The City of Noblesville, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Main Street and Nickel Plate Arts have numerous events for the upcoming holiday activities 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 annually create festive ways to expand the holiday experience for our residents and guests,” said Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen.
‘Gifted’ market opening
The holiday season kicks off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 as Nickel Plate Arts will open Gifted, an exhibit-turned-gift-market featuring locally made art and crafts that make great holiday gifts. The exhibit will remain until Dec. 31 and is available Wednesday through Saturday at the Judge Stone House, 107 S. Eighth St. For information, visit nickelplatearts.org.
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday starts at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27 with holiday activities planned in addition to supporting local businesses. Activities include discounts and sales, roaming carolers, entertainment in the alleyways, popup shops in the Main Street Community Room and free gift wrapping.
Downtown business owners have been encouraged to participate in the Window Decorating contest. Windows will be decorated and ready for the public on Small Business Saturday. Judging will take place online and at First Friday on Dec. 3. A donor has submitted $2,500 for prize money, which will be split two ways: One winner will be selected by a group of judges who will view the windows in person and another winner will be selected number of likes on social media.
Lighting of the Square
The Noblesville residents and visitors are invited to witness the Lighting of the Square at 6 p.m. on Saturday. This family-friendly outdoor celebration will usher in the official start to the holiday season and cap off Small Business Saturday. In partnership with Hamilton County and the help of the City of Noblesville, the Lighting of the Square will be commenced with the flip of a switch by Santa and a special Hamilton County family, selected through a social media contest. Tens of thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate trees and buildings, ushering in the magic of Christmas. The program includes brief remarks from county government representatives, choral singers from Noblesville First United Methodist Church, a traditional sing-along, and more. Hot chocolate will be available to keep everyone cozy and warm. For information about the tree lighting ceremony, call the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce at (317) 773-0086.
Parking
As residents and guests visit Downtown Noblesville, the city now has an additional 199 parking spaces available to the public at The Levinson parking garage. The Levinson, located at the corner of 8th Street and Maple Avenue, provides free parking for the first four hours and then $2 each hour afterward. However, Mayor Jensen has announced free parking for the remainder of the year.
Deck the Downtown
The downtown fun continues with the Deck the Downtown First Friday event on Dec. 3. Patrons are encouraged to shop the downtown merchants and get their holiday shopping done early. Events include window decorating judging, midnight shopping madness, Santa on the Square, the Ice Plaza at Federal Hill Commons and the opening of Lights Over Seminary presented by Noblesville Preservation Alliance and Duke Energy. For more information, visit noblesvillemainstreet.org.
Lights Over Seminary
Lights Over Seminary is a walkable, holiday lights display in Seminary Park that focuses on history. Vintage decorations used by the city in the past are being restored for display along with a collection of pieces from local artists that convey or relate to our history. Lights Over Seminary will run 5 to 11 p.m. nightly through December.
Holiday Market
The Noblesville Parks Department will host a Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Federal Hill Commons. Admission is free. Vendors of original art, quality crafts, holiday decorations, vintage collectibles, homemade food favorites and gift items galore will all be at one location. For more information, call Noblesville Parks Department’s Jeremiah Schroeder at (317) 776-6350.
Celebration of Trees
The newest event this holiday season will be Deck the Hall: A Celebration of Trees. Decorated trees, art exhibits, and more will be on display at Noblesville City Hall, 16 S. 10th St. Trees will be available to view Dec. 3-23 and have been donated by vendors, city hall employees and Sheridan School Corporation Mentorship groups.
Holidays at the Hill
Holidays at the Hill has returned for a second year. The attraction at Federal Hill Commons includes the ice skating rink, walking light tour and carriage rides. A special mailbox has been added at the Christmas Cottage and Santa will be checking the mailbox to read the letters dropped off by the children with their holiday wishes. For more information, visit cityofnoblesville.org/holidays.
The Ice Plaza 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 from Nov. 20 through Dec. 22. During the winter break, hours are extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $13 for ages 13 and up ($11 for ages 12 and younger) and includes skate rental. Skating aids are available to rent for $3. For more information on the Ice Plaza, visit noblesvilleparks.org.
Home for the Holidays Tour
The “Home for the Holidays Tour” will be headlined by Santa Claus and joined by several city departments including the police, fire, street, engineering, utilities and parks vehicles. The tour takes Santa to homes over the course of the first two weekends in December. To read more about the Home for the Holidays Tour routes, visit cityofnoblesville.org/SantaTour.
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Throughout the month, the partnership of the City of Noblesville, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Main Street and Nickel Plate Arts will use the hashtag #HolidaysInNoblesville to provide more details and photos from the various downtown events. Residents are encouraged to follow the hashtag and share images.