About This Festival

The Medora Christmas Festival and Parade is a festive holiday event held in downtown Medora, Indiana, designed to kick off the holiday season with fun, music, dancing, craft vendors, warm festival food, and Santa Claus. The event spans two days, December 5-6, 2025, with the parade scheduled for Saturday at 1 pm. It is an accessible event located in South Central Indiana’s Jackson County, offering a warm and family-friendly holiday atmosphere.

Event Vibe and Surrounding Area:
Downtown Medora serves as the charming and welcoming setting for this festival, with its small-town holiday vibe full of lights, seasonal decor, and community spirit. The festival’s focus is on holiday cheer, connecting visitors with local crafts and good food while providing entertainment through music, dancing, and the presence of Santa, making it highly family-oriented and community-focused.

Activities and Highlights:

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: A classic festive kickoff event, creating a warm, communal atmosphere.
  • Craft Vendors: Local artisans offering holiday-themed crafts and gifts.
  • Warm Festival Food: Seasonal treats to enjoy while exploring the festival.
  • Music and Dancing: Live performances with holiday music to boost holiday spirits.
  • Parade: The highlight—an incredible holiday parade starting at 1 pm on Saturday, featuring festive floats and local groups.
  • Santa Appearance: Classic Christmas tradition where kids can meet Santa Claus.

Rough Schedule (December 5-6, 2025):

  • December 5: Likely includes opening festivities, craft vendor activities, music, dancing, and food stalls throughout downtown Medora.
  • December 6:
    • 1:00 pm: The Medora Christmas Parade begins downtown.
    • Afternoon to evening: Continued music, dancing, vendor shopping, and Santa visits.

History and Founding:
While detailed historical background on the founding of the Medora Christmas Festival is not explicitly provided, it is a recurring community event celebrated annually to mark the start of the holiday season. Its emphasis on local vendors, community participation, and holiday traditions reflects the town’s dedication to fostering holiday spirit and communal engagement.

The event is supported by the Jackson County tourism efforts and is publicized through local contact points such as the phone number (812) 528-6042 and the Jackson County website, ensuring accessibility and wide community involvement.

In summary, the Medora Christmas Festival and Parade offers a warm and festive holiday experience rooted in local tradition, featuring music, food, crafts, a tree lighting, a lively parade, and Santa for a memorable seasonal celebration.