The Fernie Holiday Kickoff returns this month, marking the official start of the holiday shopping season with a weekend filled with community spirit, live entertainment, festive lights, and an expanded #SpendItInFernie campaign to support local businesses.
This annual event invites residents and visitors to explore Fernie’s eclectic downtown boutiques, where shoppers will find everything from winter fashion and homewares to handcrafted gifts, books, sporting goods, art, and more. Organized by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, the Holiday Kickoff encourages everyone to “shop local first” while enjoying an evening that has become one of Fernie’s most beloved pre-Christmas traditions.
While downtown shopping and promotions run all weekend, the main celebrations take place Saturday, November 29, filling 2nd Avenue with music, carols, community activities, and the always-anticipated fireworks display that lights up the early-winter sky. Local shops will stay open late, and visitors can expect everything from warm drinks and holiday treats to pop-up activations and live entertainment.
NEW for 2025: Expanded #SpendItInFernie Contest
This year, the Chamber is expanding the popular #SpendItInFernie campaign. Instead of a single night, the promotion now runs the entire weekend—Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30—giving shoppers more time and more chances to win.
Anyone who spends a minimum of $20 at a participating Fernie business can enter to win $1,000 to spend at the participating Fernie business of their choice or two winter lift tickets to Fernie Alpine Resort.
How it works:
• Every receipt of $20 or more (dated Nov 28–30, 2025) earns one entry.
• Receipts must be submitted before Sunday, Nov 30 at 11:59 pm.
• Winners will be announced Monday, December 1 at 12:00 pm.
• Shoppers must present their receipts to claim their prize.
The goal is simple: keep holiday dollars circulating within the Elk Valley and help Fernie’s small businesses thrive at the most important retail moment of the year.
Organized by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, the Holiday Kickoff encourages residents to explore Fernie’s boutiques and artisan markets, enjoy the season’s first celebrations, and support local businesses at a critical time in the retail calendar.
Saturday’s Holiday Highlights
While the #SpendItInFernie contest and shopping promotions run all weekend, Saturday, November 29 is the centrepiece—with a lineup that blends tradition, creativity, and plenty of small-town charm.
All Day | Participating Businesses
#SpendItInFernie Contest: Spend $20 or more at a participating business and enter to win $1,000 to a Fernie business of your choice or two Fernie Alpine Resort lift tickets.
Window Decorating Contest: Explore Fernie’s festive storefronts. The Chamber will announce the winning business just before the fireworks at Station Square.
4:30pm – 8:00pm | 6th Street
Hot chocolate by donation, served by the Salvation Army—a warm start to the evening festivities.
5:00pm – 8:00pm | Fernie Arts Station, Seniors Centre & Elks Hall
Fernie Craft Fair: A beloved stop for holiday shoppers. Find locally made goods, baked treats, hand-crafted jewelry, and artisan gifts. Entry by donation.
5:00pm – 8:00pm | 2nd Avenue
Cycling Without Age volunteers will be out with their decorated bikes, offering joyful rides and helping people experience the atmosphere downtown.
5:30pm – 7:00pm | 2nd Avenue
Carolers take to the avenue, filling the evening with classic holiday songs and community spirit.
5:30pm – 8:00pm | Station Square
Festive music and warming fires
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy fundraiser—selling socks and hosting a “Letters to Santa” station
7:15pm – 7:45pm | Station Square
Fernie Academy Performance: A favourite annual tradition as local students take the stage.
8:00pm | Station Square
FIREWORKS!
A spectacular fireworks show will light up the night sky to officially launch Fernie’s holiday season.
The Fernie Chamber’s message is simple: celebrate together, shop local, and support the businesses that make Fernie thrive.
A full list of participating businesses and contest rules is available on the Chamber’s website.
