Hometown Holiday | December First Fridays
Friday, December 6, 5 – 9 p.m.
The entire community comes together in Downtown Goshen to celebrate the holiday season. Sing carols with friends and neighbors on Main Street, and join in to light the tree on West Washington at 6:30 p.m.!
Children’s photos with Santa are free, and young gift-givers are invited to make their own presents at ‘make-a-gift’ stations provided by participating local retailers.
End the evening at the Holiday Market for a chance to warm up and observe the many wonderful holiday artisans!
Holiday Market
Shop locally owned businesses for the perfect gifts, and during First Fridays, find even more at the Holiday Market (232 South Main), featuring downtown businesses and local artisans!
Entertainment
The main event—the Hometown Holiday community tree lighting ceremony at the corner of Main and West Washington—commences at 6:30 p.m.
And don’t forget about FREE Photos with Santa at Fables Books from 5 to 8 p.m.
You can even rock out with the Wizards of Winter at Goshen Theater at 7:30 p.m.
December Scavenger Hunt
You may need to bundle up, but don’t forget your detective hat! Scavenger hunt forms can be found at all participating businesses from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 6.
- Anna Flora Co. (211 South Main)
- Fables Books (215 South Main)
- Green Bee (108 West Washington)
- I M SHE (121 South Main)
- Maple City Market (314 South Main)
- Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn (106 North Main)
- Soapy Gnome (210 South Main)
Participants who finish the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a Downtown Goshen prize pack which also includes tickets to the Elkhart County 4-H Holiday Lights at the fairgrounds!
Food and Drink
There’s no shortage of sweetness in downtown Goshen. Seasonal foods, drinks, sweets, and treats (Christmas cookies, anyone?) are on the menu at participating eating and drinking establishments.
- Come out to The Window from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and enjoy a homemade Salvadoran meal!
- The Downward Dog is back for one night only at Goshen Brewing Company!
- Be sure to drop by Common Spirits for the Holiday Cheer pop-up!
Pictures with Santa
Kids can take their photos with Santa for free at Fables Books (215 South Main) from 5 – 8 p.m.!
*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.
FREE Kids Activities
Downtown businesses are hosting free activities for the youngest gift-givers in your family – ornament making, cookie decorating, and gnome painting are just some of the fun planned for kids at locations throughout downtown.
- ADEC (114 East Lincoln)
Ornament making - Art House (216 South Main, 2nd Floor)
Gift-making with Young at Art - Cressy & Everett (210-A South Main)
Ornament making - Fables Books (215 South Main)
Bookmark making from 5 to 7 p.m. - I M SHE (121 South Main)
“Snowman Soup” Craft - Phoenix Performing Arts (213 South Main)
Rudolph-themed craft, Free treats, Hair tinsel - Shirley’s Popcorn (106 North Main)
Help decorate the tree! Bring in an ornament from 5 – 9 p.m. and we’ll give you a Free Cone of Movie Theater Popcorn!
Downtown Goshen Shopping
Find gifts for each person under $30 at participating stores and be sure to check out these other great promotions. You can find something for everyone on your list in Downtown Goshen!
- Swedish dishcloths will be buy two get one FREE at The Green Bee! Also if you buy a $25 gift card, you will receive a $5 gift for yourself!
- Head up to the ballroom of the Goshen Theater for the Michiana Pottery Tour Holiday Sale!
- Shop the Hometown Holiday Market at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce (232 South Main), featuring face-painting, a holiday photo booth, live entertainment, gift-wrapping, and local artisans!
- For every $100 spent at I M SHE now through Dec. 21, get $10 SHE Dollars to spend January 14 – 25, 2025! The store is also 20% off al evening!
Get your holiday shopping started downtown!
Thank you December First Fridays Sponsors!
Downtown Goshen Inc. and First Fridays are here to celebrate Goshen and the wonderful arts and community that we share. That means that if you attend an event in downtown Goshen, your image might appear in a future celebration of that event or a promotion of one of our future events. This is because our community is the most essential part of First Fridays! We pride ourselves in being an organization that celebrates everyone and will do our best to present you in the best way possible. We are incredibly proud and happy that you enjoy our events and that you are part of our fantastic community! Thank you for joining us at First Fridays and having fun in downtown Goshen.
Become a Sponsor!
Leverage Goshen’s most popular monthly event for your business success!
Be a Volunteer
We love our event volunteers!
