By Heather Lusk
From Nov. 26 through Dec. 24, there will be plenty of festivities and activities centering around Zionsville’s Main Street.
“It’s a chock-full month,” said Diane Schultz, interim executive director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce.
Christmas in the Village festivities begin Nov. 26 with a parade at 5 p.m. on Main Street. New this year are prizes for three parade floats: Most Creative, Best Christmas Theme and Most Beautifully Decorated.
Visiting the parade is “an opportunity to make that a family tradition,” Schultz said.
A petting zoo, pony rides and a s’more station before and after the parade will be in the parking lot by Pine and Main streets. Immediately after the parade, Santa and his reindeer will be available for photos in front of Midwest Estate Buyers, and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” will be at Lesley Jane.
Schultz appreciates the generosity of the merchants and businesses who sponsor all of the holiday activities and decorations, including horse-drawn carriage rides, flower baskets and live music.
“That’s why we’re able to provide all this without charging fees,” she said.
An Elf Scavenger Hunt will take families through 10 businesses Dec. 10. The first clue will be available at participating stores or the Chamber office in early December with each clue leading to the next. The free event will “engage that younger population with their families,” Schultz said.
Last year’s Christmas Crawl was so popular the Chamber has brought it back from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15. Each participating restaurant or merchant will have specialty drinks and food for purchase where visitors can obtain a stamp on their passport. The last stop is karaoke and an ugly sweater contest at Noble Order, with participants who receive enough stamps being entered into a prize drawing.
On Dec. 20, Main Street shops will stay open late for Last Dash shopping to acquire “the wide variety and unique items that you’re not finding at the mall,” Schultz said.
The entire calendar of events can be found at zionsvillechamber.org.
