The City of Noblesville is excited to announce changes to Christmas plans taking place and added opportunities to provide a better holiday season for all residents and guests.
“The changes I’m happy to announce are about creating a holiday experience in Noblesville that is accessible to all while preserving the traditions that residents have grown up with,” said Mayor John Ditslear.
The Christmas Parade will be moved to Saturday, Dec. 1. Typically, the parade is held the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
“Moving the kick off of festivities to the beginning of December provides the opportunity for those residents who travel to be back in town to participate in the parade,” Ditslear said.
The parade route will remain the same: It starts at 16th and Harrison streets and will travel south on 16th Street to Logan Street, west on Logan to Ninth Street, north on Ninth to Monument Street, and east on Monument to 16th Street where it will end. The last entry in the parade will be Santa Claus himself, making his debut for the season. To request a parade entry form, contact Mike Hoffmeister at mhoffmeister@noblesville.in.us or click here. Entries are due by Wednesday, Nov. 28.
When Santa Claus finishes his parade duties, he will greet children at his house to hear what they’d like for Christmas. This year, the Santa House will move a few blocks to Federal Hill Commons. Ditslear said the new location provides additional safety, easier access to parking and restrooms, and most importantly, will be Americans with Disabilities Act accessible. The Hamilton County property is ADA compliant, but the Santa House lacks a ramp and does not allow easy access for wheelchairs or strollers. To accommodate those unable to enter it, Santa must exit the house.
“The city received a call from a parent that the house was not in ADA compliance last year that made us look at other options that would make Santa’s House more inclusive and also address other concerns brought up over the years with children and safety,” Ditslear said. “Although change is not easy, this is the right thing to do to ensure all Noblesville residents, regardless of physical abilities, can enjoy and participate with the Santa House.”
Santa House hours will be Friday through Sunday in December. More information on times will be released shortly.
The Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza will return for its second season to offer residents a winter outdoor recreational activity. The temporary ice rink will open Saturday, Nov. 17 and will be open daily until Jan. 7, except on Christmas Day.
“We are expecting 10,000 skaters this season and to accommodate the demand, the city has ordered a 30 percent larger rink,” Parks Director Brandon Bennett said. “Second year events and activities at Federal Hill have had increased attendance and the same is expected for the Noblesville Ice Plaza.”
All ages are welcome to participate and rental ice skates range from kid to adult sizes. Admission rates are $12 for untimed skating. Guests may bring their own skates if they prefer, but renting skates is included in the admission fee. Special event and themed nights will be announced in the near future.
The combination of park amenities, decorations, Santa House and Ice Plaza will create a holiday experience for residents and guests of all ages.
“The community wanted Federal Hill Commons to be a year-round park and it was designed and programmed to extend the downtown across the White River,” said Ditslear. “I believe the winter activities here and across downtown will drive even more residents to the heart of our city this holiday season.”
With the Santa House move, the city will offer a daily promotion to encourage shopping in downtown and will discuss additional opportunities to partner and increase foot traffic. Ice Plaza patrons who present a receipt from a downtown merchant will receive a $10 admission rate ($2 off) the same day.
New this year, the city will locate a Santa’s Mailbox where the house previously stood on the courthouse square. Children will be able to write letters to Santa and the city will be sure they arrive safely to the North Pole with a reply back from Kris Kringle.
More details about holiday events and activities will be announced in the coming weeks.