Weekend Holiday Roundup: Bridgeton, Monrovia, Corydon and Martinsville Light Up the Season

Small towns across Indiana will usher in the holiday season this weekend with a slate of community‑centered celebrations drawing visitors for shopping, live music, lights and family activities. Bridgeton’s multi‑vendor Country Christmas opens its two‑weekend run Friday, while Monrovia, Corydon and Martinsville pack Saturday with tree lightings, markets, parades and carriage rides that aim to revive classic hometown holiday traditions.

Organizers say the events are designed to spotlight local artisans, boost small businesses and give families an approachable, festive way to start the season. “These are community events — where neighbors connect, kids meet Santa, and visitors discover handmade gifts they can’t find anywhere else,” an event organizer said.

Bridgeton Country Christmas — Parke County (Nov. 28–30; also Dec. 5–7)

What: The Bridgeton Country Christmas opens Friday for the first of two holiday weekends (Nov. 28–30 and Dec. 5–7), running 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day.
Highlights: Roughly 75–100 vendors populate historic spaces such as the Bridgeton Mill, the 1878 Barn and the Artisan’s Barn. Expect handmade gifts, original artwork, pottery (including Wagoner Pottery and similar craft booths), holiday decorations and specialty vendors.
Family draws: Santa greets children daily from 1:00–3:00 PM in the 1822 Case Log Cabin. Live dulcimer music and other acoustic performances fill the barns during the day.
Food & atmosphere: Classic small‑town festival fare—chicken and noodles, biscuits and gravy, cobbler and bakery items—along with Amish‑style cookies baked onsite at the mill. The town is decorated in festive lights, creating a rustic, historic backdrop ideal for strolling and photos.
Practical tips: Parking is limited in Bridgeton’s historic core; arrive early, park where directed and wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground near the mill. Bring cash for smaller vendors and consider visiting on weekday afternoons of the second weekend if crowds are a concern.

A Monrovia Hometown Christmas — Monrovia, Morgan County (Nov. 29)

What: A one‑day hometown celebration on Saturday, Nov. 29, produced by the Monrovia Festival & Community Association.
Highlights: A parade featuring golf carts, UTVs and tractors delivers Santa to town in the morning. The Winter Market runs roughly 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, with vendors selling wreaths, decorations and baked goods. A scavenger hunt winds through Old Town with the Monrovia Branch Library as a key stop.
Family draws: Photos with Santa (noon–5:00 PM), cookies for kids, and a live nativity at 6:00 PM cap the evening. Carriage rides and carolers add to the old‑fashioned charm.
Practical tips: The event is spread across Old Town — follow signage for market locations and library activities. Bring a reusable bag for market finds and dress for chilly November weather.

Light Up Corydon — Corydon, Harrison County (Nov. 29; 11:00 AM–8:00 PM)

What: Historic downtown Corydon turns into a twinkling square of lights, live entertainment and seasonal shopping.
Highlights: Live performers and local bands play through the day; food trucks and vendor booths line the square; carriage rides and photo opportunities are scheduled throughout the event.
Parade & special attractions: The evening Christmas Parade (typically late afternoon/early evening) showcases floats, marching bands and community groups. Santa and the Grinch make appearances for photos.
Practical tips: Downtown Corydon is walkable; plan to browse local boutiques before the parade. Expect crowds around parade time — arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

WCBK’s Hometown Christmas Parade — Martinsville, Morgan County (Nov. 29)

What: Martinsville’s third annual WCBK Hometown Christmas Parade brings brightly lit floats and holiday pageantry to downtown Jefferson Street.
Highlights: Illuminated floats, seasonal music and community groups create an after‑Thanksgiving spectacle aimed at families and local residents. The parade route passes through “The Venue” area and past City Hall.
Practical tips: Parades are best experienced just after sunset when lights pop — bring chairs or blankets and arrive with time to find parking near the start point.

Why this weekend matters
These gatherings underscore how Indiana towns lean on holiday festivals to showcase local makers and preserve community traditions. Bridgeton’s multi‑vendor market provides a concentrated shopping experience for one‑of‑a‑kind gifts; Monrovia and Corydon offer approachable family events that pair music and light displays with opportunities to support small businesses; and Martinsville’s parade proves a small, repeatable tradition can become a regional draw in just a few years.

What readers should know before they go

Times and schedules can shift; check official event pages or local chambers before driving.
Weather in late November can be brisk — layer up and bring waterproof footwear.
Expect small‑town parking constraints; arrive early, carpool when possible and follow volunteer parking directions.
Many vendors accept cards, but smaller artisans may prefer cash. Bring small bills for quick purchases and tips.

Conclusion
This weekend offers a sampler of Hoosier holiday spirit — from Bridgeton’s artisan‑packed barns to Monrovia’s hometown parade and Corydon’s illuminated square. Whether readers want to hunt for handmade gifts, snag a warm treat while caroling rings through a historic town square, or watch a glittering parade roll past City Hall, these events give families and visitors an easy, festive escape to start the season.

For the latest times and vendor lists, readers should consult event webpages or local visitor bureaus before traveling.