The City of Noblesville, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Main Street, Nickel Plate Arts and Hamilton County are finalizing plans for the upcoming holiday activities – with several new twists – and invites the public to attend.
The season will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 with the annual Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. This event, held at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, is always a hit with families and includes holiday music and sing-alongs, special guests, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor John Ditslear and, of course, the lighting of the beautiful downtown lights and Christmas tree.
Also on Nov. 24, Nickel Plate Arts will open Gifted, an exhibit featuring locally made art and crafts that make great holiday gifts. The exhibit will remain until Dec. 30 and will be available from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at the Judge Stone House, 107 S. Eighth St.
Noblesville Main Street will be promoting the shop local theme this year on Saturday, Nov. 25, Small Business Saturday. The group will feature an information station with merchant directories and a list of holiday events from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in their tent located next to Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, 40 N. Ninth St. Later that day, Noblesville Main Street will feature more than 20 ice sculptures as part of the annual Ice Festival around the courthouse square. Beginning at 5 p.m. the public can view the pieces and sculptures will remain on display as weather permits. An ice carving demonstration will be performed by the Indiana Ice Studio that evening.
The holiday festivities will then continue at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 with the annual Christmas Parade. As always, the holiday parade will mark the debut of Santa Claus to Noblesville for the season. Boys and girls are invited to stop by Santa’s House on the courthouse square after the parade or during the hours listed below and tell him what they would like for Christmas. There is no charge to visit with Santa and parents are welcome to bring their own camera and take photographs. Those interested in participating in the parade have until Wednesday, Nov. 22 to submit their entry form and payment. Entry forms are available at noblesvillemainstreet.org.
The downtown fun continues with First Friday events on Dec. 1. From 5 to 8 p.m., downtown shops and restaurants will be featuring special sales, Santa Claus will be in his house and other fun events will take place. Enjoy free hot chocolate compliments of Noblesville Main Street near the Santa House as well as carolers roaming downtown. From 6 to 9 p.m., explore the Gifted exhibit, enjoy live music from the White River Sound Chorus and a showcase by local painter Shakila Garugu at Nickel Plate Arts.
On Saturdays in December, the Nickel Plate Arts will host Santa’s Workshops for ages five to 14. Santa’s Workshop will feature 90-minute art sessions guided by local artist and art teacher Darlene Patterson. Each Saturday will feature a new and different holiday-themed project including Mosaic Collage Trees (Dec. 2); Encaustic Ornaments (Dec. 9); and Holiday Basket Waving (Dec. 16). For more information or to register, visit nickelplatearts.org/signature-events/holiday-events.
Noblesville Main Street will host its annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St. Vendors of original art, quality crafts, holiday decorations, vintage collectibles, homemade food favorites and gift items galore will all be under one roof. Admission is $2.
The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday luncheon featuring the North Elementary Hand Chime Choir and choral groups from Noblesville High School is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Purgatory Golf Club, 12160 E. 216th St. Cost is $20 for chamber members and $26 for non-members.
Adult couples or friends are invited to the Nickel Plate Arts Elves’ Night Out and shopping spree from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Enjoy live performances, snacks and a cash bar, or create personal holiday gifts. Admission is free and artist-led projects are $10 per couple.
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.
For information about the Lighting Ceremony, contact the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce at (317) 773-0086. For information about the parade or Santa’s house, call (317) 776-6367. For information about the First Friday event or the Ice Festival, call Noblesville Main Street at (317) 776-0205. To sign up for special art classes or for more information on Nickel Plate Arts, call (317) 452-3690.