The holiday season is upon us, which means Indy with Kids has the latest and greatest of information for all the family-friendly festive must-do events and activities! Here, we are featuring all the jolly happenings throughout northern Indiana and surrounding areas for November and December listed by county. Many of the festivities below require registration and sell out fast, so be sure to scroll through the entire list carefully to find what works best for your family during this most wonderful time of the year! We will be updating this list with new information as we receive it. From the Indy with Kids Family to Yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with comfort and joy!
Allen County
HolidayFest in Downtown Fort Wayne featuring the Night of Lights
November 25, 2015
Come enjoy various lighting ceremonies and festive activities and end the night with Parkview Field Fireworks. Click here for a full details and schedule of events.
Fort Wayne’s Annual Fantasy of Lights
Franke Park 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN
Open every night Nov 25th through Dec 31st 2015
6pm-9pm Sunday – Thursday6pm-10pm Friday & Saturday
$5 per car; $10 per 15-passenger van; $25 per bus/trolley
*Carriage rides are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Call Steve at Cornelius Carriages at (260) 691-3780 for prices and booking info.
31st Annual Festival of Trees “Warm Winter Wishes”
Embassy Theatre Fort Wayne, IN
November 25, 2015 – December 02, 2015
More than 55 beautifully decorated trees, Santa Land and the Animated Holiday windows will be a part of this festival along with some fun new additions. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 4-12. Free for ages 3 and under. Tickets on sale at the Embassy box office, through Ticketmaster or call (800) 745-3000.
Family Photo Night reservations can be made through the Embassy box office at (260) 424-5665. Please visit website for full details.
Holiday Kick-Off Party at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Wednesday, November 25, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a free professional-quality photo with Santa and meet two live reindeer from the North Pole. The gardens are decorated for the holidays, and you won’t want to miss the animated light show outdoors. No reservations required. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply. Sponsored by PBS 39 and Majic 95.1.
November 27 Festival of Gingerbread Begins!
Fort Wayne History Center 302 E Berry Fort Wayne, IN 46802
The 30th Annual Festival of Gingerbread features over 100 confectionery creations. Events throughout the Festival include crafts, games, storytelling, and visits Santa!
Festival Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday-Saturday 9am-8pm; Sunday 12-5pm. Check out the full schedule of events here.
Holiday Music in the Garden at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
1100 S Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN
Thursday, December 3 ($1 Night) 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the Showcase Garden on this special evening as the band Long Journey performs holiday songs and melodies in a traditional style. The performance will feature hammered dulcimer, banjo, guitar, penny whistle and vocals. The gardens are decorated for the holidays and you won’t want to miss the animated light show outdoors. $1 admission to the Conservatory starting at 5:00 p.m. so come early and find your spot in the garden to enjoy the performance. No reservations required.
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 5th 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park 817 W Dupont Road Fort Wayne, IN
Bundle up your family and come out to the farm for live music, horse drawn wagon rides, a craft for the kids, a visit from Santa, holiday vendors and more at this traditional Christmas celebration. Contact Amy at 427-6005 or send her an email for more information. Admission is $5 per car.
Breakfast with Santa at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
1100 S Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN Saturday, December 5, 9:00-10:00 am
Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages and eggs, milk or juice for children and coffee for the adults. There will be children’s activities and time allotted for parents to take photos of their children in the conservatory’s exhibit, “A North Woods Christmas,” before the facility opens to the public. Admission to this event also allows a return visit to see Santa’s reindeer from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Registration runs now through November 27. $13/person. Children under two do not have to pay but they must register. Limited booster/high chairs available; please indicate at registration if one is required. To register call (260) 427-6000 and refer to code 427101-S1.
Santa & the Reindeer at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Fort Wayne, IN
Every Saturday in December before Christmas 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Santa and two of his reindeer will greet children while parents take pictures to capture the moment. Explore the Conservatory all decked out to the theme “A North Woods Christmas.” Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by PBS 39 and Majic 95.1.
Holiday Pops: Home for the Holidays
December 11-12;19 at 7:30 P.M.
Family-friendly holiday concert perfect for all featuring The Phil and Chorus joined by special guests in a program of traditional holiday tunes. The “Hallelujah” Chorus, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and visitors from the North Pole sparkle in the Embassy Theatre, decorated in holiday splendor. Prices vary based on seat/section level. Purchase tickets online. The Embassy Theatre is a historic venue. There are no elevators to the Loge and Balcony sections. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – the Musical
The Historic Embassy Theatre 125 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN
Enjoy this beloved holiday classic come to life on stage! Perfect for the whole family!
December 16 at 7:30 P.M.
Tickets are $53, $38, & $28.
Tickets on sale at the Embassy box office, through ticketmaster.com
or call 800.745.3000. *The Embassy Theatre is a historic venue. There are no elevators to the Loge and Balcony sections. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops
December 20, 2015 Doors open at 1:00 P.M. Concert begins at 2:00 P.M.
