Jasper O'Tannenbaum Days

Jasper O'Tannenbaum Days is an annual Christmas celebration held in downtown Jasper, Indiana, typically on the first weekend of December, with the 2025 event scheduled for December 5–7. It features talented artisans demonstrating their crafts in many local stores, musical performances, strolling carolers, carriage rides, visits with Santa, and festive Christmas decorations throughout the Courthouse Square and citywide. The event offers great food, including German cuisine at local restaurants, along with craft shows and church bazaars. It is family-friendly and handicapped accessible, inviting visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit either for the day or by staying overnight in hotels or bed and breakfasts nearby.

The atmosphere during Jasper O'Tannenbaum Days is warm and festive, centered around the historic downtown square beautifully decorated for Christmas. The event is deeply rooted in local German heritage, reflected in food and musical entertainment. Visitors can also tour historic places like St. Joseph Church and the Dubois County Museum as part of the holiday experience.

Key activities at the event include:

• Artisan demonstrations showcasing traditional and seasonal crafts inside multiple stores.
• Strolling Christmas carolers creating a joyful ambiance.
• Carriage rides to enjoy the decorated streets.
• Photo opportunities and visits with Santa Claus.
• Craft shows and church bazaars offering unique holiday gifts.
• Special performances and musical entertainment around Courthouse Square.
• Holiday window displays and Christmas tree decorations throughout downtown.
• Dining options featuring German and other festive cuisine.
• Historic tours enriching the cultural experience.

A rough schedule over the weekend typically runs from mid-morning to early evening (e.g., 10 AM to 6 PM), although individual activities like artisan demos and performances may be staggered throughout the day, and some venues like local museums and churches may have specific tour times. Additional events such as the O'Tannenbaum Make-and-Take crafting session are held separately around the season.

The event's history ties to Jasper’s strong German-American roots and its tradition of welcoming the Christmas season in a communal, family-friendly way. The name "O'Tannenbaum" reflects the German word for Christmas tree ("Tannenbaum"), highlighting the celebration’s cultural origins and festive focus.

Overall, Jasper O'Tannenbaum Days is a well-established event that celebrates Christmas with traditional crafts, music, food, and historic appreciation, offering a charming and festive atmosphere suitable for all ages.