It’s the joyous return of the First Fridays Hometown Holiday celebration! On Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., residents from throughout Elkhart County and beyond come together to celebrate the holiday season, Maple City-style.
Family, friends, and neighbors join hands to sing carols with each other along Main Street in Downtown Goshen, and the Hometown Holiday community tree lighting ceremony, including a special performance from Phoenix Performing Arts, takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Main and West Washington.
Kids’ activities include free pictures with Santa from 5-8 p.m. at Fables Books, and participating local retailers highlight gifts under $30 and provide make-a-gift stations to help young gift-givers discover and enjoy the uniqueness and importance of personalized gifts.
Before and after the tree lighting, the annual Holiday Market at the Goshen Theater—at 216 South Main Street—presents the work of local holiday artisans for viewing and for sale, and offers plenty of opportunities for First Fridays revelers and carolers to warm up.
Shrug off the cold, gather with the community, and experience the warmth of Hometown Holiday in Downtown Goshen!
No shortage of First Fridays fun
Businesses throughout downtown host fun and free activities for the youngest gift-givers in the community, including ornament making, cookie decorating, and gnome painting.
Kids can get free photos taken with Santa from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fables Books, located at 215 South Main Street. Please note that these photos will be shared with families via social media. By agreeing to have your photo or your children’s photo taken, you release all likeness for public use.
- ADEC, 114 East Lincoln – ornament making
- Electric Brew, 118 E. Washington – create and decorate your own paper coffee mug
- Shirley’s Popcorn, 106 N. Main – help decorate the tree, bring in an ornament from 5-9 p.m. to receive a free cone of Movie Theater Popcorn
- JoJo’s Pretzels, 136 S. Main – gingerbread making
- Garden City Church, 134 S. Main – enjoy a Christmas movie night with free hot cocoa and an ornament making activity
- The MAC, 209 W. Lincoln – Make a beaded snowflake with Mrs. Claus!
Holiday sweets and treats
Seasonal foods, drinks, sweets, and treats—including Christmas cookies and other baked goods—are on the menu at participating eating and drinking establishments.
Common Spirits, 111 E. Lincoln, offers their Holiday Cheer pop-up, JoJo’s Pretzels serves up an Oreo Mint Shake and the Big Dipper Combo—featuring pretzel bites with a cup of soup—and The Green Bee, 111 E. Washington, offers complimentary tastings of Santa Herbal Tea and 20% off loose-leaf tea.
Revelers can stay warm with free hot cocoa and freshly roasted and brewed coffee in collaboration with Vision Roasters at Kindred Wool Co.—at 108 W. Washington—and can head to the corner of West Washington and Main to warm up under the heater and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, provided by Symasis.
A focus on affordable gifts
Among First Fridays promotions, participating Downtown Goshen merchants and retailers spotlight gifts under $30 to ensure folks can find something great for everyone on their list.
The ballroom of the Goshen Theater hosts the Michiana Pottery Tour Holiday Sale, Found—208 S. Main—offers 20% off all paintings and wall art, and Woldruff’s Footwear and Apparel, 129 S. Main, presents 20% off all in-stock apparel (excluding socks, hats, gloves, and scarves).
Additional Hometown Holiday promotions
- One Village, 206 S. Main – 10% of all purchases after 5 p.m. will go to Bethany Christian Schools
- DN3D Prints, 114 E. Washington – spotlight on new fidget options, including magnet fidgets, clickers, and other fun sensory items
- Kindred Wool Co. – 15% off all Christmas decor and cards
- Maple City Market, 314 S. Main – find everything needed for your holiday meals, along with heartfelt gifts including hand-knit alpaca scarves and handwoven market baskets
In the spirit of giving back, revelers can head to Hive of Light, at 119 S. Main, from 5 to 8 p.m. to donate an unopened and unwrapped gift as part of their initiative with the Blood in the Cornfields Gruss Vom Krampus Toy Drive to collect toys for families in need this holiday season. Those who make a donation to the Toy Drive will receive a 10% off coupon to various participating Downtown Goshen businesses.
You can also donate hygiene products and non-perishable food items to The Green Bee in support of The Window and Susanna’s Kitchen.
Residents from throughout Elkhart County and beyond come together in The Maple City to celebrate the holiday season, Goshen-style. Family, friends, and neighbors join hands to sing carols with each other along Main Street in Downtown Goshen, and the community tree lighting takes place on West Washington at 6:30 p.m. Kids’ activities include free pictures with Santa, and participating local retailers provide make-a-gift stations to help young gift-givers to discover and enjoy the uniqueness and importance of personalized gifts.