Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights in downtown Columbus, Indiana, is a festive seasonal event held on December 6, 2025. It features a Christkindl Market and a nighttime illuminated parade, celebrating the holiday season with a lively community atmosphere in the heart of Bartholomew County's South Central region.

The setting around the event is the historic, architecturally rich downtown Columbus, known for world-renowned designs by architects like Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei. Around December and autumn, the city also hosts creative installations like the Exhibit Columbus open-air gallery, adding an inspiring cultural backdrop to the festival season.

The event vibe is festive and community-oriented — filled with sparkling holiday lights and highlighted by a nighttime parade of illuminated floats which draw crowds to the streets. It’s family-friendly, accessible to handicapped visitors, and designed to be an inclusive celebration.

Activities and Features:

• Christkindl Market: This market offers holiday shopping, local crafts, seasonal food, and drink vendors in a charming setting, embracing traditional Christkindl markets from Europe.
• Nighttime Parade: The main attraction consists of illuminated floats parading through downtown Columbus. It is a highlight for attendees of all ages.
• Viewing Options: In addition to street viewing, there is an exclusive indoor viewing experience at The Commons, featuring a warm setting with festive treats (note: indoor viewing was held the previous year on Dec 7, 2024, and is expected to return for 2025 with tickets).
• Volunteering Opportunities: The festival organizers seek volunteers and sponsors yearly to help run various activities, reflecting strong community involvement.

Rough Schedule on December 6, 2025:

• Daytime: Christkindl Market open with various food and craft vendors.
• Evening: Nighttime parade with illuminated floats likely starting near downtown streets.
• Indoor Viewing at The Commons: While specific 2025 times are not yet published, the previous year’s event ran from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM with ticketed admission.

History and Founding:

The Columbus Festival of Lights is an established annual tradition that brings the community together during the holiday season. It serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform supporting local nonprofits and fund-raising initiatives for children and community projects. Organizers, including Red Arch Community Events, work year-round to produce the parade and festival, relying heavily on volunteers and sponsorships.

The event is a staple for Columbus, combining festive cheer, community spirit, cultural richness, and architectural beauty, making it a highlight of the city’s winter calendar.