Miami County Holiday Craft Show

November 1 / PERU
This one-day holiday craft fair at the Miami County Fairgrounds features dozens of local artisans, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats — a perfect stop for early holiday shopping. Expect vendor booths with jewelry, home décor, holiday foods and family activities; admission is typically nominal. For more information, visit https://miamicounty4hfair.com/community-event-calendar/holiday-craft-show/

Birdies, Bogeys & Bourbon (charity golf/food event)

November 1 / MADISON
A local fundraiser and hospitality event tied to Madison’s fall calendar (check the MadHop/Visit Madison listings for exact times) — combines casual golf/food experiences and community tasting events that benefit local causes. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy southern Indiana scenery and flavors before the busy holiday season. For more information, visit https://visitmadison.org/events/month/2025-11/.

Downtown Franklin Holiday Open House

November 7–9 / FRANKLIN
Historic downtown Franklin rolls out the red carpet for holiday shoppers — dozens of locally owned shops stay open late with specials, in-store events, prize drawings and family-friendly promotions. The weekend is a popular kickoff for small-town holiday shopping and festive strolls near the courthouse square. For more information, visit https://visitfranklin.com/events/holiday-open-house/.

MadHop Music Festival

November 7–8 / MADISON
MadHop turns historic downtown Madison into a multi-venue music festival: a single wristband grants access to dozens of bands across bars, restaurants and outdoor stages. The two-day event features local and regional acts, late-night gigs, and a lively music scene — great for a weekend getaway with dining and riverfront views. For more information, visit https://madhopmusicfest.com/.

Schererville Holiday Craft Show

November 8–9 / SCHERERVILLE
One of the region’s larger holiday craft markets, this two-day show gathers 200+ crafters and makers under one roof — expect handmade gifts, décor, food vendors and seasonal giveaways. Free admission and family-friendly programming make it a reliable shoppers’ stop. For more information, visit the Schererville event listing at Eventeny

Christmas Gift + Hobby Show (Indianapolis)

November 12–16 / INDIANAPOLIS
The Christmas Gift & Hobby Show is Indianapolis’ largest holiday shopping expo — hundreds of vendors, seasonal displays, Santa visits and hobby-themed booths fill the Expo halls across multiple days. It’s a can’t-miss for serious holiday shoppers and hobbyists looking for unique finds. For more information, visit https://christmasgiftandhobbyshow.com/.

Indy International Festival (Nationalities Council)

November 13–15 / FRANKLIN (Johnson County Fairgrounds)
A long-running celebration of world cultures — food, music, dance and artisan vendors from dozens of countries — held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. The multi-day festival is family-friendly, includes cultural performances and cooking demonstrations, and is organized by the Nationalities Council of Indiana. For more information, visit https://www.nationalitiescouncil.org/indy-international-festival.html.

Festival of Owls (Humane Indiana / Porter Co. Expo)

November 15 / VALPARAISO
A nature-centric family event featuring live owl ambassadors, expert talks about raptors, kids’ activities and a vendor marketplace — an excellent hands-on wildlife education day. Held at the Porter County Expo Center, it’s geared to families and bird lovers and raises support for wildlife rehabilitation. For more information, visit https://www.humaneindiana.org/events/food

Wildflower Christmas Market (The Wildflower Market)

November 15 / TERRE HAUTE
This indoor market at the Vigo County Fairgrounds brings 100+ vendors, food trucks, wineries and makers together for a one-day holiday shopping extravaganza. Admission is usually a small fee with kids free; it’s a favorite for local shoppers seeking artisan gifts and food tastings. For more information, visit https://www.thewildflowermarket.com/

Mishawaka Holiday Craft Fair

November 15 / MISHAWAKA
A curated local craft fair held at the Battell Community Center — features handcrafted gifts, jewelry, home décor and family activities such as kids’ crafts and seasonal photo ops. Ideal for shoppers wanting a compact, community-oriented market. For more information, visit https://mishawaka.in.gov/event/holiday-craft-fair/.

November 15–16 / FERDINAND
A beloved southern Indiana German market (Christkindlmarkt) with more than 200 vendors, Bavarian foods, live music, free concerts and traditional holiday wares across multiple historic venues in town. It’s a full-weekend, immersive European-style holiday market that draws visitors statewide. For more information, visit https://www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com/.

Junior League Holiday Mart (Indianapolis)

November 20–22 / INDIANAPOLIS
The Junior League’s Holiday Mart is a major three-day fundraising market at the Indiana State Fairgrounds featuring curated vendors, designer gifts, Shoppers’ Eve after-hours shopping and seasonal programming. It’s one of the city’s top holiday shopping events with VIP options and plenty of unique gift finds. For more information, visit https://www.jlindy.org/holidaymart/.

Greenwood Holiday Craft Fair

November 22 / GREENWOOD
This one-day fair at Greenwood Community High School boasts 200+ vendors, Santa photo opportunities and a lively local atmosphere — perfect for families and early holiday shopping. Entry is low-cost and the event often supports school or community drives. For more information, visit https://greenwoodholidaycraftfair.org/.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt (Carmel City Center)

November 22–Dec 24 (opens Nov 22) / CARMEL
One of the nation’s most highly rated Christmas markets — outdoor stalls, European foods, artisan gifts and nightly entertainment — the Carmel Christkindlmarkt opens in late November and runs through Christmas Eve (closed Thanksgiving/Christmas Day). Great for a festive evening stroll and specialty holiday shopping in Hamilton County. For more information, visit https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/.

Festival of Trees – Fort Wayne (Embassy Theatre)

November 26 (opens) / FORT WAYNE
This seasonal exhibition transforms the Embassy Theatre and adjacent spaces into a winter wonderland of themed decorated trees, stage entertainment, visits with Santa and fundraising auctions — a great family-oriented holiday kickoff. Check the Fort Wayne tourism page for ticketed performances and special programming. For more information, visit https://visitfortwayne.com/event/festival-of-trees/. Visit Fort Wayne

Circle of Lights® (Monument Circle tree lighting)

November 28 / INDIANAPOLIS
The annual Circle of Lights tree-lighting on Monument Circle is Indianapolis’ big downtown holiday kickoff — expect a live program, musical performances, and a huge crowd as the city lights the massive tree to start the season. It’s free and a classic city tradition (arrive early for best viewing). For more information, visit https://downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights.