Christmas Markets Indiana 2025 Best Festive Events and Shopping Guide

You’ll come across all sorts of Christmas markets throughout Indiana once the holiday season rolls in. These markets pull together local vendors and festive food, mixing German-inspired traditions with a dash of American winter fun.

You can shop for handcrafted gifts—think ornaments, nutcrackers, and Christmas crafts—or just hang out and try treats like bratwurst, pretzels, and hot cocoa. Many markets toss in extras: outdoor ice skating, live music, artisan demos, or even a chance to say hi to Santa.

Big cities like Indianapolis host some of the larger events, while small towns such as Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt or Wea Creek Orchard offer a more intimate vibe. You’ll spot wooden huts draped in holiday decorations, hear local musicians, and find one-of-a-kind gifts that make holiday shopping actually enjoyable.

Many of these markets serve up classic treats like stollen, cookies, and glühwein. The food and decorations really help set the winter wonderland mood. With so many places to pick from, you can catch the holiday spirit all over Indiana and support local makers at the same time

1) Valparaiso Christmas Market

Right in downtown Valparaiso, the Valparaiso Christmas Market pops up every November. You’ll get to browse about 90 small and boutique businesses, all showing off handmade and vintage finds.

Local crafts give the place a creative, homey feel, and the decorations make it pretty charming. The market opens before the holiday rush, so you can shop without too much stress.

Inside, the 3 Little Birds Holiday Market sets up a pop-up with unique gifts you probably won’t see anywhere else. It’s not just about shopping—it’s a chance to get a taste of small-town holiday traditions.

Swing by in December and you’ll land right in the middle of Holly Days, also in downtown Valparaiso. They add live music, ice sculptures, and Santa sightings to the mix.

Sometimes you’ll catch a festive train ride or see a nativity scene right on the main street. The market and Holly Days together make for a fun outing, whether you’re with family or just exploring on your own.

Key Dates, Info, and Nearby Stays

Event	Date	Location	Times	Cost	Nearby Lodging	Event Website
Holiday Market	Nov 8-9, 2025	Valparaiso, IN	Check local listings	Varies	Hotels in Valparaiso	Valparaiso Holiday Market
Holly Days Festival	Dec 7, 2025	Downtown Valparaiso	All day	Free	Hotels in Valparaiso	Holly Days Valparaiso

2) Experience Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy

Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy lights up the night with a drive-through Christmas light display featuring over two million LEDs stretched out over nearly two miles.

You just stay in your car and cruise through all kinds of bright scenes—animatronic figures, festive displays, and even synchronized music. Local Christmas tunes play over the radio, which really sets the mood.

The show runs every evening from mid-November through the end of December, except Christmas Day and December 26. Since 2020, the event has gotten bigger each year and now ranks among the area’s largest light displays.

Families and groups love it because you can just relax and enjoy the lights without ever leaving your vehicle. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll find the entrance at the Shipshewana Flea Market off SR 5, starting at the RV Park.

Once you finish, you’ll exit onto CR 200 N. It doesn’t hurt to double-check the latest details on the official website before you go.

Event Information Table

Dates	Times	Address	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 15, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	6:00 PM – 9:00 PM	345 S Van Buren St (SR 5), Shipshewana, IN	Check website	Hotels in Shipshewana	Shipshewana Lights of Joy

You’ll see how Shipshewana goes all out for the holiday season with lights, music, and a strong sense of community. Even when it gets busy, you can just sit back and enjoy the views from your car.

3) Christkindlmarkt at Carmel

Every winter, Carmel hosts the Christkindlmarkt and brings a bit of German tradition to Indiana. You’ll wander past more than fifty wooden stalls, all decked out for the holidays.

Vendors sell German holiday goods like carved nutcrackers, ornaments, and music boxes—honestly, it’s hard not to find something cool for your gift list. The food hits all the right notes, too.

You can grab bratwurst with sauerkraut, warm pretzels, or a cup of mulled wine. The menu really channels the flavors of Europe’s classic Christmas markets.

A huge draw here is the outdoor ice rink. Rent some skates and glide around to holiday music—it’s a blast whether you’re a pro or just wobbling along.

If you’re into handmade stuff, you’ll want to catch the live artisan demos. Watching skilled artists craft unique decorations is surprisingly fun.

Key Information for Visiting Christkindlmarkt in Carmel

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 23 – Dec 24	10 Carter Green, Carmel, Indiana	Wed-Thu: 4pm-9pm Fri-Sat: 12pm-9pm Sun: 12pm-8pm Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day	Free admission	Carmel hotels and lodging options	Carmel Christkindlmarkt 2025

4) Santa Claus Christmas Store

What You’ll Find Inside

In Santa Claus, Indiana, you’ll walk into a giant store packed with holiday items. This place has gifts, festive home decorations, and collectibles for just about every taste.

Shelves overflow with lights, wreaths, and all the supplies you need to deck out your tree—inside or out. If you’re feeling snacky, you’ll spot sweet fudge and other seasonal treats right by the displays.

The store is open year-round, which is kind of awesome if you love Christmas any time of year. You can browse as long as you want, and there’s no entry fee.

