Top 10 Christmas Markets in Indiana for 2025: Best Festive Events and Holiday Shopping

When the holiday season rolls around, Indiana just lights up with festive markets everywhere you look. These holiday markets bring together local treats, cheerful events, and a super welcoming vibe that pulls in both locals and out-of-towners.

If you’re hoping to soak up some holiday spirit, Indiana’s markets won’t disappoint. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts or just want to take in the sights and sounds, these events really show off how Indiana celebrates the season.

1) Indianapolis Christmas Market

Swing by the Indianapolis Christmas Market if you want a relaxed winter outing. Located in the Rathskeller Biergarten in the Mass Avenue Arts District, this market gives you easy access to local crafts and seasonal bites.

Vendors fill the space with handmade gifts and unique finds, so holiday shopping feels easy. As you wander, lights and decorations set the mood without overdoing it.

Live music and performers keep things lively but not too hectic. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine to stay warm as you explore.

Entry won’t cost you a thing, which is always a win for families or groups watching their budget.

Dates	Nov. 24 – Dec. 17
Times	Wed-Fri: 4-9 PM, Sat: 12-9 PM, Sun: 12-6 PM
Address	Rathskeller Biergarten, Mass Avenue Arts District
Cost	Free Entry
Where to Stay Nearby	Hotels near Mass Ave on Booking.com
Website	Indianapolis Christmas Market 2025

2) Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy

You can catch Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy from your car as you drive through nearly two miles of creative Christmas light displays and animated scenes. Over two million LED lights twinkle along the route, with lively displays and music you can tune into on your radio.

Every year, new designs keep things interesting for anyone returning. People from all over flock to Shipshewana for these joyful lights.

The drive-through setup makes it a breeze for families and groups, no matter what the weather’s up to. You’ll find it right in the heart of Shipshewana, a town that really knows how to do the holidays.

Here’s a quick guide to plan your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 15, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN	6:00 PM Daily	See website for details	Find hotels	Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy

If you need more info about hours, prices, or special events, check out Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy.

3) Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Indiana

Key Information

Carmel Christkindlmarkt brings European holiday traditions right to Indiana. This outdoor event pops up at 10 Carter Green, running from mid-November through Christmas Eve.

Just a heads up: they close on Thanksgiving Day, so plan around that. You’ll find over 50 wooden vendor huts, each packed with German crafts, ornaments, and handmade gifts.

Food stands serve up bratwurst, fresh-baked pretzels, and mulled wine—honestly, it’s hard not to try something new. One of the big draws is the open-air skating rink.

Rent some skates and give it a go, whether you’re a beginner or have a few tricks up your sleeve. The place feels lively but never too crowded.

About 500,000 people show up each year for the mix of shopping, food, and entertainment. If you want to stay overnight, downtown Carmel has plenty of hotel options on Booking.com.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Nearby Hotels	Website
Nov 22 – Dec 24 (2025)	10 Center Green, Carmel	Wed-Thu: 4pm–9pm Fri-Sat: 12pm–9pm Sun: 12pm–8pm	Free entry, food and goods priced individually	See Carmel hotels	Carmel Christkindlmarkt official site

For more details about Indiana’s top-rated holiday market, check out the Carmel Christkindlmarkt event page.

4) Brownsburg Holiday Festival

Every December, Brownsburg rolls out a winter event packed with festive activities for all ages. The holiday parade kicks things off as it winds through the center of town.

You’ll find ice skating, character meet-and-greets, and even holiday drive-in movies like “The Grinch” and “A Christmas Carol.” Ellis Park glows with thousands of lights.

The Winterland Light Show stands out with its big, colorful displays. This event serves up family-friendly treats and keeps things relaxed and organized.

If you’re traveling, you can grab a room nearby through booking.com.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 4 – Dec 18	402 E. Main St., Brownsburg, IN	Varies by event	$5-$10 for Winterland Light Show	See options on booking.com	Brownsburg Yuletide Festival 2025

Find more about Brownsburg’s festivities at their official website.

5) Valparaiso Holiday Market

At the Valparaiso Holiday Market, you’ll run into a lively mix of handcrafted items and local food. Vendors bring out their best crafts, fresh produce, and baked goods—perfect for gifts or just treating yourself.

The market sits beneath the William E. Urschel Pavilion, so weather’s not really an issue. Live musicians play during the day, and food stalls keep you fueled with snacks and drinks.

Entry is free, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. When you shop here, you’re supporting local artists and small businesses.

Folks love the sense of community and festive spirit that fills the place. If you’re coming from out of town, Valparaiso has hotels you can book on Booking.com.

