Holiday Weekend Roundup: Where to Celebrate in Indiana Dec. 5–7, 2025

Indiana communities across the state are rolling out lights, markets and parades for a busy holiday weekend running Dec. 5–7, 2025. From the rustic charm of Bridgeton’s Country Christmas to candlelit tours at Grouseland in Vincennes and Jasper’s oversized downtown tree, towns large and small offer family activities, artisan markets and plenty of seasonal food. This report highlights what to expect, where to go and practical tips to help readers pick the best stops for a festive weekend.

Bridgeton Country Christmas (Bridgeton, Parke County) — Dec. 5–7 (also Nov. 28–30)
Bridgeton’s historic hamlet transforms into a craft‑filled holiday village with about 75–100 vendors spread through barn and storefront venues. Hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Santa greets children in the 1822 Case Log Cabin from 1–3 p.m. on weekend afternoons. Food highlights include chicken and noodles, biscuits and gravy and freshly baked Amish cookies; dulcimer performances by Bill Robison add to the town’s warm, small‑town atmosphere. Free parking and no admission make Bridgeton an easy family stop — arrive mid‑morning on weekdays or early afternoon on weekend days to miss the longest lines at popular food booths.

Christmas at Grouseland & Christkindlmarkt (Vincennes, Knox County) — Dec. 5–6
Vincennes stages a two‑day celebration around Grouseland, the William Henry Harrison mansion, marrying historic candlelit tours with a German‑style Christkindlmarkt and a long‑running Parade of Lights on Dec. 5. Market hours typically run midday into the evening; candlelit open house events and carriage rides add to the seasonal feel. Organizers say the mix of living history and market stalls is designed to “highlight Vincennes’ history while bringing the community together” through caroling, warm drinks and costumed interpreters. Visitors should allow extra time for downtown parking the night of the parade.

Jasper O’Tannenbaum Days (Jasper, Dubois County) — Dec. 4–7
Jasper’s downtown becomes a holiday hub with a towering decorated tree on Courthouse Square, artisan demonstrations, carriage rides, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, and a family screening of Home Alone. The multi‑day schedule includes church and bell‑tower tours, performances at the Astra and extended merchant hours. “Our goal is to bring a Rockefeller-sized sparkle to a hometown setting,” said a local business association spokesperson, urging early arrival for carriage rides on weekend afternoons. The festival is part of a wider Hometown Holiday Weekend in the region.

Miracle on 7th Street (Terre Haute, Vigo County) — Dec. 5–6
A community‑driven celebration centered at the Hulman Center features a vendor market (100+ craft and food booths), family activities and the Light Your Way Christmas Parade. The event has a strong charitable history, having raised significant donations and food over the years. Admission is free; families should note the parade and evening festivities on Dec. 5 draw the biggest crowds.

Christmas in BoonVillage / Boonville (Boonville, Warrick County) — Dec. 5–7
Boonville’s longtime holiday tradition includes tree lighting, Santa in the park, horse‑drawn carriage rides and one of Indiana’s longest‑running Christmas parades. The downtown Parade of Porches (a self‑guided driving tour of decorated historic homes) runs through the holiday period, offering a socially distanced way to take in festive displays. Evening events and the Saturday parade are peak times for visitors.

Medora Christmas Festival and Parade (Medora, Jackson County) — Dec. 5–6
Medora’s cozy festival focuses on community traditions: a Friday night tree lighting and Saturday parade with floats, local groups and Santa. Expect warm festival food and small‑town hospitality; families should plan to arrive early for parade viewing and post‑parade activities at the square.

Christmas at the Canal (Delphi, Carroll County) — Dec. 6 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Hosted at the Wabash & Erie Canal Park, this one‑day event features crafters, demonstrations, Santa photos and the Pioneer Village decorated for the holidays. Admission is typically free. Historical demonstrations and the canal’s scenic setting make it a great daytime stop for families and history buffs — bring a camera for the village and canal views.