Important Visit Information

Open Dates	Location Address	Hours	Entry Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Year-Round	33 N Kringle Pl, Santa Claus, IN	Sun-Thurs: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Fri-Sat: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm	Free Admission	Nearby hotels	Santa Claus Christmas Store

5) Fort Wayne’s Fantasy of Lights

Important Information About the Event

When you head to Fort Wayne’s Fantasy of Lights, you drive through a huge light show in Franke Park every holiday season. The route winds past over 150 separate light displays.

You just tune your car radio to 91.7 FM, and the event fills your car with holiday music and announcements. It feels festive right from the start.

Santa’s Christmas Village opens from late November through late December. You can meet Santa, pick up holiday gifts, and snack on seasonal treats.

Families with kids usually love this spot—it adds some extra magic to the visit. The whole thing just feels easygoing.

Entry fees are simple. You’ll pay $15 per car, $30 for vans up to 15 people, and $60 if you show up in a bus or trolley.

The event runs every evening, so you get plenty of chances to plan a trip during the season.

Event Dates	Address	Open Hours	Entry Cost	Nearby Lodging	Event Website
November 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025	Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN	5:30 PM – 9:00 PM	$15 (car), $30 (van), $60 (bus/trolley)	Hotels near Franke Park on Booking.com	Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights 2025

You get clear pricing, easy access, and a simple way to enjoy the lights. Planning your visit is a breeze.

6) Chesterton’s European Market

Spend your Saturday morning at Chesterton’s European Market right in downtown Chesterton. Every Saturday from May through October, you’ll find the market at Broadway and Third Street, next to Thomas Centennial Park.

You can shop for seasonal fruits, veggies, baked goods, and unique crafts or artisan jewelry. Vendors travel in from all over the region to sell their goods.

As you wander, you might catch live music or spot local artists showing off their work. The vibe is lively but never rushed.

Entry is free, so you can just drop in and take your time.

Dates	Time	Address	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
May 3 – October 25, 2025	8:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Broadway and Third Street, Chesterton, IN 46304	Free	Nearby hotels	Chesterton’s European Market

7) Boonville Christmas Wonderland

Visit Boonville Christmas Wonderland and you’ll find the whole town decked out in lights and holiday decorations. The event brings together a mix of fun for all ages.

Kids get excited to meet Santa Claus, while adults browse for unique gifts from local sellers. You’ll see stands with handmade crafts and specialty foods.

Live music acts perform, and you can join the holiday parade. The music creates a festive mood, and there’s no shortage of treats to sample.

Hot drinks and seasonal snacks are everywhere. The open-air setup lets you explore at your own pace.

Many people come just to soak up the holiday atmosphere. If you’re after hand-crafted gifts or want a small-town holiday feel, this market is a solid pick.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 8 – Dec 31, 2025	3535 N Green River Rd, Evansville, IN 47715	5 PM – 9 PM	Free admission, some activities extra	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	Boonville Christmas Wonderland

8) Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees

Walk into the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees and you’ll spot 78 themed trees decorated by groups and companies from across Indiana. These trees fill the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center with color every holiday season.

Each tree shows off a different style, representing various organizations or families in the state. The 2025 festival welcomes visitors from November 10, 2025, through January 6, 2026.

You can visit Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The exhibit closes on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

You’ll need to buy tickets online before you go. If you’re looking for a place to stay, booking.com lists plenty of hotel options nearby.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026	Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center	Tues-Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun: 12 – 5 p.m.	Check website for details	See booking.com for hotels	Festival of Trees information

9) French Lick Polar Express

Climb aboard the French Lick Polar Express for a holiday train experience in Southern Indiana. The French Lick Scenic Railway hosts this annual event, letting you enjoy scenes from the classic story while rolling along in a festive train car.

Staff dressed as storybook characters bring the tale to life and lead you through activities. They hand out hot chocolate and cookies during the ride, which gives the whole thing a cozy feel.

Each guest gets a souvenir sleigh bell to take home. The gift shop is stocked with Polar Express gear like themed trains, clothing, and the book itself.

You really need to plan ahead—tickets sell out fast. Trains run on select dates in November and December, with different start times to fit your schedule.

If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll find plenty of lodging nearby. Booking.com has options for places to stay in French Lick.

Date Range	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 1 – Dec 23, 2025	8594 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN	Various times available	$35 – $95	French Lick Hotels	French Lick Polar Express

10) Martinsville Candy Kitchen

Step into a classic candy and ice cream shop that’s been part of Martinsville for over a hundred years. Martinsville Candy Kitchen keeps old-fashioned traditions alive by making candy canes with time-tested methods.

You can actually watch them shape candy in the store, which is pretty rare these days. The shop also offers 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and plenty of homemade chocolates.

During the holidays, you can order pies and cakes early. Locals and visitors both love these fresh treats.

The store turns into a gathering place during the festive months. You’ll find unique gifts and nostalgic snacks on the shelves—perfect to keep for yourself or share with friends.

If you want updates on events or new treats, check out their Facebook or website. The store stays open year-round in downtown Martinsville.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Year-round	46 North Main Street, Martinsville	Thu-Sun, times vary	$2 – $20 depending on items	Find local hotel options	Martinsville Candy Kitchen

If you’re curious about the traditions behind Martinsville Candy Kitchen, the Indiana Christmas Markets 2025 guide has more info.