Bigfork is a community built on volunteerism. The Bigfork Elves exemplify this each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving when they deck the town with over 10,000 feet of garland and lights. Elves of all ages and experience levels will meet at the Bigfork Inn at 8am for warm drinks and sweet treats before taking a group photo and heading off to adorn the village.
The Bigfork Elves are an army of volunteers who have been around for more than 40 years and are looking for new recruits. New volunteers start with no rank but quickly progress from Lieutenant to Captain to Major and ultimately to General with each year of service. Who can be an Elf? Absolutely anyone! Bring your family and friends to Bigfork to partake in this beautiful tradition; all you need are warm clothes, gloves, and a touch of Christmas spirit.
The magic continues at 4pm when the shops, galleries, and boutiques invite you in for the Holiday Art Walk. This is an opportunity for young and old to stroll through town, taking in the freshly hung lights and garland while enjoying wine, treats, and sales. Bigfork, named one of the best art towns in the northwest, is brimming with robust small businesses stocked with unique and thoughtful holiday gifts.
The day concludes with the tree-lighting ceremony at 7pm. Family, friends, strangers, and neighbors gather around the giant tree in front of Bjorge’s Gallery to sing Christmas carols. Children of all ages are then called up front for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. The entire evening is like a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie and so quintessentially Bigfork, it is sure to become one of your holiday traditions.
