Residents of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality consider this to be the start of the holiday season.
Moonlight Madness is more than just a sales event, it's a genuine tradition that is much anticipated every November. The Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, 102.3 Summit Radio and all of the participating retailers come together once a year to bring residents a real night out.
Many begin the evening with dinner at one of our hospitality locations. After dinner, Christmas shopping is the order of the day with family and friends.
Fort Nelson's retailers always go all out to provide the best selection at the largest discounts possible to help kick off the holiday season.
Moonlight Madness officially starts at 5pm and goes to 9pm although some businesses may remain open beyond 9.
Ken Johnson of Summit Radio says, "I've been involved in Moonlight Madness since my arrival in the community back in 2003 and I can honestly say it doesn't get old. It's great to see so many out and about on the town during this event and it really does kick off the holiday season in the Northern Rockies." Ken notes that quite a few folks travel to the community from locations north along the Alaska Highway.
Retailers involved this year (2025) include:
Boston Pizza
City Furniture
CMP Sports
Down to Earth
Ed's Building Supplies
Gold Fever
Home Hardware
IDA
McDonald's
Metallic Safety Supply
Northern Metallic Sales
Oasis Vape Shop
Pet Pa's Food & Accessories
Phoenix Theatre
Red Apple
Rigg's Safety
Style Rite
Triple G
Fort Nelson Visitor Information Center
Those taking in the evening on the town are encouraged to bring along the shopping passport. Once filled out, the passport is your ticket to winning a shopping spree (via retail supplied gift certificates).