Celebrate the Holidays in Marion County!

Make the most of your trip to Marion County by visiting our Feast of the Seven Fishes itinerary.

Join us December 13-15 for a special weekend of events observing the area’s Italian heritage.

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

poster for Feast of the Seven Fishes movie

poster for Feast of the Seven Fishes movie A film version of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ written and directed by Tinnell and based on his book was shot in West Virginia. Its release date is 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,

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Weekend Schedule of Events

Celebration of Lights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6–10 p.m.*)

Morris Park, Fairmont (off Pleasant Valley Road)

An annual holiday tradition, the Celebration of Lights in Morris Park features more than 475 light displays over a 1.3-mile drive.
*this event runs through 12.28.19

Festival Cucina (Friday, Dec. 13, 6–9 p.m.)

First Presbyterian Church, 301 Jackson Street, Fairmont

Enjoy special cooking demonstrations — with samples — of traditional Italian holiday dishes during the 14th annual Festival Cucina Cooking School. Tickets are required. 

Miner’s Appreciation Day Swap Meet (Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Arts & Antiques Marketplace, 205 Adams Street, Fairmont

Observe our region’s coal mining heritage at the Miner’s Appreciation Day Swap Meet. Vendors and collectors can buy, sell, trade or have memorabilia appraised.

Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival (Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 7 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.  

Woman’s Club of Fairmont Tea and Historic Home Tour (Saturday, Dec. 14, 12–3 p.m.)

300 1st Street, Fairmont 

Snack on Italian cookies and tea and take a guided tour of the historic Fleming Mansion, home to the Woman’s Club of Fairmont. 

Holiday Homecoming & Fairmont Christmas Parade (Saturday, Dec. 14, 3–7 p.m.)

Main Street, Fairmont 

In honor of Fairmont’s 200th birthday, enjoy a Holiday Homecoming, with decorated storefronts, carolers, vendors, a visit from Santa and other activities. The Fairmont Christmas Parade will also take place at 5 p.m.

Celebration of Mass (Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.)

Saint Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 407 Jackson Street, Fairmont

Celebrate the first Mass of Christmas Eve with the parish of Saint Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.

‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ Film Screening (Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.)

Tygart Valley Cinemas, 98 Tygart Valley Mall, White Hall

View the theatrical release of Rivesville native Robert Tinnell’s film, ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ shot in West Virginia and based on his 2005 graphic novel of the same name.