Your Guide to Holiday Traditions in Indiana

There are many traditions a family could have surrounding the holidays. From decorating trees to baking to hanging stockings over the fireplace, the list goes on and on. Holiday Traditions are special to a family and to a community. Some holiday traditions are even enough to bring a whole state together. Below are just a handful of the amazing traditions that are throughout the Hoosier state that bring people together in the spirit of the season.

And among all the bustle of the holidays, you might find a new holiday tradition for your family.

ShipshewanaIceFestival

Spend the Holidays in Shipshewana

The home to the 3rd largest Amish community, Shipshewana takes the holidays seriously. With lots of holiday festivals, lights, and Christmas spirit, it is a great trip to go on this Winter.

Holiday Traditions IN Indiana

The Polar Express™ Train Ride Nov 10
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole. This is the only licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event in the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Indianapolis areas. Tickets will sell out quickly! Don't miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with…

Fort Wayne Village Marketplace Nov 10
  • Recurring daily

Get your holiday shopping off to a great start all at one location. A two day, upscale holiday shopping event to kick of the season. Grab a few friends and join us for some holiday cheer! WHEN: Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5pm to 9pm Saturday, November11, 2023 from 9am to 4pm Food, beverages, and…

"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Nov 11

Immerse your family in the holiday classic, "A Christmas Story" through animatronic window displays of memorable scenes, special events, browse our nice gift shop with official "A Christmas Story" merchandise, and photos with Santa. We even have a special photo-op with "Flick" on our flagpole.

Reindeer Express Nov 12

All Aboard for a magical Christmas experience! Take an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa himself! This magical journey takes passengers on a round-trip ride from Noblesville to Arcadia. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Cicero, over Morse Reservoir and into Arcadia. - Ride includes a…

Carmel Christkindlmarkt Nov 18
  • Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Experience the old-world charm of Christmas in Germany right here in Indiana at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. With the festive ambiance of an authentic German market, guests can peruse various products sourced from Germany and other German-speaking European countries. A blend of traditional German…

Jingle Rails Nov 18
  • Recurring daily

This model train exhibit is an old Holiday Tradition for Eiteljorg Museum. This exhibit has nine,G-scale trains winding through the stunning landscapes that create this winter wonderland of an exhibit. Follow them as they go from a model of downtown Indianapolis to models of the Hoover Dam, Mt…

2023 Festival of Trees Nov 22
  • Recurring daily

Founded in 1984, the Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. The Festival is the organization’s largest annual fundraising event. Lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel will transform into a wonderland of decorated trees…

Festival Of Gingerbread Nov 24

The magic of the holidays takes shape in the form of over 100 handmade gingerbread houses and designs, made by artists of all ages every year.

Christmas At The Seiberling Nov 25

Tour the Sieberling Mansion and Howard County Museum, adorned with elaborate decorations and thousands of holiday lights. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1-4pm and select evening hours.

Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas Dec 01
  • Recurring daily

From unique art, gifts, crafts, decorations, live music, plenty of good food, vendors and local shops open and full of gifts in Bridgeton, to visiting with Santa, Mrs. Claus & Elves while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and caroling in Rockville, Christmas in Parke County is the place to be!

Purdue Christmas Show Dec 01
  • Recurring daily

This December, gather the whole family and celebrate 90 years of the Purdue Christmas Show! For nearly a century, this beloved holiday tradition has captivated audiences with its dazzling performances and heartwarming messages of love, hope, and unity. Watch the stage come alive in the historic…

Holiday Home Tours: Celebrating the Art of Holiday Home Decor Dec 03

Purchase tickets today for AMOA's Holiday Home Tours. The Home Tours are part of AMOA's winter celebration that includes a new exhibition, Winterfest, and a special kid's camp, Brushes and Beats, with our friends at Plainsong Music. The Holiday Home Tours will be held on December 3 from 11 am to 4…


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