Christmas in the Cabin and Parade (Lebanon, Boone County) — Dec. 6
Lebanon’s program splits the day: “Christmas in the Cabin” in the morning (9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) offers visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Herr Cabin (admission noted in previous years), hot chocolate, cookies and crafts; the evening parade starts at 6 p.m. with floats and a downtown tree lighting afterward. Pre‑registration is recommended for some morning activities such as carriage rides.

Christmas on Main, Christmas on the Square, Cumberland Weihnachtsmarkt and Festival of Lights (multiple communities) — Dec. 6
Saturday is packed statewide with downtown markets and lighted parades: carriage rides and family programming in Lebanon; a German‑heritage Weihnachtsmarkt in Cumberland; Columbus’ Festival of Lights with a Christkindl Market and nighttime parade; and several other Main Street celebrations featuring live reindeer, community performances and tree lightings. These events are ideal for an evening circuit — pick two nearby towns for a progressive night of markets and parades.

Greater Lafayette Christmas Parade & Parade of Lights events (Lafayette, Rockville, Greenfield and others) — Dec. 6
Several cities stage lighted parades on Saturday evening; Greater Lafayette hosts one of the state’s largest holiday parades downtown. Rockville and Greenfield also present Parade of Lights programs that pair well with tree lightings and downtown activities. For the best viewing spots, arrive at least 30–45 minutes before parade starts and bring a blanket or portable chairs.

Purdue Christmas Show (West Lafayette) — Dec. 6–7
Purdue’s annual family stage production and campus‑wide holiday programming continue a long university tradition. Tickets and seating details vary by year; check Purdue’s event site for updated show times and box‑office information.

Ship‑Chic Craft & Vintage Show (Shipshewana, LaGrange County) — Dec. 6 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
A curated market featuring 100+ vendors with gifts, decor and vintage finds. Shipshewana is a solid choice for shoppers seeking unique, high‑quality makers and antique pieces; arrive early for the best selection.

Caroling in the Cave (Marengo Cave, Crawford County) — Dec. 7
A seasonal concert and family event inside Marengo Cave adds a unique underground twist to holiday music, plus a silent auction and bake sale. Space and timing are often limited — reserve ahead if parking or guided‑tour slots are constrained.

Newburgh Celebrates Christmas & Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Spectacular (Newburgh and other river towns) — Dec. 6–7
Riverfront towns lean into holiday tourism with trolleys, photo ops with Santa and the Grinch, food trucks, live music, carriage rides and family‑friendly attractions such as skating and trackless trains. Special concerts and tree lightings punctuate the weekend; check event pages for performance schedules and any ticketing details.

Practical tips for weekend planners

Expect crowds Friday evening and Saturday night parades; aim for daytime markets on Saturday (mid‑morning) for easier parking.
Many small towns offer free parking but limited lots; consider carpooling or arriving early (9:30–10 a.m.) to secure spots.
Bring cash for small vendor purchases; some booths accept cards but connectivity varies.
Dress in layers and bring hand warmers — evenings can get cold, especially near riverfronts and open squares.
Check official event pages or local chambers for last‑minute schedule changes or weather cancellations.

What this means for readers
This weekend offers a little of everything — historic candlelight, German‑style markets, big downtown trees and classic lighted parades. For families it’s a chance to stack daytime markets with evening parades; for shoppers it’s an opportunity to buy handcrafted gifts while supporting small vendors. With so many simultaneous events, readers should pick a neighborhood or two to explore rather than racing across the state, and plan parking and parade viewing in advance to maximize festive time.

Organizers and local business groups advise visitors to check official event websites or municipal pages for updated hours, parking maps and any admission details before heading out. Whether readers chase a Christkindlmarkt, a cozy canal‑side craft fair, or a parade of lights, the weekend promises a strong dose of seasonal cheer across Indiana.