All the Merry in One Place: December Events Around Kokomo
Kokomo, it’s the most wonderful (and busiest) time of year and we’ve been digging everywhere to round up the holiday happenings you do not want to miss this December. From Santa stops to makers’ markets to live shows and light displays, here’s your go-to guide for December in Kokomo.
Ongoing Holiday Fun (running through multiple dates)
Holiday Bazaar – Artworks Gallery / Kokomo Art Association
Where: Artworks Gallery, 210 N Main St
When: Nov. 7–Dec. 24 (during gallery hours)
What’s happening:
If you love gifting something that feels truly special, this is your spot. The Holiday Bazaar is packed with handcrafted items from local artists — think unique artwork and prints, handmade jewelry, porcelain and ceramics, and decorative home pieces you won’t find in big-box stores. The vibe is warm and gallery-like, so it feels less like a crowded mall and more like a curated holiday art show. Every purchase supports Kokomo creatives and keeps your holiday spending local.
City of Lights – Highland Park
Where: Highland Park, Kokomo
When: Opening at dusk Friday, Nov. 28; nightly through the season
What’s happening:
A classic Kokomo tradition that keeps getting bigger. City of Lights is a free, drive-through display with more than 50 light scenes. Expect the lighted carousel, a Christmas village, reindeer, festive characters, and the iconic Vermont Bridge glowing for the season. Drive through any evening at dusk. Santa is there most nights 6–10 PM through Dec. 24, so load up the cocoa and make it a tradition.
Lights in the Airpark – Grissom Air Museum
Where: Grissom Air Museum, Peru, IN
When: Nov. 28–Dec. 31, Thurs–Sun, 4:30–9 PM
What’s happening:
A walking light display set among historic aircraft — yes, really. Stroll the airpark under twinkling lights, snap photos with planes and glowing displays, and pair it with exploring the museum. Admission is included with general museum tickets, which makes it an easy, memorable winter outing.
The Frozen Sandlot – Kokomo Municipal Stadium
Where: Kokomo Municipal Stadium
When: Select days Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026
What’s happening:
Kokomo Municipal Stadium transforms into a winter playground with a real-ice rink right on the field. Public skate sessions let you glide under stadium lights in a setting you only get once a year. Great for older kids, teens, adults, and anyone wanting a very “holiday movie” moment. Tickets available at the rink; cash and cards accepted.
Christmas at the Seiberling
Where: Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W Sycamore St
When:
Regular hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 1–4 PM (closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve)
Free evening hours: Thursday & Friday evenings, 4–8 PM, during the first three weeks of December
What’s happening:
The Seiberling Mansion is fully decked out for the season with the 2025 theme “The Carols of Christmas.” Every room is decorated by different community groups, so there’s something new around every corner. It’s one of the most photo-perfect stops of the month, and those free evening hours are a great chance to experience it after dark.
Date-by-Date Holiday Events
Thursday, Dec. 4
Holiday Trivia Night
Where: Operation Blue Horizon | 102 W Markland Ave, Kokomo
Time: 6 PM
What’s happening:
Operation Blue Horizon is launching the season with a trivia night that does real good. Entry is $10 or a toy donation, and proceeds support It’s The Little Things of Howard County to help provide gifts for local kids. They’re especially asking for toys for teenage boys, who are often overlooked. Come ready to play, laugh, and donate.
Friday, Dec. 5
Pictures with Santa
Where: Jessica Shuck Photography
Time: 5:30–8:30 PM
What’s happening:
A quick, cozy Santa photo stop — no appointments. It’s first come, first serve, with up to 4 people per photo and sessions only a few minutes long. Santa will be in every portrait, and you’ll receive digital images by email. Donate what you can to help make the event possible.
First Friday Ugly Christmas Sweater Night
Where: Downtown Kokomo
Time: 5:30–8 PM
What’s happening:
Wear your loudest, funniest, most wonderfully hideous sweater and enjoy a family-friendly First Friday with a holiday twist. After 8 PM, the celebration rolls into First Friday After Hours for guests 21+. Free, festive, and peak December energy.
Home 5 the Holidays – The Un5gettable Holiday Show
Where: Havens Auditorium
Time: 7:30 PM (Dec. 5–7), Sunday matinee at noon
What’s happening:
Kokomo Civic Theatre brings you a holiday variety show with comedy boy-band chaos. Expect five-part harmonies, classic Christmas favorites, original songs, and skits that keep things light and laugh-out-loud fun. A great pick for a festive night out.
