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 Northern Indiana

Immerse your family in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" through animatronic window displays of memorable scenes and 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.

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…

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.

Come to Historic Downtown Auburn and enjoy music, shopping, dining out at one of the many restaurants or bars, and don't forget dessert! Get out and vote for your favorite window display! This is a very coveted award among our downtown businesses, so vote! The Dekalb county Community Orchestra will…

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…

A new holiday tradition has arrived in Northeast Indiana! The Indiana Christmas Train will depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana for a magical 1.5-hour trip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard! Choose from accommodations in Deluxe Coach, First Class, or charter a private Pullman passenger…

Holiday Traditions IN Central Indiana

Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 56th year, we’re adding beautiful new décor to enhance your holiday experience. And the best part is it’s all included with…

The family will love Christmas in downtown Cambridge City. Luminaries will set the stage for holiday spirit! Take a carriage ride or visit the s’mores bar. Shop local antique stores for unique gifts, and support the small businesses and restaurants in town and more.

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 Indianapolis area. Tickets will sell out quickly! Don't miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with your family!

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.

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…

This model train exhibit is an old Holiday Tradition for the 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…

Make a family tradition and come to the ice-skating rink at the Dickmann town center for free ice-skating throughout the holidays and beyond! Open the Friday after thanksgiving, you can skate, have hot chocolate, and make memories!

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.

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!

Santa will arrive via train, and he will pose for pictures with the children. The Christmas Market will feature craft vendors and bakers. Free admission.

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 pm. Five local homeowners will deck their homes both…

Holiday Traditions IN Southern Indiana

Bring your kids to Santa’s TOYS for the 7th Annual Live Reindeer Exhibit! And browse thousands of specialty toys while you’re there, including STEM toys that encourage learning through play.

Columbus Festival of Lights Parade is an annual event where the community gathers to watch illuminated floats grace the street of the City of Columbus, Indiana. Thousands gather to create new traditions and remember nostalgic times from their childhood. Bring your family down to experience the magic…

Enjoy shopping at the gigantic Santa Claus Christmas Store, featuring Christmas gifts, decorations, hundreds of collectibles, fudge and other sweet treats, and so much more. Explore a huge selection of indoor and outdoor lights, wreaths, tree trimmings, nativities, and Christmas yard art. With tens…


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