Tag: Shopping in Downtown Wabash

20 things to do this holiday season in Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

There’s a little bit of holiday magic for everyone to discover in Downtown Wabash! To help you experience the most you can, we’ve compiled a top-twenty list of must-dos this season. Explore Christmas lights, excursions & events, holiday shopping and more.

P.S.: We suggest turning on some Christmas music while you read!

1. Kick off the holiday season at Jingle Jubilee

Kick off the hometown holiday season with the whole family and all your friends! Jingle Jubilee returns to Downtown Wabash in 2024 as the district’s decades-old tradition of officially kicking off the holiday season on November 15 from 4-8 p.m.

Jingle Jubilee is FREE and open to the public complete with the competitive Jingle Jubilee Stamping Map, the traditional lighting of the Wabash County Courthouse, a live nativity scene on Miami Street provided by Bachelor Creek Church, lots of hot cocoa, holiday shopping specials, Santa, twinkling lights galore and so much more!

2. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Wabash Friends Church

Join 95.9 KISS FM – WKUZ Radio with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Wabash Friends Church, on December 7 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. There will be a bounce house, crafts and giveaways!

3. Stroll through a winter wonderland at ‘Lights at Paradise’ 

There’s nothing better than gazing at Christmas lights! Starting on November 14, explore more than 24 light displays at Paradise Spring Park. Lighted photo-ops are available throughout the park. 

4. Shop for Christmas gifts locally

Check off every item on your holiday shopping list with more than 100 small businesses in Downtown! We encourage you to #ShopSmall every day, but especially during this season. You won’t want to miss out on spreading holiday cheer by supporting local business owners and taking advantage of great holiday deals. 

Black Friday: November 29, 2024 
Small Business Saturday: Our favorite holiday: the Saturday after Thanksgiving, meant for supporting small, local businesses for holiday shopping and more on November 30, 2024!
Cyber Monday: December 2, 2024

5. Give back to your community 

Spread joy through giving back and supporting your community this holiday season! Consider donating to local charities and nonprofit organizations or volunteering your time. Participate in Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving on December 3, 2024.

6. Take a s(elf)ie with Santa 

Grab your crew and head to Veterans Plaza to take a photo with the Holiday Greetings Santa Mural!

7. Make a homemade gift at Make It Your Own Art Studio

Paint a pottery piece, create a canvas painting and more to add a personal touch to someone on your list’s gift this year. Let your creativity flow at Make it Your Own! 

Pro Tip: If painting a pottery piece, make sure to visit Make it Your Own early in the holiday season to have your masterpiece back before Christmas. The pieces have to be fired in the kiln! 

8. Create your own holiday scent at JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. 

Embrace the holidays through every sense, including smell! Visit JoJo’s Olfactory & Co. and make a holiday-scented candle, reed diffuser, car freshener, wax cubes, etc. to freshen up every space you own with the season’s tidings. 

9. Schedule your Christmas card portraits 

Book a seasonal session with Nicole A. Howard Photography or Kaleigh M Photography to get an updated photo of the fam to send as your Christmas card this year! Be sure to bring your jolliest smile, and leave the resting grinch face at home. 

Contact: Nicole A. Howard Photography 

Contact: Kaleigh M. Photography

10. Spend a night in ‘Wabash Winterland’ with Holiday Shopping & a Cookie Walk on December’s First Friday 

Returning for the fourth year in a row, the Downtown Wabash Cookie Walk will feature delicious holiday treats to sample from various businesses while you cross off your holiday shopping to-do list. Hop from business to business in Downtown Wabash for a tasty holiday treat and a chance to win a holiday gift basket with local goodies!

11. Aboard Trolley No. 85 for a Holiday Trolley Tour around Wabash County

Explore holiday activities and festivities in Downtown Wabash and Beyond on Visit Wabash County’s Jolly Trolley Tour on Saturday, December 14. Festivities include a hot cocoa bar, a Holiday Puppet Show, Storytime and Christmas Caroling with Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts and photos with Santa! Purchase tickets for the family for this fan-favorite holiday excursion. 

12. Find a good book to read at Reading Room Books 

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up by the fireplace with a good book. Make a trip to Reading Room Books to explore hundreds of titles. Your options are endless (it’s the largest bookstore in Indiana!)

13. Drink hot cocoa with friends at Modoc’s Market

Need we say more? Sip and savor quality time over a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, eggnog or your favorite holiday drink with your dearest friends and family. 

14. Check out the holiday window displays & lights 

Craving more Christmas light attractions after a night at Lights at Paradise? The rest of downtown is sparkling with holiday displays, too! Stroll through the district and admire storefront decorations, lights in the alley walkway, trees at the Honeywell Center & the skyline of lights hanging above Market Street! 

15. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite throwback movies. 

Spend an evening at Eagles Theatre watching your favorite holiday classics! There’s a movie title for everyone, with selections of movies from the nice list (rated G & PG) and the naughty list (rated PG-13 & R). Check out the full holiday movie schedule and buy your tickets in advance here.

