About This Festival

The Downtown Peru Christmas Open House is a festive one-day event held on November 22, 2025, in downtown Peru, Miami County, Indiana. The event centers around a vibrant Christmas celebration featuring the Light Up! Peru parade, children’s activities and crafts across various venues, plenty of shopping opportunities, an ice skating rink, a special "stamping page" with chances to win prizes, live entertainment, and the highlight of seeing Santa Claus at his house.

The event atmosphere is family-friendly, festive, and community-oriented, creating a joyful holiday vibe with lights, music, and numerous interactive activities for all ages. The parade starts at 6:00 pm on Broadway, followed by a visit with Santa from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, during which Santa also lights the Big Christmas Tree in Peru, adding a magical holiday centerpiece to the celebration.

Activities and features throughout the event include:

  • The Light Up! Peru parade, a large and visually impressive Christmas parade featuring floats, performers, and festive displays.
  • Multiple venues offering kid's crafts and activities, engaging children in holiday-themed creativity.
  • Shopping at downtown stores with seasonal specials, perfect for holiday gift hunting.
  • A community ice skating rink, providing an active and fun winter experience.
  • A stamping page activity, encouraging participants to visit various stops and collect stamps that contribute to prize draws.
  • Live entertainment including music to enhance the celebratory mood.
  • The opportunity to meet Santa Claus at his house downtown, a beloved tradition for families.

The event is held in the heart of downtown Peru, primarily around 13 E Main St and Broadway, integrating local businesses and public spaces. It attracts locals and visitors alike who enjoy the festive season together.

Regarding the event's history, while specific founding details are not explicitly documented in the available information, the Downtown Peru Christmas Open House is a recurring annual holiday tradition in the community, organized to celebrate the season, promote local businesses, and foster community spirit.

In summary, the event's rough evening schedule is:

  • 6:00 pm: Light Up! Peru Christmas parade on Broadway.
  • 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Santa Claus visit at his house and Christmas tree lighting.
  • Throughout the day and evening: kid's activities, crafts, shopping, ice skating, entertainment, and stamping page.

For additional details, attendees can contact the event at (765) 472-1923 or visit the Miami County tourism website.

This event embodies the holiday spirit in Peru, Indiana, combining community engagement, festive entertainment, and holiday traditions in a charming small-town setting.