of A Touch of Christmas at 7:30 pm.

Please note that roads will close at 5:30 pm for the safety of parade-goers.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of lights, laughter, and holiday warmth—and discover why Christmas cheer starts right here in the heart of Bigfork!

Parade Rules:

• This is a non-partisan community event. Organizers reserve the right to remove any person or float deemed political or offensive.
• Items may not be thrown from floats. Walkers are welcome to hand out goodies or gently toss them toward spectators’ feet.
• Confetti is not allowed, as it leaves a lasting mark on our village. Floats that break this rule will be responsible for cleanup.
• Parade lineup begins at 5:00 pm in the school bus parking area on Grand Avenue, and the parade starts at 6:00 pm. Lineup is first-come, first-served, with no placeholders.
• Animals and livestock are welcome at the end of the parade, but participants must provide cleanup walkers.
• Please do not include a Santa on your float. The parade concludes with the arrival of the one and only official Santa.