Community Lighting Events
Kick off the season with big, cheerful celebrations featuring a grand entrance by Santa.
- Christmas on the Square (Danville) – Nov. 28 – This charming downtown celebration features the annual tree lighting, kids’ activities, caroling and plenty of small-town holiday charm. Santa arrives to flip the switch and greet families throughout the evening.
- Elves on the Loose / Light Up Main Street (Plainfield) – Nov. 29 – This festive event blends a playful scavenger hunt with a holiday lighting ceremony along Main Street. Kids can search for mischievous elves before gathering to see Santa help light up the town.
- Avon Tree Lighting (Avon) – Dec. 6 – Families gather for a cozy community lighting ceremony where Santa makes a special appearance. It’s simple, sweet and perfect for little ones who love bright lights and quick holiday fun.
- Christmas Under the Stars Parade & Winter Market (Brownsburg) – Dec. 6 – This popular nighttime parade brings glowing floats, festive music and a full winter market. Santa rides in the parade and visits with families afterward, making it a favorite annual tradition.
Santa with Animals
These events mix holiday magic with adorable animals for a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
- Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 6 – Families can enjoy Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and visit Natural Valley Ranch’s beloved petting zoo animals in Brownsburg. It’s a great option for kids who love being outdoors and getting hands-on with the animals.
- Hummel Park Hometown Holiday (Plainfield) – Dec. 13 – This event pairs classic Santa photos with pony rides, making it an easy way to give the kids a full holiday experience without spending the whole afternoon out.
- Candy Cane Hunt with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 13 – A Santa event featuring fun animal interactions, perfect for kids who can’t resist anything cute and fuzzy. Details for this event at Natural Valley Ranch vary each year, so it’s best to check the event page for updates.
For a Good Cause
These Santa visits double as opportunities to support local organizations doing meaningful work.
- Kiwanis Club of Brownsburg Photos with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 12-13 – Families can take holiday photos with Santa while supporting the Kiwanis Club’s community initiatives. It’s a simple, feel-good way to give back while creating sweet memories.
- Strides to Success "Christmas with the Ponies” (Plainfield) – Dec. 13 – This holiday event benefits equine-assisted therapy programs and gives families a chance to meet Santa in a unique ranch setting. Kids can enjoy interacting with the horses while supporting a mission-driven organization.
Traditional Events
Simple, classic Santa experiences that make holiday photos and wish-list chats easy.
- Santa at The Shops at Perry Crossing (Plainfield) – Nov. 29–Dec. 24 – This beloved annual setup offers classic Santa photos in a convenient, family-friendly location. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick picture during holiday shopping.
- Christmas at the Orchard (Danville) – Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 & 13 – By appointment only, families can visit Beasley's Orchard to get professional photos taken with Santa inside the Barn Market for a fee.
- Santaland at Ellis Park (Danville) – Weekends through Dec. 21 – Santa visits Ellis Park on select nights during the Winterland Light Show, giving families a cozy spot to snap photos. Kids can enjoy the festive décor and glowing lights before or after meeting Santa.
- Cookies With Santa (Danville) – Dec. 5 & 12 – Creation Cafe - Coffee and Bakery will host an igloo experience where visitors can enjoy cookies and sip on cocoa with Santa in a climate-controlled igloo outside their restaurant. They will even host a sensory hour on Dec. 5.
- Sensory Santa (Avon) – Dec. 6 – Washington Township Parks will host their annual Sensory Santa event at Pecar Park for children or individual families to have a relaxed low low-pressure visit with Santa.