Listen to holiday favorites from a 60-piece professional orchestra. Perfect for all ages. The concert will feature talented vocalists Fernando Tarango and Renee Gonzales singing holiday favorites. Purchase Tickets Online.
DeKalb County
31st Annual Auburn Christmas Stroll
November 21, 2015 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. This festive event, located in Auburn, showcases professionally decorated homes and downtown businesses. Participants may visit homes and businesses in the order that they choose. Purchase tickets in advance from multiple DeKalb County businesses or call (260) 925-6686. Tickets also available at any Christmas Stroll location on the day of the event. COST: Advance Tickets: $10.00; Day of Event: $12.00; Per Home $4.00.
Christmas Parade and Lighting of Frosty
Santa and his reindeer arrive during the parade!
November 24, 2015 at 7:00 PM
Downtown Auburn at Courtyard Park
FREE Community Event!
Elkhart County
Where’s Santa?
Friday December 4, 2015 at Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Bring the family out to Wellfield Botanic Gardens this holiday season. Stroll the gardens with the Christmas elves while searching for Santa, make holiday crafts, warm up with hot chocolate and decorate cookies! Click Here for more information.
Polar Experience
Sunday December 6th at 721 S Main Street in Elkhart
A new magical Christmas experience for the entire family. Tour the New York Central train museum, play with Santa’s elves, watch the “Hot Chocolate Entertainers” and more. Click Here for details. Advance ticket purchase required. *Limited availability.
Pay It Forward 5K Santa Stroll
Saturday December 12 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Starts and Ends at Knights of Columbus
Hundreds of “Santas” walk, jog and run along the scenic Elkhart Riverwalk to raise awareness of the Pay It Forward with acts of kindness concept. This has became a new Christmas tradition for many and a sight not to be missed! All child registrations include a Santa hat. Prizes for the fastest male and female runners and best Santa ensemble. This is a timed event. The true Santa will stop for cookies and cocoa along the route. Be sure to register early and join the sea of Santa’s in Elkhart! Register Online.
Grant County
Christmas City Parade
Nov 21, 2015, 7 pm in Downtown Marion
Christmas City Walkway of Lights
Located in Marion, Indiana, this holiday display spans nearly four continuous miles and features more than 2.5 million lights. Over 120 individual displays run side by side along the Mississinewa Riverwalk from Downtown Marion to Matter Park. The Walkway of Lights is one of the longest running and largest light displays in the Midwest. Festivities begin on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The exhibit is illuminated nightly from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. through New Year’s Eve. A Season Pass for the Christmas City Walkway of Lights is $5 per vehicle. Fee collected at the toll station on Matter Park Road.
Grant County 4-H Council Christmas Craft and Collectibles Sale
Dec 5, 2015 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Located in the Community Building at the Grant County 4-H Fairgrounds. All proceeds go the Grant County 4-H program.
Howard County
Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
The community of Kokomo is cordially invited to Thanksgiving Dinner with Chapel Hill Christian Church at 2600 W. Alto Road in Kokomo. Home delivery to Howard County residents are available as needed by calling (317) 453-7388.
Howard County Historical Society Presents Christmas at the Seiberling
Advance sales tickets for the opening night of Christmas at the Seiberling are available online now at the HCHS Eventbrite page. Tickets are $10 at the door or $7 in advance, so grab yours early for the lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa on November 28th at 6:00pm.
Kokomo Area Holiday Light Displays
We Care Park: See over one million lights and dozens of animated displays located on the north side of Kokomo near the corner of Lafountain & Gano Streets. Open nightly starting at 6 p.m. through Dec. 27; Free admission; Donations accepted.
Highland Park: Entrance located on Defenbaugh Street
Downtown Kokomo: Cruise through downtown to view several beautiful lights on display.
Twelve Days of Christmas Lights at the Pioneer Village: Located at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Greentown.
Sharpsville Lights: Computerized Christmas display show set to music.
Kokomo Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
Shop Local Every Saturday 9am-1pm now through December 19.
Kokomo Downtown District’s First Friday: Home For The Holidays
Free, self-guided arts tour in the Downtown District; 5:30-9:00 p.m.; For a full list of activities, call 765-457-5301 or view online.
1st Annual Russiaville Christmas Celebration
December 4th 6pm-8pm Russiaville Town Hall
Starting at 6pm, we will be making handmade ornaments to hang on the town Christmas tree, which is located in Brady Park. Tree lighting will be at 6:45 pm when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. You can have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause inside the town hall. Refreshments include popcorn and hot chocolate, and cookies to decorate. For updates, follow Russiaville Summer Fest Facebook Page.
