Discover the Magic of an Italian Appalachian Christmas in West Virginia
Written by Sarah Goodrich, Marion County CVB
Celebrate a true Appalachian Christmas with Marion County’s new Appalachian Christmas Vacation Digital Passport. The digital passport allows you to win prizes by attending local Italian and Appalachian events.
Unwrap festive prizes along the way with each event check-in. You’ll earn points toward an Appalachian Christmas Vacation sticker, a Feast of the Seven Fishes ornament (by Loving WV) and an Appalachian Christmas Vacation mug.
Register online to download your passport and start discovering new holiday traditions in the Mountain State!
Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival
Bring your loved ones to where Italian tradition meets small-town charm. The Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival celebrates the Italian Christmas Eve tradition of feasting on numerous fish dishes, fritellas and cannoli with friends and family. This winter street festival is a holiday homecoming! Enjoy great food and wine, delight in the music of the season and shop local artisans for your holiday list.
You can also watch the film that fully embraces Italian culture in Appalachia. View in the beautifully renovated Robinson Grand Theater in Clarksburg!
Celebration of Lights
Take a Christmas cruise through Morris Park, a beautiful spot nestled in Fairmont. Bring your family and friends for a fun evening and enjoy the spirit of Christmas as you drive through 1.3 miles of 540 beautiful Christmas light displays! You won’t be short on Christmas spirit when you add this staple Marion County tradition to your itinerary.
Christmas Village & Light Show
Stroll through the streets of downtown Fairmont to see a customized village synced with music! Here you’ll get a festive look at village buildings modeled after downtown businesses. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your friends and family out for a night in town this Christmas season.
The Great Pepperoni Roll Drop
Capture the final moments of 2025 in the small town of Mannington with its mega-sized pepperoni roll! This quirky celebration will take place from 7 p.m. on Dec/ 31 until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. Before the drop, attendees will receive pepperoni rolls and bubbles!
Make it a Holiday
Let Marion County host you this season at one of several hotels or vacation rentals. Heather’s Haven is a cabin rental on the Tygart River, making it the perfect holiday stay. The Tiny Farmhouse at Historical Zion Heritage Farm boasts a rustic, yet cozy lodging experience on a farm with all the modern amenities you’d need.
*The Fairfield Inn and Suites is running a discount for visitors who book to stay for any of the holiday events throughout December (including the Great Pepperoni Roll Drop). Book under the Marion County Chamber rate for a 20% discount!
About the Author – Sarah Goodrich
Marketing and communications specialist
This post was last updated on December 19, 2025