16. Enjoy a winter weekend with the family at the Wabash County Museum  

The Wabash County Museum is filled with family activities during the holiday season! Check out what’s happening at the Museum on Facebook. Aside from extra holiday activities, the museum is a perfect place to explore while on Christmas break! 

17. Catch a live holiday show at The Honeywell Center

Gift an experience this year with live shows at the Honeywell Center! From A Magical Cirque Christmas to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops, there’s a show for everyone. See a full list of live shows here.

18. Cozy up by the fire with a holiday cocktail at 4 Partners in Crime 

Experience homemade tapas, sweet treats and festive cocktails & mocktails in the warmth of the vibrant, charming space that is 4 Partners in Crime. Call for reservations or simply walk-in during business hours, Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

19. Dress up for a holiday dinner date at more than 7 restaurants 

Dress your best for a night on the town! Explore dining options in the downtown district and plan a date night with your special someone or a group of friends! 

20. Have a snowball fight at Paradise Spring Park 

Kids from one to ninety-two are encouraged to have fun and enjoy all holiday traditions. Have a (friendly) snowball fight, make a snow angel or build a snowman when fresh powder hits the ground at Paradise Spring Park.

December First Friday: Annual Downtown Cookie Walk

Returning for the fourth year in a row, the Downtown Wabash Cookie Walk will feature delicious holiday treats to sample from various businesses while you cross off your holiday shopping to-do-list.

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX and Bowen Health Clinic. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Event Partners: Indiana Plain Dealer, Pettit Printing, Wabash Furniture and Flooring, 95.9 KISS FM, Wabash Domino’s and Dynamic Designs by Dyson.

Wabash First Fridays are events made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Jingle Jubilee

Kick off the hometown holiday season with the whole family and all your friends! Jingle Jubilee returns to Downtown Wabash in 2024 as the district’s decades-old tradition of officially kicking off the holiday season.

Jingle Jubilee is FREE and open to the public complete with the competitive Jingle Jubilee Stamping Map, the traditional lighting of the Wabash County Courthouse, winter-themed festivities on Miami Street provided by Bachelor Creek Church, lots of hot cocoa, holiday shopping specials, live reindeer, Santa, twinkling lights galore and so much more!

Stay tuned for more details to come!

Jingle Jubilee is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Small Business Saturday in Downtown Wabash, Indiana

Shop small this holiday season on Small Business Saturday! The Saturday after Thanksgiving meant for supporting small, local businesses for holiday shopping and more. Take advantage of shopping specials, all while supporting your favorite downtown businesses!

Small Business Saturday promotions in Downtown Wabash, Indiana are made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.

Summer Sidewalk Sales

Snag sizzling summer deals while supporting your favorite local downtown businesses during Summer Sidewalk Sales! This free event offers a weekend-long shopping spree in conjunction with the 25th Annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-In at the Honeywell Center and the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market at Paradise Spring Park. This weekend will be overflowing with exciting downtown events for the whole family to enjoy – you won’t want to miss it!

Summer Sidewalk Sales are made possible with support from Event Partners: Downtown Nutrition and Terrell Realty Group.

May First Friday: Bike & Bloom!

Celebrate the blooming of spring with this special First Friday! Imagine downtown overflowing with vibrant bouquets of flowers, community biking festivities, local shopping & dining and numerous outdoor recreational activities to enjoy!

From a bright bouquet bar to a family bike ride, and everything in between, this First Friday will be one to remember. Mark your calendars and invite family & friends to enjoy this springtime community event.

Wabash First Friday is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Top Level Sponsors: Pettit Printing and 95.9 KISS FM. 

April First Friday: Downtown Luau

Downtown will transform into a tropical oasis during this special First Friday! Dust off your best Hawaiian shirt and invite your friends to celebrate all things tropical! Join us in welcoming the arrival of spring with luau-inspired activities, shopping specials, unique dining, specialty drinks, fun things to do in downtown and a selfie contest on social media during the event!

Various businesses will participate in the ‘Golden Lei Giveaway’ by randomly selecting one lucky winner to receive a special prize along with $10 Downtown Dollars from Downtown Wabash, Inc. How will you know if you won? If you are a winner, you will find a Golden Lei on your shopping bag, beverage cup, etc. after making a purchase (much like finding a golden ticket in a candy bar!)

Free Leis for First Friday goers donated by Grow Wabash County while supplies last.

Wabash First Friday is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Top Level Sponsors: Pettit Printing and 95.9 KISS FM. 

March First Friday: March Madness Bar Crawl

No matter what team you’re cheering for this season, the March Madness Bar Crawl will be a night full of good times and good drinks all around. Sport your favorite jersey, and form your dream team to participate in a bracket-style bar crawl while exploring the best craft cocktails, beer & wine in downtown. 

