Celebrate the Holidays in Marion County!
Join us December 8-10, for a special weekend of events observing the area’s Italian heritage.
Make the most of your trip to Marion County by visiting our Feast of the Seven Fishes itinerary.
Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival History
In 2005, Marion County native Robert “Bob” Tinnel published his graphic novel, ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ based on his experiences of growing up in an Italian-American family, specifically the Christmas Eve tradition of the same name that consists of a meatless meal with several seafood courses. Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as Vigilia di Natale (or La Vigilia), is said to observe the wait until the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The next year, 2006, Tinnell and his wife, Shannon Colaianni Tinnell, collaborated with Main Street Fairmont and the community to organize the first Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival in Fairmont. The event has continued ever since, and thousands attend each year. The Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival has been named a Top 20 Event for December by the Southeast Tourism Society.
‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ Film
A film version of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ written and directed by Tinnell and based on his book was shot in West Virginia. It was released on November 15, 2019. The cast includes Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Josh Helman, Addison Timlin, Ray Abruzzo, Paul Ben-Victor, Joe Pantoliano, Andrew Schulz, Lynn Cohen and Jessica Darrow. More information can be found here: https://feastofthesevenfishesmovie.com/.
Take a tour of Marion County and see the sites featured in Robert Tinnell’s film.
Weekend Schedule of Events
Celebration of Lights (Thursday, Dec. 8 – Saturday, Dec. 10, 6–10 p.m.)
Morris Park, Fairmont
The 15th annual holiday tradition, the Celebration of Lights in Morris Park, features more than 500 light displays over a 1.3-mile drive.
*This event runs through December 30, 2022.
FSU Performing & Community Arts Show (Thursday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30–9:30 p.m.)
Wallman Hall, 1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont
Attend the latest production from Fairmont State University Performing & Community Arts. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — Town & Gown Production will be showing from December 8-11.
Festival Cucina (Friday, Dec. 9, 6–9 p.m.)
Immaculate Conception Church, 329 Maryland Avenue, Fairmont
Join your favorite regional chefs for a relaxing evening of reminiscing and a taste of some of the best Italian specialties! Enjoy special cooking demonstrations — with samples — of traditional Italian holiday dishes during the annual Festival Cucina Cooking School. Tickets are required.
Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival (Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Monroe & Adams Streets, Downtown Fairmont
Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival is an annual tradition in Marion County. This daylong street fair celebrates all things Italian and features an array of food and wine, music, an artisan market and more.
Fairmont Woman’s Club Tea (Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Fleming Mansion, 300 1st. Street, Fairmont
Join the Woman’s Club of Fairmont for a holiday house tour of the historic Fleming Mansion, along with tea and holiday cookies. The cost to attend is $10 and guides will be present to answer questions.
Marion County Historical Society Holiday Open House (Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Marion County Historical Society & Museum, 210 Adams Street, Fairmont
Visit the Marion County Historical Society Museum & Jail and enjoy the displays from past Christmas celebrations.
Coal Miners Appreciation Day (Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Arts & Antiques Marketplace, 205 Adams Street, Fairmont
Celebrate the coal mining heritage of our region during the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival! Visit the third floor of the Arts & Antiques Marketplace located in the Fairmont Mercantile to learn more about Marion County’s mining history and share stories of fellow miners and their families.
Fairmont Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 10, 5–7 p.m.)
Main Street, Fairmont
The Fairmont Christmas Parade will take place at 5 p.m. The Blessing of the First Responder entrants will line up as part of the parade, and the blessings on each vehicle will occur in front of the Marion County Courthouse.