story by Julie Campbell
During the holiday season, Madison’s 133-block historic downtown transforms into a shopper’s wonderland. Start at Olde Tyme Marketplace, where vintage décor, handmade treasures, and cozy seasonal displays set the tone. Stroll along Main Street to discover Ditto’s on Main, beloved for its curated home décor, stylish scarves, and dazzling holiday windows. Continue to Fountain Alley BodyCare for natural soaps, candles, and selfcare essentials, then indulge at Cocoa Safari Chocolates, an Indiana Artisan Chocolatier, for gifts as sweet as the season. Along the way, you’ll uncover countless unique local shops ready to welcome you.
Plan the perfect girlfriend getaway during the Main Street Holiday Open House, Nov. 14-15, celebrate Small Business Saturday, on Nov. 29, when downtown shops stay open late with special sales, Santa visits, and festive storefronts. For a stay right in the heart of it all, check into The Chandler Hotel, a boutique retreat featuring a rooftop terrace, fitness room, and spacious gathering areas—ideal for making holiday memories.
From October to December, Corydon’s historic downtown becomes a cozy holiday destination, where Chestnut Street Market, Backroads Market, Corydon Home Collections 1883, and Capitol Jewelers & Custom Gifts offer uniquely local finds—from artisan décor and gourmet treats to custom jewelry and seasonal treasures. Browse Lil Rap for eclectic gifts and decor, antiques at Picker’s Nest, and one-of-a-kind glass art at Zimmerman Art Glass and Old Town Store pop-ups.
During the last few months of the year, Terre Haute transforms into a holiday shopping haven. Local boutiques like The Burlap Penguin and Sparkling Heifers Boutique offer curated artisan gifts and home décor infused with local charm. Linden Leaf Gifts at Saint Mary-of the-Woods delights with alpaca inspired treasures, while the 1921 Boutique combines home goods and boutique clothing with wine sipping at WaterTower Estates winery.
Also in Terre Haute, don’t miss the holiday spirit at the Wildflower Christmas Market (Nov. 15) at the Vigo County Fairgrounds), offering unique gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats from local vendors—ideal for thoughtful holiday shopping, or stop by the Children’s Museum Science Store for educational kits and STEM toys that delight young minds. Pick up local treasures with a Terre Haute twist at the Vigo County History Center shop.
And while you’re shopping in the area, treat yourself to an overnight stay at Terre Haute Casino Resort. Newly opened in April 2024, the resort features 122 luxury rooms, five restaurants, six bars, a pool, slots, table games and more.
Down in Dubois County, discover perfect gifts at the Harvest Home Arts & Crafts Festival (Oct. 18-19) at the Dubois County Fairgrounds. Then November 6-8, the downtown communities host their holiday open houses with extended hours, holiday windows, and specials spotlighting local boutiques and décor galleries.
Huntingburg’s Christmas Stroll (Nov. 9-16) invites visitors to wander the historic Fourth Street district, where specialty shops and cozy boutiques offer curated gifts and festive finds for every list. Nearby, the Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt (Nov. 15-16) offers over 200 craft stalls, antiques, festive food and original gifts in a German-inspired holiday market setting. This year, don’t miss the newly constructed, 32-foot-tall Christmas Pyramid. The fourth U.S. outdoor pyramid to be built in Germany by Erzgebirgische Holzkunst will stand north of the Historic Wollenmann Home on Main Street in Ferdinand. December brings the anticipated Jasper O’Tannenbaum Days and Hometown Holiday Weekend (Dec. 4-7), featuring carriage rides, seasonal music, warm treats, shopping at beautifully decorated downtown shops, and county-wide events including an ice rink and two lighted Christmas parades.
From handmade soaps to unique jewelry, shopping options abound in downtown Nashville. The 5th Annual Brown County Christkindl Market on Dec. 6-7 will bring holiday cheer, one of-a kind gifts and family friendly entertainment to town as well..
