Miracle on 7th Street

Miracle on 7th Street is a free, two-day holiday festival held annually in Historic Downtown Terre Haute, Indiana, typically the first weekend of December. The 2025 festival takes place December 5th (5 pm–9 pm) and December 6th (12 pm–6 pm). It features local craft and food vendors, family-friendly activities, and culminates with the unique Light Your Way Christmas Parade, which includes illuminated floats, marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus, along a route from 5th Street and Wabash Avenue east to 9th Street, then north to Cherry Street.

The event atmosphere is festive and community-oriented, transforming the downtown area into a winter wonderland with holiday lights and music, drawing large crowds (over 12,000 attendees during the parade). The vibe is family-friendly and welcoming, highlighted by generosity and giving back—donations and proceeds support various local charities and nonprofits. Since its founding in 2008 by volunteers from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Miracle on 7th Street has become a cherished local tradition, having raised over $245,000 and collected 29,000 pounds of food for charity.

Key activities and schedule highlights include:

• Friday, December 5 (5 pm–9 pm): Opening night with vendor markets located in the Hulman Center, featuring crafts, food stalls, and interactive family activities.

• Saturday, December 6 (12 pm–6 pm): Continued vendor markets, crafts, food, and multiple family-fun activities throughout Historic Downtown Terre Haute.

• Light Your Way Christmas Parade (Saturday evening): Begins at 5th Street & Wabash Avenue, proceeds east on Wabash to 9th Street, then north to Cherry Street, showcasing up to 80 entries with lights, Christmas themes, marching bands, dancers, floats, and Santa Claus. Awards are given for Best Overall, Most Creative, and Most Lights.

The parade is organized in partnership with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and emphasizes creativity and community spirit, with entry open to local groups, organizations, and businesses for family-friendly illuminated themes.

Accessibility is ensured, and the event relies heavily on local sponsors, donations, and volunteers to maintain free public access and charitable support, enhancing the downtown area's seasonal spirit and economic activity.

Overall, Miracle on 7th Street is a festive historic downtown holiday celebration blending shopping, entertainment, community giving, and joyful seasonal traditions.