Winter is the season that brings people together. Weather that’s cozied up with a coffee, bundled up building a snowman, watching holiday movies, or attending seasonal events. We’ve compiled a list of those events, and have sprinkled in some extras!
Christmas in Pendleton
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Pendleton
Celebrate the season in Downtown Pendleton at Christmas Around the World! Enjoy train rides, reindeer, face painting, Santa visits, s’mores, and 100+ vendors. Explore shops and eateries, then cap the day with the illuminated parade, Snowball Fight at Falls Park, and a new tree lighting celebration!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation FREE MOVIE
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN
Enjoy a free showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! This 1989 holiday comedy classic follows Clark Griswold’s well-intentioned plans for the perfect family Christmas that spiral into chaos. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and an unforgettable cast, it’s the ultimate holiday laugh-fest you won’t want to miss!
Paramount Theatre Festival of Trees Gala
Date: Saturday, November 22
Time: 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN
Celebrate the 35th Annual Festival of Trees Gala beginning with a pre-event cocktail reception featuring complimentary wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and a photo. Enjoy the unveiling of the new Backstage Centre, followed by dinner, silent and live auctions, and an evening of elegance.
Nights of Lights!
Date: Friday – Sunday, November 28 – Sunday, December 28
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Mounds State Park | 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN
Experience the magic of the season at Mounds State Park’s Nights of Lights! Drive through a dazzling display of over 60 community-hosted light exhibits, now set to music. Held Fridays through Sundays, November 28–December 28, from 6–9 p.m. Admission is $10 per vehicle, with all proceeds benefiting the park.
Christmas at Callaway
Date: Friday, November 28 – Saturday, December 27
Time: dusk to dawn
*Official opening Friday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Callaway Park | 902 Calloway Pk Dr, Elwood, IN
Join Park Superintendent Clay Creekmore and Mayor Jones for the official opening of Christmas at Callaway! Experience a festive drive-through filled with twinkling light displays that illuminate the park with holiday cheer. Bring the whole family for a cozy, magical evening celebrating the start of the season.
Light Up the Magic in the City of Elwood
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Uptown Elwood | S A St & S Anderson St, Elwood, IN
Join Mayor Jones and the 2025 Elwood Christmas Royalty for a magical evening of festive fun the whole family will love! Enjoy delicious food, live music, and a dazzling fireworks display by Burger Haus Productions before gathering for the official countdown and lighting of Uptown Elwood.
Markleville Park Christmas Lights
Date: Monday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 31
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Marklevivlle Community Park | 2649 State Rte 38, Markleville, IN
Enjoy a festive drive through Markleville Park’s community-hosted Christmas light displays all season long. Don’t miss the special hot chocolate, snacks, and crafts night on Thursday, December 18, for a little extra holiday cheer. This is a free, family-friendly tradition that celebrates the spirit of the season.
Paramount Festival of Trees Viewing
Date: December 2-5
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN
Join us for the 36th Annual Festival of Trees viewing in the stunning Hardacre Ballroom! Enjoy over 20 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and mantle pieces, plus live entertainment each night. Come experience the holiday magic and festive spirit of this beloved annual tradition.
- Jazz Band Performance
- Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
- Festival of Trees Choir Night
- Wednesday, December 3, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
- Festival of Trees County School Performance
- Thursday, December 4, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Candles and Carols
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Park Place Church of God | 501 College Dr, Anderson, IN 46012
Experience a cherished community tradition as the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale join voices with local ensembles for a beautiful evening of Christmas music. This heartwarming concert brings the community together through timeless performances and sing-along carols, creating a memorable celebration of the season.
Miracle on 34th Street “Winterfest Celebration” FREE ADMISSION
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN
Enjoy a free showing of the beloved holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street! This 1947 Christmas favorite follows a department store Santa who insists he’s the real Kris Kringle, spreading joy and belief throughout New York City. Sponsored by Loose Funeral Home.
Elf the Musical Jr.