Live Nativity – Journey to Bethlehem
Where: First EPC Kokomo, 2000 W Jefferson St
Time: 8 PM (Fri. Dec. 5 & Sat. Dec. 6)
What’s happening:
A free, guided walking tour that brings the Christmas story to life. You’ll visit “ancient Judea,” interact with biblical characters, and follow the star to the manger. Open to all ages and a powerful reminder of the season’s meaning.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas: “Go Tell It!”
Where: ONE Church, 2734 S Washington St
Time: 7–9 PM (Fri. Dec. 5 & Sat. Dec. 6)
What’s happening:
A big, joyful Christmas choir celebration with One Church Choir and friends. This year’s theme, “Go Tell It!”, is all about sharing hope and celebrating the story of Christ’s birth. It’s free, welcoming, and packed with holiday spirit.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Muffins with Santa
Where: Security Federal Savings Bank, 1600 E Blvd
Time: 9–11 AM
What’s happening:
Start your morning with Santa, muffins, and Christmas activities for kids. Families can take photos, join games, and make a take-home holiday craft. We Care hearts will be sold for $1 during the event and through Dec. 12.
Fused Glass Christmas Ornament Workshop (2-Session Course)
Where: SHAK Makerspace, 210 W Monroe St
Time: Session #1: 1–5 PM (Sat. Dec. 6)
What’s happening:
Create a one-of-a-kind fused glass ornament with local artist Evie Fell. This is a two-session course — you must attend both sessions to complete your piece.
Session #2: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5–8 PM
Cost: $50 public / $37.50 SHAK members
Closed-toe shoes required; class size limited.
Santa Is Coming to Town
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites Kokomo, 2920 S Reed Rd
Time: 1:30–3:30 PM
What’s happening:
Santa and Mrs. Claus are stopping by for a relaxed afternoon of photos (bring your own camera), refreshments, make-your-own ornaments, coloring pages, and letter-writing to Santa. Great for younger kiddos and low-stress holiday fun.
City of Kokomo Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Kokomo
Time: Pre-parade activities 4 PM • Parade 5:30 PM
What’s happening:
One of Kokomo’s biggest seasonal traditions. Expect floats blazing with lights, marching bands, local groups, and Santa closing it out in style. Get there early for Courthouse Square activities and a full-evening holiday vibe.
Christmas at Kirkendall
Where: Kirkendall Nature Center, Jackson Morrow Park
Time: 4–7 PM
What’s happening:
A nature-meets-Christmas family event with Santa, reindeer visits, crafts, cookie decorating, and hot chocolate while supplies last. Indoor spaces help keep everyone warm, but the outdoor magic is the star.
Breakfast with a Reindeer Wrangler & Friends (Recurring Dates)
Where: 2110 W Alto Rd
Time: 9–11 AM (Dec. 6, 13 & 20)
What’s happening:
A holiday farm adventure in a heated indoor party room with “reindeer” rides (pony/horse dressed up), a mini cow meet-and-greet, lighted snow globe crafting, reindeer food making, donuts, and juice. Perfect for animal-loving kids.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Santa’s Cookies & Milk Set
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 2:30–6:30 PM
Location: Village Creation Station and Shops
What’s happening:
Village Creation Station and Shops is hosting its first annual Christmas Party, and it’s packed with hands-on holiday fun for the whole family! Stop in anytime between 2:30 and 6:30 PM for a festive afternoon featuring:
Pictures with Santa
Minimum $10 donation for photos
$20 option includes your photo mounted in a handmade, unique Christmas keepsake folder created by one of their vendors
Paint a Ceramic Christmas Plate — $30
Decorate a Santa Hat — $10
Free cookie decorating (while supplies last)
Free Christmas crafts (while supplies last)
No reservations are needed, but if you’re planning to come, they’d love for you to RSVP on the Facebook event to help them make sure there are plenty of supplies for everyone. Come ready for Santa smiles, creative holiday projects, and a sweet, merry kickoff to the season!
