7 Christmas Towns In Indiana That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer
By Tori Jane|Published November 03, 2023
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
What I’m about to say might be controversial, but I regret nothing: winter is underrated, all. While summer and fall get all the credit for being fun seasons (and spring is also a fan favorite), winter tends to be quietly left in a corner and forgotten about. People bundle up and button down, and as a result, all too many folks miss out on all the awesome delights this season has to offer. Here’s a perfect example: did you know that there are many wondrous Christmas towns in Indiana just waiting to become your new favorite tradition? This season, check out these wonderful little towns that tend to go all-out for the holidays.
Literally no list of Christmas towns in Indiana is ever complete without Santa Claus being the headliner. Santa Claus is - for obvious reasons - THE Christmas capital of Indiana. This town is SO dedicated to Christmas that it's essentially Christmas all year here, even going as far as to have a holiday-themed amusement park with five awesome roller coasters to try out. During the actual Christmas season, this town does everything right, going all-out to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. If you're only able to do one Christmas town this year, make it this one.
Shipshewana is a jaw-droppingly idyllic, Amish-centric small town with so much to see and do that it's definitely worthy of a weekend trip (or longer). During the holidays, it really comes alive, with stunning light displays, long-time Amish traditions, shops, events, and so much more. This little town holds some of the most iconic Christmas festivals in Indiana, so it's a must-do! Come for the holiday cheer... stay for the ridiculously amazing restaurants. Seriously.
Metamora was one of the original 13 townships in Franklin County, and for Christmas, it's especially magical. The Metamora Christmas Walk is a long-standing tradition that makes this little town really burst to life, no matter how chilly it might be. You'll find yourself immersed in a world of lights and decorations that'll make you feel like you're at the North Pole, and the decked-out shops and eateries all herald the holiday spirit in all the best ways. Need places to go for Christmas in Indiana? Here it is.
This small town just so happens to be one of the greatest winter towns in Indiana. With seemingly never-ending holiday events going on during the entire season, there's sure to be something for everyone. Valparaiso is a hot spot for holiday lovers of all faiths and backgrounds. Like the other places on this list, it's warm and inviting, and during the holidays there's a particular feel about the place that I can only describe as magic.
Charlestown is the very definition of a Christmas village in Indiana, as it intentionally transforms every year into a holiday-centric winter village of lights and delights. It's so spectacular that it's earned the nickname The Christmas City, even competing with Santa Claus in terms of festivities. You'll find the largest Christmas lights display in southern Indiana right here - and you'll probably never want to leave.
Carmel is a truly elegant little town year-round, but during the holidays, it transforms into something magical. The entirety of downtown is lit up in lights, and every storefront is, too. Browsing downtown Carmel in the evening, when all the lights are on and sparkling, is an experience every Hoosier ought to have at least once. The Arts District is another fun option; it, too, becomes something magical during the winter. Come out to Carmel and see for yourself.
Last but certainly not least on this list is the small town of Madison, which is home to some truly excellent (and iconic) Christmas lights displays. I'm pretty sure this town might just be the merriest of them all, though it's got fierce competition from every other place on this list, too. You can't miss the annual Very Merry Christmas Parade, which is a tradition for families all over the Midwest.
How many of these wonderful Christmas towns in Indiana have you been to? Do you have any special plans for this season? Let me know. Planning to do a staycation while it’s cold? No worries – check out our ultimate list of staycation ideas to keep warm.
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