For more about the event and local attractions, check the Valparaiso Holiday Market website.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 22, 2025	William E. Urschel Pavilion, Valparaiso	9:00 am – 1:00 pm	Free	Booking.com Valparaiso Hotels	Valparaiso Holiday Market Info
November 24-25, 2025	William E. Urschel Pavilion, Valparaiso	9:00 am – 1:00 pm	Free	Booking.com Valparaiso Hotels	Valparaiso Holiday Market Info

6) Richmond’s Classic Holiday Celebration

Richmond’s Old-Fashioned Christmas lights up the town with glowing displays, decorated storefronts, and live music drifting through the streets. Families wander from shop to shop, and kids always seem to make a beeline for the reindeer exhibit at the Richmond Furniture Outlet.

Food really shines here. Firehouse Barbecue and Blues dishes out favorite local meals and hosts live bands, too.

Local vendors fill booths with handmade crafts and gifts you just won’t see anywhere else. The whole market feels inviting, whether you’re shopping or just soaking in the holiday vibe.

Here’s a quick table to help you plan:

Dates (2025)	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Select Tuesdays: November 25, December 2, 9, 16	5:00–9:00 PM	Richmond Historic Depot District, Richmond, IN	Free	Hotels near Richmond, IN	Learn more

You’ll notice the relaxed pace and how friendly the vendors are. If you want classic holiday fun, Richmond’s celebration is a solid pick for your winter calendar.

7) Santa’s Holiday Workshop Experience in South Bend

Santa’s Holiday Workshop rolls into South Bend every December and fills the place with a festive buzz. The event transforms the venue into a tinsel-wrapped, brightly lit wonderland.

You’ll spot cheery decorations, lots of sparkling lights, and plenty of spots to grab a photo with Santa. Kids can meet Santa and snack on holiday treats. Grownups get their pick of specialty holiday drinks.

The vibe is easygoing and friendly, which makes it simple for families and friends to hang out together.

Food and drinks matter here. The organizers serve up classic holiday snacks and themed cocktails if you’re up for trying something new.

You’ll find activities for all ages, from crafts for kids to tasty treats for adults.

Santa’s Workshop only happens once a year, but it stands out for keeping traditions alive and packing in plenty of festive fun. Check the dates and hours—this event sticks to a specific schedule.

Locals and out-of-towners keep coming back, so tickets can disappear fast.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (annual)	South Bend, Indiana	Check local listings	Varies	South Bend Booking.com Hotels	South Bend’s Santa’s Workshop

This is the spot for holiday spirit, new treats, Santa meet-and-greets, and making memories with your favorite people.

8) Madison’s Very Merry Christmas Market

If you swing by Madison, Indiana, in early December, you’ll catch a lively holiday bash downtown. After the Christmas parade wraps up, Broadway Street turns into a cheery street market.

You’ll find local vendors selling gifts, snacks, and crafts. The event is family-friendly and offers a bunch of free activities.

Kids can make crafts, grab snacks, and hop on the trackless train. The market sets up a free ice-skating rink, too.

Hot chocolate flows along the route, so you can warm up as you wander. Santa waits for visitors at the Broadway Fountain, and there are live reindeer to meet.

Locals and tourists both love this event. It’s more than just shopping—it’s a hands-on holiday adventure.

Event details at a glance:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2	Broadway Street, Madison, IN	9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Free	Hotels on Booking.com	Madison’s Very Merry Christmas Market

9) Fort Wayne’s Downtown Holiday Lighting on Broadway

What to Expect at the Event

Every November, Broadway Plaza in Fort Wayne bursts into color with lights and holiday cheer. You can stroll the decorated streets, hear carolers belt out favorites, and watch the giant Colorado spruce light up.

Once the tree glows, the holiday season feels official. Santa and his reindeer hang out nearby, ready for photos and greetings.

Families line up, and the excitement is pretty contagious. Food and drink booths serve seasonal snacks and hot drinks.

Visitors come from Fort Wayne and the surrounding towns. Local shops and vendors open up with crafts and sweets, perfect for a casual stroll.

Your visit supports Erin’s House, which helps grieving kids. That adds a little extra meaning to the night.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November 17, 2025	Broadway Plaza, outside Shine & Hardin building	Evening	Free Admission	Hampton Inn & Suites – Fort Wayne	https://christmasmarketusa.com/top-10-christmas-markets-in-indiana-2/

10) Nashville’s Christmas Village

Nashville’s Christmas Village takes over The Fairgrounds Nashville every November. You can browse a huge range of vendors—crafts, festive décor, unique gifts—you name it.

Local food and drinks are everywhere, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty while you shop.

Live music and entertainment keep the mood upbeat for everyone. Families find activities for kids, like visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event runs for three days, so you’ve got options for when to visit.

Admission is affordable, so bringing the whole family won’t break the bank. People love this market for early holiday shopping or just a fun day out.

If you want a holiday tradition in Tennessee’s capital, Nashville’s Christmas Village is worth checking out. Here’s a table with the basics, and for tickets or more info, visit the official website.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November 8-10, 2025	The Fairgrounds Nashville	Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm	$15 online, $12 advance, Children under 9: Free	Booking.com Hotels	Nashville Christmas Village