Hometown Holiday | December First Fridays
Friday, December 5, 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 (216 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. with a special performance from Phoenix Performing Arts.
And don’t forget about FREE Photos with Santa at Fables Books from 5 to 8 p.m. and the annual Holiday Market at Goshen Theater.
In the mood to give back? Bring an unopened and unused gift to Hive of Light as they collect toys for those in need. This is in partnership with our friends at Blood in the Cornfields podcast as part of their Gruss Vom Krampus Toy Drive. 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 Susannah’s Kitchen.
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.
- Drop by Common Spirits for their Holiday Cheer pop-up!
- Jo Jo’s Pretzels serves up an Oreo Mint Shake and the Big Dipper Combo, featuring pretzel bites with a cup of soup!
- Enjoy complimentary tastings of Santa Herbal Tea and 20% off loose-leaf tea at The Green Bee.
- Stay warm with free hot cocoa and freshly roasted and brewed coffee in collaboration with Vision Roasters at Kindred Wool Co.
- 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!
- Buffet pop-up! Stop by Maple Indian Cuisine all day (during open hours) to get your fill of delicious dishes on their buffet!
- Head to West Washington to get a quick bite from Tropicana Ice Cream and Wiener Shack!
- Venture into the Upside Down at Biebs and Ash with their Stranger Things pop-up menu!
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta at Venturi!
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, gingerbread making, and Christmas movies are just some of the fun planned for kids at locations throughout downtown.
Don’t forget about FREE Photos with Santa at Fables Books from 5 to 8 p.m.!
- ADEC (114 East Lincoln)
Ornament making - Electric Brew (118 East Washington)
Create and decorate your own paper coffee mug - Fables Books (215 South Main)
FREE Photos with Santa - Shirley’s Popcorn (106 North Main)
Help decorate the tree! Bring in an ornament from 5 – 9 p.m. and get a free cone of Movie Theater Popcorn! - Jo Jo’s Pretzels (136 South Main)
Gingerbread making - Garden City Church (134 South Main)
Enjoy a Christmas movie night, complete with free hot cocoa and a fun ornament-making activity! - The MAC (209 West Lincoln)
Make a beaded snowflake with Mrs. Claus! - Goshen Historical Society (124 South Main)
Create a Countdown to Christmas paper chain and enjoy a holiday selfie photo booth! - I M SHE (212 South Main)
Families should make sure to stop in at I M SHE to pick up their Annual Snowman Soup Kit!
Downtown Goshen Shopping & Promotions
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!
- Head up to the ballroom of the Goshen Theater for the Michiana Pottery Tour Holiday Sale!
- Enjoy 20% off all paintings and wall art at Found.
- 20% off all in-stock apparel (excludes socks, hats, gloves, and scarves) and shoes at Woldruff’s Footwear and Apparel!
- 10% of your purchase will go back to Bethany Christian Schools if you shop at ONE VILLAGE after 5 p.m.
- December brings a lot of new fidget options at DN3D Prints! Magnet fidgets, clickers, and other fun sensory items to keep your mind focused during holiday downtime.
- Take 15% off all Christmas decor and cards at Kindred Wool Co.!
- Get everything you need for your holiday meals, and find heartfelt gifts like hand-knit alpaca scarves and handwoven market baskets at Maple City Market!
Get your holiday shopping started downtown!
Map Key: 1. Tree Lighting Ceremony | 2. First Fridays Holiday Market | 3. Gruss Von Krampus Toy Drive | 4. FREE Photos With Santa
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.
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