Complete the March Madness Bar Crawl bracket by visiting each business to try their featured drink. Not sure you want to try every drink? Bring your friends for ‘the assist’ & enjoy an evening full of taste-testing delicious drinks together! Submit your vote for the best drink special of the night, and turn in your bracket for a chance to win locally curated goodies. 

(The bar crawl is for 21+ only. Remember to drink responsibly!)

Wabash First Friday is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Downtown Wabash First Fridays are sponsored by Pettit Printing and 95.9 KISS FM.

February First Friday: Shop Your Heart Out

Fall in love with Downtown Wabash during February’s First Friday: Shop Your Heart Out! Bring your loved ones for a night full of sweet treats, admirable shopping specials and a chance to win local goodies from the downtown businesses you adore.

While shopping local, you have a chance to win a prize at participating businesses. Each business will randomly select one lucky winner to receive a special giveaway item along with $20 Downtown Dollars from Downtown Wabash, Inc. that can be spent at various downtown businesses. How will you know if you won? If you are a winner, you will find a heart sticker on your shopping bag, cup, etc. after making a purchase (much like finding a golden ticket in a candy bar!) 

Wabash First Friday is made possible by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Downtown Wabash First Fridays are sponsored by Pettit Printing and 95.9 KISS FM.

Plan a Roadtrip to 12 Nationally Accredited Main Street Communities in Indiana 

Posted on by Adrianna Town

Small Business Saturday launched Indiana Main Street’s ‘Shop Small IN Indiana’ campaign that highlights 12 Nationally Accredited Main Street communities throughout Indiana! The initiative was designed to encourage shoppers to support local small businesses while exploring new communities. Although the campaign was introduced on Small Business Saturday, its reach will continue to expand as community members are encouraged to participate during the holiday season and beyond.

What started with an idea for a community shopping and amenities guide, quickly formed into an immersive experience that promotes exploring several of the outstanding Nationally Accredited Main Street districts across Indiana.

“As the State coordinating program for Indiana, our main goal is to offer support to our main street communities,” says Andrea Kern, OCRA Director of Strategic Initiatives. “The ‘Shop Small IN Indiana’ campaign is a great way for us to promote tourism to these communities and encourage people to spend their dollars in some of the best downtowns in Indiana.” 

The vision behind this campaign creates the perfect holiday shopping activity for those with an adventurous spirit! By participating in ‘Shop Small IN Indiana,’ you can discover how many amazing communities are represented by Nationally Accredited Main Street organizations while supporting small businesses near and far. Plus, you may even find a new favorite store, restaurant or travel destination!

It All Starts with a Free Tote Bag

So, how can community members like yourself get involved? You can stop by any of the 12 participating Main Street organizations to receive a free ‘Shop Small IN Indiana’ tote bag to kick off your journey. The tote bag will include an extensive shopping guide that features each participating community, an Indiana Main Street pin and the corresponding Main Street organization’s pin. From there, get excited to plan a road trip with stops at all 12 locations to collect the remaining pins and discover what these downtown districts have to offer!

Visiting each location gives you the chance to experience delightful new communities. Tote bags will be available while supplies last, but the guides are a unique tool that can be used well into the future. You can use the guides to plan your next travel excursion, make a list of favorite spots you’d like to revisit or keep on-hand in case you are ever researching businesses that offer products not available in your own community.

Downtown Wabash, Inc. is proud to be featured among the 12 Nationally Accredited Main Street communities. The option to participate in the campaign was offered to each Indiana Accredited and Nationally Accredited Main Street community, and Downtown Wabash, Inc. jumped at the opportunity to be involved. Participating organizations were able to submit promotional materials highlighted in the shopping guide and are included in the tote bag initiative. 

Those featured alongside Downtown Wabash, Inc. are: Aurora Main Street, Main Street Brookville, Frankfort Main Street, Jeffersonville Main Street, Historic Downtown Kendallville, Lawrenceburg Main Street, Heart of Lebanon, Madison Main Street, Richmond Main Street, Seymour Main Street and Shelbyville Main Street. 

The campaign further supports Main Street organizations’ efforts by providing an opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrancy of each downtown district. Not only that, but the initiative also contributes to economic development by boosting local spending and promoting downtown businesses.

Downtown Businesses Benefit

An emphasis on shopping local was fundamental in the creation of the campaign, as locally-owned businesses are the heart of thriving downtown districts. According to American Express, 67 cents of every dollar spent at local small businesses stays within the local economy. The ‘Shop Small IN Indiana’ initiative provides the perfect opportunity for customers to complete holiday shopping while simultaneously giving back to local communities.

Even though some of the destinations may be further away, several businesses have an online presence with the ability to ship products to customers. This means if you find a new favorite business while visiting all 12 locations, you can maintain that connection and continue to receive the products you love. The overall intention is that businesses within participating Main Street communities will get to welcome new visitors who one day may become loyal customers.