Christmas Movie Trivia
Where: Cook McDoogal’s, 100 N Main St
Time: 7 PM
What’s happening:
Classic holiday movie trivia from Home Alone to Rudolph to Jingle All The Way. Free to play as always, with prizes for the top three teams. Bring your smartest Christmas-movie friend.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Fused Glass Ornament Workshop – Session #2
Where: SHAK Makerspace, 210 W Monroe St
Time: 5–8 PM
What’s happening:
Second (required) session to finish your fused glass ornament with Evie Fell. If you attended Session #1, this is your completion night.
Friday, Dec. 12
Peppermint Post Story Time
Where: Fired Arts Studio, 111 W Sycamore St
Time: 11 AM
What’s happening:
A Story-Time & Pottery combo recommended for ages 3+ with parent supervision. A sweet, creative morning that sets the holiday tone for the day.
Pictures with Santa (Pets Welcome!)
Where: Jefferson Road Animal Hospital, 2605 W Jefferson St
Time: 9 AM–12 PM and 1–5 PM
What’s happening:
Bring pets, kids, friends — everyone’s welcome. Santa is in the house for free photos, and it’s a fun way to include your furry family in the season.
Visits With Santa
Where: Indiana Heartland Federal Credit Union, 402 S Berkley Rd
Time: 5–7 PM
What’s happening:
For kids 10 and under, IHFCU is hosting a full Santa experience: a gift, goody bag, hot chocolate, cookie from Indulgence bakery, and a photo with Santa (while supplies last). Kids Club members also get an enter-to-win giveaway.
Urban Lights & Country Nights – Day 1
Where: Anna’s Acres, Russiaville, IN
Time: 5–9 PM
What’s happening:
A two-day holiday celebration with a walk-through Trail of Lights, live Nativity, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate, and the So Tam Good food truck. Admission is free; donations support Kokomo Urban Outreach’s UP™ Program for local kids.
The Nutcracker
Where: Western High School, Neuhauser Auditorium
Time: 7 PM
What’s happening:
Dance Elite’s beloved local Nutcracker production brings Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King to life with gorgeous costumes, sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. A perfect “dress up and go” holiday evening.
A Christmas Carol (Curtain Call Theatre for Children) – Opening Night
Where: Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N Armstrong St
Time: 7–8:15 PM (Dec. 12 & 13 evenings; additional showtimes through Dec. 14)
What’s happening:
A family-friendly adaptation of Dickens’ classic with Scrooge, the three spirits, and a message of generosity and compassion. Great introduction to live theatre for kids and a meaningful holiday tradition.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Kokomo Pride Holiday Shopping Event
Where: 1510 S Market St
Time: 10 AM–3 PM
What’s happening:
A welcoming, safe space holiday market with vendors supporting the community and gifts for every kind of shopper. Expect Pride-friendly finds, holiday treats, and a fun community atmosphere.
Breakfast with the Grinch
Where: Elite Event Center, 2820 S LaFountain St
Time: Time to be announced
What’s happening:
A breakfast buffet celebration with the Mean One himself. Photo packages available with the Grinch, plus a morning of holiday mischief and big-kid laughter.
Cookies with Santa
Where: Center Township, 213 E Jefferson St
Time: 1–3 PM
What’s happening:
A sweet afternoon with Santa and his elves featuring cookies, cocoa, and holiday cheer. Bring your camera for photos and enjoy a cozy, kid-friendly stop.
Vintage Tree Painting Workshop
Where: Fired Arts Studio, 111 W Sycamore St
Time: 2 PM
What’s happening:
“Bring back the magic” with a vintage Christmas tree painting workshop. A nostalgic, hands-on way to make holiday décor you’ll actually want to keep.
Urban Lights & Country Nights – Day 2
Where: Anna’s Acres, Russiaville, IN
Time: 9 AM–9 PM (craft show 9 AM–4 PM)
What’s happening:
Day two expands into an all-day holiday experience, including an indoor craft show with local vendors. Come for gifts, stay for lights, cocoa, and that peaceful rural-Christmas feeling.
Sounds of the Season
Where: Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S Washington St
Time: 7 PM
Cost: Free
What’s happening:
A high-quality holiday concert featuring IUK ensembles — Cougar Choir, Sacred Chorus, Flute Choir, and Community Concert Band — performing seasonal music from around the world.
A Christmas Cabaret
Where: Rhine Hall, 507 N Union St
Time: 7–11 PM
What’s happening:
A stylish, festive cabaret show benefiting CAM of Howard County. Expect live holiday performances, warm grown-up energy, and a great cause.