RUDOLPH FAMILY FUN RUN 5K
A very family-friendly 5k run and walk that is fun-filled and scenic with all things Rudolph! You start and end at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and journey through Foster Park. Christmas music is just one element of this jolly event. Once back at the library, enjoy healthy snacks and hot chocolate. You could win one of 10 fabulous door prizes, including a Garmin Forerunner. Trophies will also be awarded. Register Online.
A Whoville Christmas at the Library
December 5 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Kokomo-Howard County Public Library Main, 220 N Union St, Kokomo, IN 46901
Come for a special Whoville program. Children of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of favorite holiday stories, puppets, crafts, and more!
LaGrange County
The Lighting of Shipshewana
November 7th:
4:00 P.M. Free Music Performed by Wickle Creek at the Main Stage on Middlebury Street.
6:00 P.M. Holiday Light Parade and Lighting Ceremony.
The parade will travel through downtown Shipshewana and end in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant. Along with the traditional tree lighting, there will be Christmas Carols, Santa visits and refreshments throughout town. See the full detailed schedule here.
Kids Day in Shipshewana
December 5th 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Kids pick up their free itinerary at The Davis Mercantile between 10:00 A.M. and Noon and then have until 2:00 P.M. to travel to locations throughout Shipshewana for a day of fun activities and surprises! For more Information call (260) 768-7300.
Santa arrives at the City Offices in the Wolfe Building
December 5th Santa visits with children from noon to 3:00 P.M. in Shipshewana.
St. Joseph County
Howard Park Ice Rink
Opening Day for 2015 – 2016 season will be Friday November 27th, weather permitting. Call (574) 235-9451 for details.
Tree Lighting Event & Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend
December 4th 5:30-6:30pm Parade begins at Jon Hunt Plaza and ends at former College Football Hall of Fame Gridiron with Fireworks. Live music, mingle with Santa’s elves, enjoy special treats and the arrival of Santa.
Santa’s House & Workshop
Visit with Santa and enjoy activities in his Workshop! Bring your wish list & camera!
Friday, December 4, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 12 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 12 – 4 p.m.
Friday, December 11, 5 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 12, 12 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 13, 12 – 4 p.m.
Friday, December 18, 5 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 19, 12 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 20, 12 – 4 p.m.
Monday, December 21, 12 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22, 12 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23, 12 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 24, 12 – 4 p.m.
Steuben County
Santa’s Arrival in Downtown Angola
November 27 at 5:30 P.M. Kids will get a chance to have their picture taken with Santa. For more information call (260) 665-2514.
Christmas Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides through Downtown Angola
December 4th 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. An annual Christmas season tradition. For more information call (260) 665-2514.
21ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG
Sunday, December 6, 2 – 3 pm at 180 W. 400 N, Angola, IN 46703
Gather around a wood-burning stove for an old-fashioned sing-along. Enjoy festive refreshments and celebrate the holiday season at the Wing Haven Studio.
Presented by ACRES friends Art Eberhardt, Jim Shearer, Jeanine Samuelson and Steve Eyrich.
Free Concert Series: Trine University Annual Community Music Christmas Show
December 6, 2015: Doors Open at 2:30 P.M. Concert at 3:30 P.M.
FREE Christmas concert performed by the Trine University Choir, Musical Theatre/Opera Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra. Patrons are encouraged to bring a pair of new socks for Trine’s collection drive for Project Help.
After the concert, everyone is welcome to the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center for an all-you-can-eat holiday dinner by Bon Appetit at Whitney Commons. Cost: $11.25 per adult; $5.65 per child ages 6-12; Free for children 5 and younger.
After dinner, walk through the University Center to see more than 35 decorated Christmas Trees. Trine University clubs, organizations and offices decorated the trees that will be given to local families through Project Help. For more information, please email the Music Department or call (260) 665-8096.
Tippecanoe County
Greater Lafayette Commerce presents the 18th Annual Dickens of a Christmas
Saturday, December 5th Downtown Lafayette
Step back in time as downtown is transformed into Victorian England. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Throughout the day, enjoy live performances by choirs, entertainers, carolers, stop by the Holiday Farmers Market, partake in Riverside Skating Rink sessions. There will be artisans in costume demonstrating their craft, carriage rides. Meet the Dickens characters as they enact the last scene from A Christmas Carol at Riehle Plaza and join in the Community Sing to officially begin the holiday season by “flipping the switch” to light the Courthouse Dome, Riehle Plaza, Big Four Depot and the Community Tree.
Purdue Christmas ShowShowtimes:
Saturday, December 5th at Noon; 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, December 6th at 2:00 P.M.
Tickets: $29 adults; $27 seniors (65 and older); $20 students (13 – college) and $12 children for 12 years and under. Purchase Tickets Online or call the Purdue Box Office (800) 914-7469.
Greater Lafayette Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 6 beginning at 2:00 P.M. take part in Indiana’s largest holiday parade