About This Festival
The Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Spectacular & Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a free, festive two-day event held in downtown Martinsville, Indiana, on December 6-7, 2025, celebrating the holiday season with a lively, community-focused atmosphere.
The event, inspired by Bobby Helms' famous “Jingle Bell Rock,” offers a variety of activities and entertainment designed to appeal to all ages. It prominently features live music, including performances by a Jingle Bell Rock tribute band, running from about 3 PM to 8 PM on both days.
Other attractions include:
- A temporary skating rink set up downtown for public skating.
- Carriage rides and trackless train rides, adding to the festive transportation options.
- Numerous food and craft vendors offering seasonal treats and holiday crafts.
- A gingerbread bounce house and craft activities especially for kids.
- A screening of “Elf the movie” as a holiday classic feature.
- Opportunities for visitors to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Various contests and interactive family-friendly activities.
- The highlight: the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, featuring a sparkling holiday tree and an illuminated stage, creating a warm, communal atmosphere to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
The event is handicapped accessible and held primarily around 183 North Sycamore Street, the heart of downtown Martinsville. The vibe is festive, joyful, and inclusive, drawing families and community members together to enjoy traditional holiday music, winter activities, and a cheerful seasonal ambiance.
Rough Schedule Highlights:
- Afternoon to evening (3 PM – 8 PM): Live music performances, including tribute bands on stage.
- All-day: Skating rink open, carriage and train rides available, vendor booths open.
- Event daytime hours: Kids’ activities such as cookie crafts, bounce house, and movie viewing.
- Evening (likely early evening on December 6 or 7): Tree lighting ceremony with festivities around the main tree in downtown Martinsville.
The event has roots in honoring Bobby Helms, a country music artist from the region famous for "Jingle Bell Rock," aiming to carry forward his legacy by combining music, holiday cheer, and community spirit in Martinsville. It has grown into a signature holiday celebration for the area, emphasizing family-friendly entertainment and traditional holiday customs.
In summary, the Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Spectacular is a community-centered holiday festival characterized by music, skating, rides, vendor markets, children’s activities, holiday movies, Santa Claus meet-and-greets, contests, and a grand tree lighting, all set in the festive atmosphere of downtown Martinsville, Indiana.