The holiday season is set to begin in Fishers with a full slate of festive events organized by Fishers Parks, starting with the city’s annual tree lighting and continuing with a week of hands-on activities, performances, and family fun.
Tree Lighting & Holiday Kickoff – Friday, Dec. 5
The celebration begins Friday, Dec. 5, with Night Lights: Holiday Kickoff Celebration at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The free event runs from 5 to 7 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
The evening includes live music, fire pits, igloos, live ice carving, reindeer, animals, food trucks, photo opportunities, and holiday light displays throughout downtown Fishers. Santa and Mayor Scott Fadness will arrive by fire truck for the 6:30 p.m. lighting ceremony. No registration is required.
DIY Wrapping Paper – Tuesday, Dec. 9
Families can add an artistic touch to their holidays by creating custom wrapping paper at Jingle Bell Junction from 5 to 8 p.m. Fishers Parks will provide supplies for both freehand designs and wood-block printing. The drop-in event is free and features live acoustic music.
Santa’s Workshop – Wednesday, Dec. 10
Jingle Bell Junction turns into a holiday makerspace from 5 to 8 p.m. as the Maker Playground team leads visitors through simple woodshop projects suitable for all ages. Guests are encouraged to wear festive pajamas and enjoy holiday movie shorts, popcorn, and hot cocoa. Free and open to all.
Reindeer Games Night – Thursday, Dec. 11
A full evening of holiday bingo, music bingo, and karaoke runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Jingle Bell Junction. A live DJ and emcee will lead the festivities, and prizes will be awarded throughout the night. Beer, wine, and spiced cider will be available for purchase from Mashcraft Brewing. Ugly holiday attire is encouraged.
Schedule:
• 6–7 p.m.: Standard Bingo
• 7:15–8:30 p.m.: Holiday Music Bingo
• 8:45–10 p.m.: Christmas Karaoke
Fishers Parks is also partnering with Heartland Film Festival for a 7 p.m. showing of It’s A Wonderful Life inside the Fishers City Hall Theater.
Community Jazz Improv & Lounge – Friday, Dec. 12
A special jazz-focused evening runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Jingle Bell Junction. Musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to join a 120-minute live improv session with the house band. Afterward, the venue will transition into a Jazz Lounge with a professional performance from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Free admission.
Cookies with Characters – Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 13–14
The annual Cookies with Characters event returns to Jingle Bell Junction with two themed sessions. The Saturday event (5–8 p.m.) features a Whoville theme with classic holiday characters. On Sunday (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), families can meet Bluey and Bingo from Australia’s beloved Heeler family.
Both sessions include cookie decorating, games, and activities. Registration is required, and tickets are $10 per person ($15 for nonresidents).