Noblesville kicks off holiday season Saturday

The City of Noblesville, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Main Street and Nickel Plate Arts have numerous events for the upcoming holiday season in the downtown district, including Federal Hill Commons, the Courthouse Square and Seminary Park.

“The City of Noblesville is a wonderful place to be during the holidays and these groups work together to create festive ways to expand the holiday experience and create memories for our residents and guests,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said.

Small Business Saturday

The holiday season kicks off with Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 26. Noblesville Main Street is providing free gift wrapping inside the Lacy Building (former Kirk’s Hardware space) and is hosting a Window Decorating Contest. Votes can be made for your favorite window on Main Street’s Facebook page. Live music will be performed by White River Sound Chorus and other local groups.

Find gifts at Nickel Plate Arts

Nickel Plate Arts will open Gifted, an exhibit-turned-gift-market featuring locally made art and crafts that make great holiday gifts. Shop early for holiday cards, ornaments, gifts, and more at the Judge Stone House, 107 S. Eighth St. Choose from the wide selection of pottery, woodenware, jewelry, hand-knit items, home décor, holiday art, and more. Don’t miss out on getting a free print (with purchase) from showcase artists Stuart Sayger and Aili McGill at Nickel Plate Arts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will remain until Dec. 31 and is available Wednesday through Saturday. For information, visit nickelplatearts.org.

Lighting of the Square

After you have visited all your favorite merchants on Small Business Saturday, join the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and Hamilton County as they present the annual pre-lighting program in the Judicial Center atrium. At the conclusion of the entertainment, attendees will move outside for the annual lighting of the Courthouse Square. Gathering begins at 6 p.m. with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. before moving outside for the lighting at 7:15 p.m. Tens of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate trees and buildings, ushering in the magic of Christmas. For information about the tree lighting ceremony, call the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce at (317) 773-0086.

First Friday

The fun continues with First Friday – Deck the Downtown events on Dec. 2. Jump on the trolley to visit four amazing destinations throughout the evening. Midnight Madness shopping downtown, Lights Over Seminary, Federal Hill Ice Skating and Holiday Lights Tour, Nickel Plate Arts First Friday and the Hamilton County Artists Association will all have wonderful events taking place this evening.

Lights Over Seminary

Lights Over Seminary presented by Noblesville Preservation Alliance and Duke Energy is a free, walkable, holiday lights display in Seminary Park. The opening night event is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the official lighting taking place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2. Enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, and a reading of Twas’ the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Chris Jensen. New for 2022, visit the park to see Indiana’s largest live decorated tree. Lights Over Seminary runs 5 to 11 p.m. nightly throughout December.

Home for the Holidays Tour

Santa will be traveling across Noblesville to bring holiday cheer to your neighborhood during the Home for the Holidays Tour. Parade routes are Dec. 3 and 4 and total 90 miles. New this year, the tour has partnered with Noblesville Schools to setup viewing areas at facilities along the route. The public is invited to park at North, Hinkle Creek, Hazel Dell and Noble Crossing elementary schools and West Middle School as the tour passes or circles the school at a slower pace. For more information and exact routes, visit cityofnoblesville.org/SantaTour.

The traditional parade route through downtown will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade will begin at the corner of 16th and Harrison streets and will travel south on 16th to Logan Street; west on Logan to 9th Street; north on 9th to Monument Street; and east on Monument to 16th Street where it will end. Community groups and nonprofits are invited to participate in the parade. To enter your group, visit cityofnoblesville.org/parade.

Holidays at the Hill

Noblesville Parks invites the community to Holidays at the Hill featuring the ice skating rink. The 56-by-96-foot ice rink is open 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Starting on Dec. 24, hours will be extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except on Christmas Day, for enjoyment during Noblesville School’s winter break. Additional special hours available by visiting noblesvilleparks.org/314/Ice-Skating.

In addition to skating, Federal Hill will be adorned with a beautiful, walkable light display perfect for photo opportunities. Back by popular demand, families can reserve a unique, private carriage ride through downtown Noblesville presented by Gaylor Electric. Reservations for carriage rides must be made in advance on the Noblesville Parks website, noblesvilleparks.org/holidaysatthehill.

Noblesville Main Street will host its Winter Market at Holidays at the Hill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The market includes many unique vendors and food trucks to shop from. More information is available at noblesvillemainstreet.org.

Free parking

Mayor Jensen has announced the return of free downtown parking during the holidays. This year, the Gold and Orange parking lots, the Levinson Parking Garage and the “2-hour parking” zone will not have time restrictions or payments due. Jensen said this initiative’s goal is to continue to encourage downtown shopping during the holiday season so guests can explore the numerous shops, restaurants and arts venues that Downtown Noblesville has to offer. Free parking begins Friday, Nov. 25 and runs through the remainder of 2022.

Click here to watch the City of Noblesville’s Holiday Video.

For more information on holiday events, visit cityofnoblesville.org/holidays.