Date: Friday – Sunday, December 5-7
Time: Various times dependent on date
Location: The Commons Theatre | 204 W Church Street, Alexandria, IN
Enjoy the holiday favorite Elf! Follow Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to find his real father and discover where he truly belongs. Full of laughter, heart, and holiday cheer, Elf reminds us all of the true spirit of Christmas.
Anderson Small Business Shop Hop
Date: Friday, December 5 – Saturday, December 6
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Anderson Small Businesses
Spend the day – or two – shopping in Anderson and supporting small businesses. Participating businesses in this Shop Hop include Ruby’s Cafe & Bakery, The Hair Company and Beautique, Detour Salon & Style, Cowpokes Work & Western, The Exchange Coffee, The Anderson Book Nook, Gathered Finds Designs, and The Scrounge Around.
Holiday Spirit & Sparkle
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Camp Chesterfield | 50 Lincoln Dr, Anderson, IN
Enjoy a one-day seasonal celebration featuring artisan vendors, intuitive readers, a special visit from @PapaYule, and an inspiring all-message service. Stay through dusk for the enchanting grove lighting, a warm and magical way to welcome the winter season.
Christmas Brunch
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Cultured Urban Winery | 1013 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN
Celebrate the season with a festive Christmas Brunch featuring delicious dishes and live vocal performances of beloved holiday favorites. It’s a warm, inviting way to kick off December and enjoy a memorable holiday outing with friends and family.
Christmas in Lapel
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Christmas in Lapel | 818 Main St, Lapel, IN
Celebrate the Christmas season at Christmas in Lapel! This annual small-town festival runs from 3–8 p.m., featuring festive activities, local cheer, and community fun. Don’t miss the beautiful tree lighting at 7 p.m.! Hosted by the Lapel Community Association.
City of Anderson Christmas Parade and Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dickmann Town Center
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Anderson Christmas Parade & Celebration! Join us downtown as Santa arrives at 3 p.m. and stay for an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun – including ice skating! Enjoy Santa visits, gifts for kids, festive activities, and the exciting Mechanical Rodeo Reindeer!
Christmas with the Bronnenbergs | Mounds State Park
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Bronnenberg Home | 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN
Join the Naturalist staff and Friends of Mounds State Park Volunteers for an old-fashioned Christmas at the historic Bronnenberg Home! Enjoy live music, pioneer crafts and activities, and cookie decorating as you step back in time to celebrate the holiday season in true historic charm.
ASO holiday celebration
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian St, Anderson, IN
Celebrate the season with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra’s beloved Holiday Celebration Concert! This festive tradition brings the community together for an evening of timeless carols, seasonal favorites, and the magic of live orchestral music. Perfect for all ages, it’s a joyful event filled with warmth, wonder, and holiday cheer.
Elwood Express Trolley Rides
Dates: Friday-Sunday, December 12-December 27
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Elwood Municipal Building | 1505 S B St, Elwood, IN
Hop aboard the Elwood Express Trolley for a free ride through Uptown Elwood and Callaway Park to enjoy the beautiful holiday lights and displays. With continuous rides throughout the evening, it’s a festive, family-friendly way to experience the magic of the season — made possible by the generosity of the ELSA Corporation.
Hearthside Fair – A Twisted Christmas on Main
Dates: Saturday, December 13
Time: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Twisted Twigs House of Earthen Goods | 3504 Main Street, Anderson, IN
Step into the warm glow of Hearthside Fair as Twissted Twigs & Wild Moon Child transforms into a cozy, whimsical holiday market. Browse handcrafted treasures, enjoy seasonal drinks, and soak in the winter magic. With special product releases, unique shopping, raffles, readers, and visits from APL pups, it’s a charmingly “twisted” Christmas celebration you won’t want to miss.
AYBT Presents “The Nutcracker”
Date: December 19 – 21
Time: Various times dependent on date
Location: Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom | 1124 Meridian St, Anderson, IN
Step into the magic of the season as the Anderson Young Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker! Journey from twinkling snowflakes to the Land of Sweets in this timeless holiday classic. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score and stunning choreography, it’s a family tradition that will fill your season with wonder.