The Nutcracker – Second Performance
Where: Western High School, Neuhauser Auditorium
Time: 5 PM
What’s happening:
Second chance to catch the classic local ballet if you can’t make Friday night.
Breakfast with a Reindeer Wrangler & Friends (Recurring)
Where: 2110 W Alto Rd
Time: 9–11 AM
What’s happening:
Same magical farm-style holiday experience as Dec. 6 — rides, animals, crafts, donuts, and reindeer-food making.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Santa Paws Photos
Where: Pals for Paws, 268 E Alto Rd
Time: 1–4 PM
What’s happening:
Bring your pets (or your people!) for first-come, first-serve photos with Santa. Minimum suggested donation $20, all benefiting Pals for Paws Dog Rescue.
Deck the Walls
Where: KHCPL South Branch
Time: 1–3 PM
What’s happening:
A festive crafting session to make holiday-themed wall art. Supplies are provided, and you’ll get cookies and hot cocoa while you create. Low-pressure, high-cheer.
Friday, Dec. 19
Beginner Christmas Ornament Stained Glass Class
Where: SHAK Makerspace, 210 W Monroe St
Time: 5:30–9:30 PM
What’s happening:
A hands-on stained glass “make and take” where you choose a design, cut and grind glass, foil, solder, and finish your own ornament. Open to students 12+ (minors must be accompanied by a helping adult). Pre-registration required and closed-toe shoes are a must.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Procrastinators’ Last Chance Mini Market
Where: The Radish Market & Café, 115 W Sycamore St
Time: 10 AM–2 PM
What’s happening:
If you waited until the last minute, no judgment — this mini market is here to save the day. Shop local vendors for clever, unique gifts your family will never guess were panic-bought.
Holiday Pops – Kokomo Symphony Orchestra
Where: (Kokomo Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops venue)
Time: Time to be announced
What’s happening:
A sweeping musical celebration featuring Christmas carols, Hanukkah music, holiday film tunes, and winter favorites — plus a combined choir from local churches and organizations for a full, cinematic sound.
Candlelight Night at the Seiberling
Where: Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W Sycamore St
Time: 5–8 PM
Cost: $10 adults • $5 students K-12 • kids 5 & under free
What’s happening:
The finale sponsored evening of Christmas at the Seiberling, with house lights dimmed so the decor glows in candlelight-style ambience. Arrive anytime between 5–8 PM and wander through the mansion at your own pace. Tickets available online or at the door.
Cookie Cottage Creations
Where: KHCPL Main Branch
Time: 4–6 PM
What’s happening:
A cozy cookie-decorating party where you get to frost, sprinkle, and design your own holiday treats. Great for kids, tweens, or adults who want something easy and fun (and tasty).
Breakfast with a Reindeer Wrangler & Friends (Recurring)
Where: 2110 W Alto Rd
Time: 9–11 AM
What’s happening:
Final date of this interactive holiday breakfast series.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Just-In-Time Bake Sale
Where: Radish Market & Café, 115 W Sycamore St
Time: 3–5 PM
What’s happening:
A festive vegan/GF bake sale mash-up with A Woman Sconed, Nothalfbakedbreads, and Radish. Shop sourdough, holiday treats, and pack your own box of Christmas cookies while sipping cocoa and listening to Christmas tunes.
Christmas Trivia
Where: The Coterie, 107 W Sycamore St
Time: Doors 7 PM • Starts 8 PM
Cost: Free to play • 21+
What’s happening:
Coty’s annual “unhinged holiday tradition” returns with chaotic rounds, ridiculous questions, movie quotes, music, deep-cut Christmas nonsense, and cash prizes. Expect festive mayhem and a room full of questionable holiday spirit.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Christmas Night Karaoke
Where: The Coterie
Time: 9 PM
Cost: $5 tickets • 21+
What’s happening:
End Christmas Day the Kokomo way — singing your heart out in a bar with glorious disaster energy. Expect off-key confidence, terrible song choices, loud applause, and a night you’ll laugh about the next morning. Tickets and tables available through the Coterie’s event page.
Whew. Kokomo does not play around in December — and we love that for us. If you’re planning your month, this list should get you covered without missing the big stuff. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you out there making memories. 🎄
Did we miss something? Comment down below and let us know and we’ll be sure to add it to the list!
