Christmas Parades, Festivals, and Events in Indiana 2015
It’s finally here! The season that shops started pushing in October can “officially” be celebrated. String up those lights, get the cookies in the oven, and trim the tree (might I recommend an Indiana Christmas tree farm near you?), and then head out to one of these spectacular holiday events.
Hoosiers know how to celebrate. You won’t believe the imaginative events and festivals they are throwing to kick-off the holiday season. There’s a slew of tree lighting festivals. You have viewed (and Facebook liked) my BIG list of 45 Indiana Tree Trimming Ceremonies, right? I’d appreciate it. It’s a handy, helpful resource for anyone searching for a bit of free family fun.
The festivals and events featured below are a random sampling. There’s so much to do over the next few weeks. See it all on the Little Indiana Festivals and Events Calendar. Am I missing one? Please, let me know in the comments below (or send an email). I am only one person and this is a pretty big state. Help me fill in the blanks. I’ll update the calendar right away!
Indiana Festivals and Events This Weekend
It’s the big one! The Circle of Lights at Monument Circle is a sparkling light-filled extravaganza downtown. Not nearby? Other cities and towns also have their big tree lighting ceremonies this week like Aurora, Bloomington, Broad Ripple, Chesterton, Corydon, Danville, Highland, Huntington, Knox, Noblesville, Plymouth, St. John, Union City, Winona Lake, and Zionsville (see the list above for details). Head to LaPorte for the Santa Parade at 12 PM on November 28 or for the one mile costumed fun run, Kris Kringle Blitz the same day!
In Santa Claus, Indiana, Santa’s Big LED Tree of Lights will begin every half hour from 5 PM – 10 PM starting November 26. It’s a music and light show that really shines. Valparaiso’s Sunset Hill Farm County Park also begins their scenic light display, Holiday Lights, on November 28, also from 5 PM but running until 9 PM.
Ready for a little history? How about a little shopping? At the Bridgeton County Christmas, you can do both. The 1800s buildings are decorated and the north and south pole barns have items available for purchase.
What almost became our national symbol is now a favorite entree for most any Thanksgiving feast! The Wild Turkey Wander at McCloud Nature Park in North Salem is a two hour hike around the beautiful area on November 28. Learn turkey calls and try to tempt them closer to see these big birds in person.
More than seventy vendors will exhibit their handmade wares at the Portage Christmas Craft Show. It is a handicap accessible event. Oh, and bring the kids on Sunday. Santa will be there too. Give them a few bucks and let them pick out gifts for the family. Wouldn’t that be cute?
Hello, Wilbur. In the market for a horse? The Day after Thanksgiving Horse Auction is a huge event–and the second biggest saddle horse event of the year. Find your new BFF in Shipshewana.
Christmas at Seiberling Mansion is holly jolly’d and ready for the opening night lighting ceremony on November 28. With tours, entertainment, and even Santa, it’s an evening of festive fun. Tours will continue through December 22.
Do you love seeing inside of other people’s houses? Me too! You are in good company at the Night Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes in Madison for this multi-day event. See the homes and buildings all dressed up in their holiday best. Refreshments and carols.
Some towns have them every year. In Trafalgar, enjoy biscuits and gravy and pancakes with the big guy in red during the Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Open House event on November 28. There’s shopping and a free adult raffle ticket with every breakfast ticket.
Ho, Ho, Ho Holidays
Christmas lights and jolly nights, that’s what an Indiana festival is in the months of November and December! Can you believe all of the things to do and see this weekend? It’s pretty incredible. So, go! Make some memories. Anyone can visit a big box store and grab something random. Make the season count. Shop small and make it personal.
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!
Indiana Festivals and Events Map
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