If you have been hunting for the best list of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, this is definitely IT! No matter where you live or when you need something merry and bright to enjoy, you are at the right place. When you want to know where to find a tree lighting ceremony near you, make Little Indiana your first stop. Big city or small town, it’s all here.
If your small town or big city has a tree lighting ceremony that I missed, please let me know in the comments section below or feel free to send me an email. I will add it to this list right away!
Rain or snow, sun or gloom, please check that there are no rain dates or cancellations for the event before heading out. Links lead to more information to help you on your way. If you want to really do it up right, browse the list of Indiana towns and cities above, and see what else you can do while you are in the area. Restaurants, attractions, coffee shops, and bargains–get your shopping done and actually have fun in the process. Oh by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas, making memories that last.
Indiana Tree Lighting Ceremony
Auburn
They don’t just celebrate the season with free hot chocolate all day in downtown Auburn, no, they also get together for the charming Christmas Parade. See Santa and his reindeer then be a part of the annual lighting of Frosty.
Aurora
Oh the shiny! Christmas Parade and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree is November 29, 2015 at 6 PM. Activities for children begin at 3 PM and run until 5 PM. Check out the toy display and Dickens village from 5 PM – 8 PM. Santa’s entrance heralds the main event at 6 PM.
Avon
Silver bells ring. Friends and neighbors gather at Avon Town Hall Park on December 5 from 6 PM – 7 PM for the Avon Christmas Tree Lighting. Pictures with Santa, train rides, live music, kids crafts, and even fireworks usher in one memorable season.
Bloomington
The Canopy of Lights is to usher in a bustling season–while also remembering and celebrating philanthropist Bill Cook. Be there from 6 PM – 7:30 PM downtown on the square for the parade and the lighting of the Canopy while a brass band plays on.
Bremen
It’s already that time for the annual Bremen Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 25. All is merry and bright with live music, cookies, singing, and children helping parade Santa into town.
Broad Ripple
Broad Ripple Lights Up! 2015 at firehouse #32 on November 28 from 3 PM – 7 PM, families will gather at this free event for live entertainment, the kid’s Wonderland activity village, holiday parade, and the sparkling holiday lighting ceremony.
Carmel
Holiday on the Square or City of Carmel’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony on the Lawn of City Hall occurs November 21, 2015 from 3:30-6:30 PM. There is a stage FULL of activities! Look for more details here. Santa arrives at 3:30. Tree lighting occurs at 5:45 PM.
Chesterton
Hometown Holiday Celebration & Twilight Christmas Parade always begins with the twinkling parade that rolls through downtown. Visits with Santa, FREE carriage rides beginning at 2 PM, and more are waiting in this fun family atmosphere. The tree lighting ceremony is then held at Thomas Centennial Park.
Converse
Christmas in Converse returns for another year of festive cheer! On December 4 from 6 PM – 8 PM, usher in the holiday season. Stick around for the delightful tree lighting ceremony.
Corydon
Light Up Corydon promises family fun in abundance. On November 28, from 12 PM – 9 PM, there’s a slew of scheduled activities like the Ugly Sweater contest, cookie walk, gingerbread display, carriage ride, favorite Christmas characters, and the lighting of the town square (to name a few). Don’t miss it!
Crown Point
It’s a spin on the classic tree lighting ceremony with a tree and TANK lighting ceremony! Find it November 20 at 5:30 PM.
Danville
It’s magical at Christmas on the Square in Danville. On November 27 from 4 PM – 6 PM, delight in a picturesque courthouse square with games, music, and a tree lighting ceremony that’s absolutely amazing.
Elkhart
Winterfest Light Parade and Tree Lighting begins at 6 PM downtown on December 5. The tree lighting continues the fun afterward.
Evansville
The Bosse High School Concert Choir will perform, the mayor will say a few words, and the lighting of the Evansville Christmas tree will begin on November 20 from 5:15 PM – 5:30 PM!
Farmland
The Farmland Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk will put this adorable town in the holiday spirit on December 1 from 5 PM – 9 PM.
Fortville
Lights on Main Winter Festival is a day full of fun from 10 AM – 8 PM on December 5. The tree ceremony begins at 6:30–but you might want to spend the day (luminaries begin at 5:30).
Fort Wayne
The Night of Lights in Fort Wayne boasts a lighting schedule that takes folks from business to downtown business beginning at 5:45 PM on Wednesday, November 25, 2015. It ends with the 7:45 fireworks show at Parkview Field.
French Lick
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden begins fifty days of lights at the resort hotel. A visit from Santa and fireworks are a part of this entertaining yearly event November 20 from 7 PM – 7:45 PM.
Greenwood
The evening is packed with activities for Greenwood A Glow! Activities begin at the Greenwood Public Library at 3 PM – 7 PM, November 21, 2015. There’s a lot of fun planned, from coloring to the North Pole Animal Show to carriage rides as well as the tree lighting ceremony with Santa at 5 PM – 5:45 PM.
Highland
Main Square Park sets a festive scene with Santa’s March and Tree Lighting Ceremony November 28 at 4:30 PM. Parade through downtown to the park where the tree will be lit and hot chocolate will be served. Goody bags from Santa to children on the “nice” list.
Hobart
Join the town for its first annual tree lighting ceremony from 6 PM – 8 PM on December 4, 2015 at Festival Park. Santa, live entertainment, and carriage rides.
Huntingburg
It’s the 30th anniversary of the Huntingburg Christmas Stroll, a week that is overflowing with holiday events! Find the official tree lighting on November 4th. There’s a whole week of activities from November 8 – November 15.