In Carmel, the ever-popular Christkindlmarkt will once again welcome visitors from Nov. 22 through Dec. 24 with unique vendors and gifts, German food, an ice-skating rink and live music. While you’re in town, check out some of Carmel’s charming shops, like Kits and Kaboodle Classic Toys, a European-inspired toy store with back-to-basics toys like puzzles, games, crafts and building sets. For the crafters on your list, give the gift of a candle making experience at Penn & Beech Candle Co or craft supplies from A Yarn Market.
For the art lovers on your list, Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown offers one-of-a-kind artwork as well as classes for creatives. While you’re in town, hunt for some treasures at Countryside Antique Mall.
At Pittsboro Candle Company in Jamestown, you can shop their selection of all natural, hand-poured soy candles for all the candle lovers on your list. Fivethirty Home in Zionsville is a one-stop-shop for home décor, painted furniture, DIY and gifts. And don’t forget to stop by Indiana Gifts in Lebanon for products created by Indiana owned companies.
Embrace the winter magic at Lafayette’s annual A Merry Main Street Market on Dec. 13. Hosted by the Downtown Lafayette Business Owners Association, this event transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland, offering an array of local artisans, holiday makers, charming
boutiques, seasonal treats and more.
For decades, Warm Glow Candle Co. in Centerville has been a destination for holiday shoppers. The 22,000 square foot store features over 60 fragrances of candles, home décor, custom floral arrangements, Indiana-made wine and craft beers and more. Hungry shoppers
can enjoy lunch or dinner at the Stone Hearth Café. Don’t miss Warm Glow’s Christmas Open House on Dec. 5-7.
Have a hard-to-buy-for person on your list? The OP Shop in Kokomo features locally-made gift items crafted from beautiful art glass produced at Kokomo Opalescent Glass. They also offer classes and gift certificates.
For the outdoorsy types, Back Woods Trading Co. in downtown Kokomo creates leather goods inspired by nature and rugged outdoor living. And don’t forget to stop by Kokomo Toys & Collectibles for a huge selection of new, vintage, and rare toys.
Over in Madison County, Dee & Nicki’s Boutique on Historic West 8th Street in Anderson features clothing and gifts for the fashionistas on your list, while Cowpokes Work & Western Wear offers western-themed attire, accessories and home décor options. The McCurry’Osity Shop in Alexandria carries all the local school-themed attire for your favorite fans.
From handcrafted goat milk soaps and lotions to bath bombs and laundry soap, Simple Goodness Soaps in Elwood has a loyal customer base from all over the state. Carol’s Legacy Crystal, also in Elwood, offers keepsake gifts that will be cherished for years to come. And don’t miss Willow by Greg Adams in Lapel for a unique handmade furniture.
Locally-made art, carefully curated boutiques, and handcrafted wears can be found in Chesterton, a historical small town with a hometown feel. Be sure to check out the Holiday European Market as well as Chelle’s Boutique & Garage and Three Moon Fiberworks.
You can shop small and local in downtown Valparaiso. There’s the Spice & Tea Exchange carrying a wide range of spices, exotic teas, and more; Indie Indie Bang Bang where you can shop for everything from clothing and home décor, to beauty goods and accessories; Six Cypress Boutique known for their great customer service and quality clothing; and Ella Jayms, an accessories and apparel boutique for women of all ages. And don’t miss the town’s annual Holly Days Dec. 6 when you can enjoy special holiday offerings from local retailers and more.
Fulton County is home to several trendy boutiques and gift shops. Popular with the shopping crowds are Flirt Boutique, Brooch Boutique, Green Oak Antiques, Mustard Seed Mercantile.
The Jasper County Holiday Shop & Stroll is a local event that celebrates the season with an interactive shopping experience that supports small local businesses. Shopping passes are issued to customers at participating retailers to be stamped as they visit stores Nov. 13-15 throughout Jasper County. Each participating business will have special discounts and promotions during this three-day event.
Shop in Delphi during the holiday season when you can visit their numerous shops, eateries, and attractions, and enjoy special events like the city parade and Christmas at the Canal event, which includes an art show and special holiday activities.
