Each holiday season, Bigfork doesn’t just decorate for Christmas—the community comes together to transform the town into Montana’s Christmas Village. For more than 40 years, the volunteer Bigfork Elves have covered downtown in thousands of feet of lights and garland, setting the stage for traditions like the Holiday Art Walk and tree lighting, the Parade of Lights and seasonal performances. From late November through the holidays, downtown Bigfork takes on a distinctly festive feel that’s the perfect place to experience the magic of the season in Glacier Country.
STAY
Make it a holiday getaway with an overnight stay in Bigfork. Just south of town, Mountain Lake Lodge offers cozy fireplace suites overlooking Flathead Lake while The Cottages at Bigfork puts you within walking distance of downtown with a collection of riverside cottages and suites, many with fireplaces and kitchens. You’ll also find additional lodging around Bigfork, giving you plenty of ways to settle in for a weekend of shopping, dining, winter recreation and holiday festivities.
DINE
Between holiday shopping and seasonal festivities, warm up with a memorable meal at one of Bigfork’s local restaurants. Bonfire serves an elevated dining experience, Saketome is a go-to for sushi, and Pocketstone Cafe is a favorite for hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
Raise a glass to the season at Flathead Lake Brewing Co., where winter beers pair perfectly with pub-style fare, or visit Whistling Andy Distillery for handcrafted spirits in a welcoming tasting room.
SHOP
Bigfork’s downtown is especially festive during the holidays, with boutiques, galleries and locally owned shops lining Electric Avenue.
Browse handcrafted artwork, pottery, wood turnings and other Montana-made gifts at Riecke’s Bayside Gallery, or visit Kehoe’s Agate Shop, just outside town, to find a unique piece of jewelry or locally crafted keepsake. Bigfork’s small businesses make it easy to find something special, like holiday gifts and souvenirs
ADVENTURE
The holiday magic continues beyond downtown. Surrounded by mountains, forests and Flathead Lake, Bigfork offers easy access to winter recreation, including downhill and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog sledding.
If you need equipment or local advice, Base Camp Bigfork can help you gear up before heading out to explore. After a day outdoors, return to the village to enjoy the lights, festive atmosphere and small-town allure that make the Bigfork Christmas Village a holiday tradition.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
Updated August 25, 2026
December 9, 2019
Related: Bigfork, Dining, Family Fun, Holidays, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Shopping, Stay, Winter Fun
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