Indianapolis
Circle of Lights at Monument Circle is a 53 year tradition! More than 4700 strands of lights hang from the top of Monument Circle to its base. Twenty-six toy soldiers stand guard amid twenty-six peppermint sticks. Lights flip on at 7:55 and ends with a bang–a giant fireworks show to usher in the Christmas season!
Knox
Look for the Knox Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center on November 29 at 5 PM to 7 PM. Refreshments provided.
Kokomo
Jingle all the way to Christmas at the Seiberling Mansion. Decked out in its holiday best, the opening Night Lighting Ceremony will be held on November 28 at 6 PM. Santa, carriage rides, entertainment, and tours. Tours will be available through December 22.
Lowell
First, let kids 12 years and under search for 2,000 candy canes in Liberty Park. Then, at 6 PM, watch the lighted floats sparkle down Commercial Avenue for Lowell Holiday Magic. Santa arrives to light the town tree in this festive event on December 5.
Marion
One of the oldest (and largest) displays, there’s over 2.5 million lights at the Christmas City Parade and Walkway of Lights in Marion! It begins with the parade that travels up Washington Street. After the light show, join the crowd in the tree lighting ceremony.
Michigan City
In a sea of like-named parades, the Michigan City’s Snowflake Parade and Festival of Lights stands out. On December 5, catch the parade at 3 PM. Carol around the tree at the Michigan City Public Library, then head to the annual ceremony for the Festival of Lights in Washington Park!
New Harmony
Gather on the New Harmony Inn front lawn on December 4 at 5 PM for the 12th annual tree lighting ceremony. It’s the kickoff to Christmas in New Harmony that occurs the two days after that!
Noblesville
Awe in wonder at the Annual Lighting Ceremony in Noblesville around the Hamilton County Square on Friday, November 27 at then return on Sunday for the big Holiday Parade featuring the big guy in red.
Metamora
Spend the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM. There’s no confusion–it takes place the same time every year. There’s holiday music, story telling, sing-a-longs, and free hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies. Light ceremony begins at 6:45 PM.
Plymouth
It begins with the Parade of Lights and ends with the fabulous tree lighting ceremony on November 27 at 6:30 PM. Stop by the museum to see Santa (and find snacks at small businesses around the town).
Roanoke
It’s Christmas in the Village of Roanoke–and is it ever brimming with holiday razzle dazzle on December 4 from 6 PM – 9 PM. Santa zips in on a fire truck at 6 PM. There’s singing and then–it’s time to light the town tree.
Rockville
Light up the night with the lighting of the Rockville tree on the Parke County Courthouse lawn on December 5 from 5 PM – 6 PM. It’s a holly jolly part of the Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas.
Santa Claus
With a name like that, they probably know a thing or two about Christmas! Join in something a little different: Santa’s Great Big LED Tree of Lights. It kicks of with music and a light show every half hour from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM starting November 26.
Shipshewana
Remember the magic of the season at the Lighting of Shipshewana: Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony at dusk (6 PM) on November 7. Watch as the parade winds its way downtown, ending at Blue Gate Restaurant. Christmas carols, appearances by Santa, and refreshments add to the small town holiday event.
South Bend
Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at John Hunt Plaza at 5:30. South Bend Community School Corporation, The Boys and Girls Club Honor Choir, and Starz Academy will perform. Ends with a visit from Santa and the lighting of the tree!
St. John
Christmas in the Park and Festival of Lights starts at 7 PM on November 27 through 10 PM. Kids love the holiday train. Decorated trees will remain until through New Year’s Day.
Union City
Beginning downtown, the parade lights the way to Harter Park for the Christmas Lights and Tree Lighting on November 27 at 6 PM. Three million lights are waiting.
Valparaiso
November 21, from 3 PM – 8 PM, the Winter Lights Night Festival kicks off at Sunset Hill Park. Visit with Santa, play games, bake cookies, marvel at all the lights, and “ooh” at the grand finale fireworks show.
Vevay
Vevay’s First Friday and Festival of Lights Kick Off highlights the charm of this small riverfront town. Thousands of lights illuminate Paul Ogle Riverfront Park. Santa will arrive at the park at 6:30 PM on December 4 to begin the lighting ceremony. Carolers, horse and wagon rides, cookies, and hot chocolate–this is Indiana.
Wabash
Okay, so it isn’t the lighting of a tree, exactly, but as the first electrically lit city in the world, Wabash gets to make their own rules when it comes to light! The Celebration of Light and the yearly lighting of the Wabash County Courthouse will be November 20 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Westfield
Make merry at the Westfield in Lights annual event. This free family event on December 5 from 5 PM – 7 PM features pictures with Santa and Frosty the Snowman. There’s a gingerbread house display, reindeer, and live entertainment. The tree lighting begins at 7 PM.
Winona Lake
Carol through the Village at Winona. Santa, train rides, song, and free cookies boost the spirit before the big tree lighting November 28 from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Zionsville
After parking in Lions Park, take the FREE trolley to your village faves on November 28. Trolley rides begin at 10 AM, with pony rides, carriage rides, and live entertainment throughout the day. The parade begins at 5:30 PM with the tree lighting at 6:30 PM.
Where to Find Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Indiana?
I think we’ve answered that question fully–and there’s even a map below. I know you have made some memories. What were your favorite tree lighting ceremonies growing up? What about now? Please, share your holiday memories in the comments below. My town doesn’t have one (though we do have a parade) so we try to travel somewhere whenever possible. Thanks to my big list, you can bet we will be better organized about it too.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is little Indiana!
Just don’t forget to tell ’em that little Indiana sent you!
Find Indiana Tree Lighting Ceremonies
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