15 Ways to Kick off the Holidays in Hamilton County

While we have just turned our calendars to November, there is no denying that the holidays are just around the corner. If you are not quite feeling it yet, no worries. We are here to help. From tree lighting ceremonies to a heartwarming holiday concerts, below we list 15 events in Hamilton County that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

1. Kick off the holiday season during Holiday at Center Green on Nov. 18 at Center Green in Carmel. Visit with Santa, see live reindeer and watch the annual holiday lighting ceremony. Festivities begin at 3:30 pm.
   

2. Children in 4th grade and younger can drop their wish list in Santa’s Mailbox at Fishers City Hall or Fishers Parks & Recreation Office beginning Nov. 13-Dec. 11. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with letters if you are wanting a reply!

3. Experience the Old World charm of Christmas in Germany during Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 18-Dec. 24

4. Bundle up and experience an 1836 winter season during Conner Prairie by Candlelight, Dec. 8, 15-16, 22-23

5. While you are there, stop by to view the works of both amateur and professional gingerbread architects at the annual Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie, included in the price of admission.

6. Take part in Noblesville’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 24. Families will enjoy special holiday music, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor John Ditslear, and of course, the lighting of the beautiful downtown lights and Christmas tree. No need to bundle up too tightly – the ceremony will take place inside the Hamilton County Judicial Center, with the tree lighting on the courthouse square.

7. Return to Noblesville on Nov. 25 for the Holiday Ice Sculptures, beginning at 5 pm. Ice carving demonstrations will be performed by the Indiana Ice Studio.

8. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and support local businesses on Nov. 25 during Small Business Saturday at Nickel Plate Arts District. Free gift wrapping stations are an added plus.  You can also take part in a special Pop-Up Class: Mixed Media Junk Journal for an additional fee.
   

9. Celebrate the magic of the season during Fishers’ Winter Wonderland on Nov. 30 on the Central Green in Fishers. Enjoy live music, free kids’ activities, a petting zoo and be sure to stay for the annual tree lighting.

10. Ride the festive Carmel Holiday Trolley as you shop unique, local boutiques and galleries in our Arts & Design District, select days beginning Dec. 2.

11. While you are there, enjoy Holiday in the Arts District complete with elves, reindeer, carolers from local choirs and a Santa’s arrival by fire truck!

12. Enjoy activities for the whole family include, including Pictures with Santa and Frosty the Snowman, gingerbread house display, live reindeer petting and show, live musical entertainment and the annual tree lighting during Westfield in Lights, Dec. 2 from 3-7 pm.

13. On Dec. 6 and 7 from 6-7:30pm at Fishers City Hall, kids can pose for Pictures with Santa. Each family will receive one free photo, including a photo frame. While they wait their turn in line your children can see and take photos with a live reindeer and enjoy light refreshments.

14. Enjoy a holiday tradition in the heart of downtown Carmel with a performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre of Carmel, Dec. 16-17 at the Carmel High School Auditorium.

15. Have Breakfast with Santa at Conner Prairie, select days, Nov. 25-Dec. 23.

There is truly something for everyone this season in Hamilton County. Now get out there and get in that holiday spirit!