A Community Christmas

A Community Christmas in Union City, Randolph County, Indiana, is a festive holiday event featuring a 68-acre drive-through light display synchronized to music, held at Harter Park. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant spectacle from their vehicles, experiencing a large-scale immersive light show designed to celebrate the Christmas spirit. The event runs from November 28 through December 31, 2025, welcoming families and holiday enthusiasts throughout the season.

The event atmosphere is community-focused and cheerful, offering a nostalgic and warm holiday vibe accentuated by themed decorations throughout the park. It is designed as a family-friendly event that is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

In addition to the light display, the event features:

• A gift shop located in an enclosed shelter house near the horse arena where visitors can purchase holiday items.
• A chance to visit Santa Claus in the gift shop, adding to the holiday tradition for children and families.
• Periodic laser light shows, which are part of the nightly entertainment (weather permitting).
• Various community decorations contributed by local groups such as the Union City Lions Club and the Park and Street Departments.
• Occasional special activity nights, which in past years have included animal visits at the Idle Hour Ranch near the gift shop.

Scheduling details from previous years suggest the following rough nightly schedule:

• Drive-through light display open evenings from approximately 6 PM to 9 PM on weekdays, extending to 10 PM on weekends (Friday and Saturday).
• Laser light shows generally follow a similar evening schedule, starting around 6:30 PM.
• Santa visits and the gift shop are often open on Fridays and Saturdays through mid-December in the evenings.

The event operates as a free-admission experience but welcomes donations to support its continuation, emphasizing its roots in community goodwill and volunteer efforts.

History and founding: While exact founding details are limited, the event is described as a long-standing community tradition in Union City, celebrated annually with involvement from local organizations and volunteers. It has grown over the years into a major holiday attraction in the region, fostering a sense of community and holiday spirit.

In summary, A Community Christmas is a highly immersive, drive-through Christmas light show event in Union City’s Harter Park with musical synchronization, festive decorations, and family activities like Santa visits and shopping, running through the holiday season with an emphasis on community participation and enjoyment.