Experience the holiday joy in West Lafayette! Discover all the special festive events with our guide. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the best of the season in West Lafayette.
Delight in the magic of the season with the Christmas Parade, where the streets come alive with festive floats and twinkling lights. Experience the enchanting holiday displays and fun activities at the Christmas at the Zoo, transforming the venue into a winter wonderland. And Christmas at the Farm is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering family-friendly fun with holiday treats and activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in West Lafayette
See these and even more events listed below!West Lafayette Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Student-led production of the classic ballet
Description:
West Lafayette's Nutcracker Ballet showcases the talent of local dance students in a full-scale production. This performance brings Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life with intricate choreography and stunning costumes. The production involves months of preparation, highlighting the dedication of young performers. Audience members can attend a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and symbolism. The event takes place in a historic theater that has been hosting performances since the early 20th century, adding to the atmosphere of timeless tradition.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Parade (Lafayette)
What to Expect:
Combines small-town charm with big holiday spirit
Description:
Lafayette's Christmas Parade transforms Main Street into a lively procession of holiday cheer. Marching bands fill the air with festive tunes as elaborately decorated floats glide by. You'll spot local businesses and community groups showcasing their creativity. The parade honors Lafayette's rich automotive history, often featuring vintage cars decked out in twinkling lights. Spectators can join in the fun by participating in the "Best Dressed Spectator" contest, adding an interactive element to this beloved tradition.
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Chistmas at the Zoo (Indianapolis)
What to Expect:
Combines wildlife encounters with holiday festivities
Description:
Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas celebration offers a unique blend of animal encounters and seasonal joy. Visitors stroll through illuminated pathways, observing how different species react to the cooler weather. The event showcases the zoo's conservation efforts, educating guests about winter adaptations of various animals. Families can embark on a scavenger hunt to find hidden candy canes throughout the exhibits. This annual tradition dates back to 1967, making it one of the longest-running holiday zoo events in the country.
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Christmas at the Farm (Lafayette)
What to Expect:
Authentic 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Step back in time at Lafayette's Christmas at the Farm event. This immersive experience recreates holiday celebrations from the 1800s on a working historical farm. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of pioneer life. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air as visitors learn about 19th-century cooking methods. Guests can try their hand at making Victorian-era ornaments to take home. The farm's restored buildings provide a glimpse into Indiana's agricultural heritage during the holiday season.
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Dickens of a Christmas (Franklin)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas festival with literary flair
Description:
Franklin's Dickens of a Christmas transports visitors to 19th-century England. This literary-inspired event brings Charles Dickens' characters to life, roaming the streets in period costumes. Visitors can engage in traditional Victorian games and pastimes. The festival showcases the architectural beauty of Franklin's historic downtown, which dates back to the early 1800s. Guests are invited to participate in a dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol," connecting them to the timeless holiday tale. Local artisans demonstrate forgotten crafts, preserving skills from a bygone era.
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Christmas Gift and Hobby Show (Indianapolis)
What to Expect:
Combines holiday shopping with interactive hobby demonstrations
Description:
Indianapolis's Christmas Gift and Hobby Show elevates holiday shopping to an interactive experience. This expansive event features hundreds of vendors offering unique gifts alongside live hobby demonstrations. Artisans showcase their skills in real-time, from woodworking to quilting. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to create their own holiday crafts. The show has been a staple of Indianapolis's holiday season for over 70 years, evolving with changing trends while maintaining its focus on creativity and craftsmanship.
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Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide Celebration (Indianapolis)
What to Expect:
Blends classical music with contemporary holiday entertainment
Description:
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide Celebration harmoniously combines classical masterpieces with modern holiday favorites. This annual performance features guest artists from Broadway and beyond, creating a dynamic and ever-changing show. The orchestra's rich history, dating back to 1930, adds depth to the celebration. Audiences are treated to stunning visual effects that complement the music, creating a multi-sensory experience. One highlight includes a sing-along segment where you can join your voice with the professional performers.
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Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide Celebration
Holiday Festival of Lights (Logansport)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a historic park
Description:
Logansport's Holiday Festival of Lights illuminates Spencer Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. The event transforms the park's natural beauty with thousands of twinkling lights and animated displays. Visitors tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The festival honors Logansport's railroad heritage with train-themed light sculptures. Guests can pause at designated spots to capture photos of the most elaborate displays. This community-driven event has been brightening Logansport's winters for over two decades.