Bigfork kicks off its holiday celebrations this weekend. Here are some of the special events planned:

v The Bigfork “elves” will gather Saturday to decorate the town with fresh evergreen garlands, trees, bows and lights in time for the Bigfork Art Walk from 3 to 7 p.m. 

Visitors can stroll through galleries and shops before heading for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at 7 p.m. This year, a new lighted display featuring Santa and the Polar Express will make its debut on the Bigfork Clock Tower. Prior to the lighting ceremony, there will be candy canes for children, traditional carols and the recitation of “The Night Before Christmas.” 

v Saturday, Nov. 29, has been designated Small Business Saturday. Participating businesses will offer specials and also have a limited quantity of canvas tote bags to distribute to shoppers.

v On Dec. 6, Bigfork bakers will compete in the Holiday Cookie and Dessert Contest in the lobby of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. Judging begins at 11 a.m. followed by a public tasting at noon. The tasting is free to all who bring a donation for the Bigfork Food Pantry.

 The annual Holiday Parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by Brach Thomson’s “Touch of Christmas,” featuring special guest Tanja King.

v The Bigfork Carolers will stroll along Electric Avenue singing Christmas carols from 3 to 4 p.m. each Sunday starting Dec. 7. Songbooks will be provided at Owney’s Cafe for the public to join in the caroling. 

v For three Saturdays in December, Santa will be on hand at Bigfork Station for photos. 

A Santa’s Workshop will be held Dec. 13 where children may assemble old-fashioned wooden Christmas toys. Participants are asked to bring a donation item for Toys for Tots. Santa and some of the elves will be on hand to help and there will be holiday snacks as well.