Holiday Spirit Takes Over Downtown Hobart Nov. 29–30

Downtown Hobart will launch its holiday season with a full weekend of events, shopping promotions, and family activities on Nov. 29–30, bringing together local businesses, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Parks & Recreation, and the Hobart Downtown Alliance for a two-day celebration.

The weekend begins Saturday with Small Business Saturday Bingo, a shop-local initiative that starts at 10 a.m. at Wild Woods, 619 E. 3rd Street. Shoppers can pick up a Bingo card and visit participating businesses for a chance to win prizes donated by local shops, including Sip Coffeehouse, Farmhouse Coffee, Hydrangea House, Wild Woods, Classic Photo, Arthur Knight & Coin Stamp, The Record Bin, Sarahndipity Nails & Spa, Ace Hardware, and My Psychic Gallery.

The drawing for all prizes will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Wild Woods. One shopper and four guests will also receive tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Concert at the Hobart Art Theater later that evening.

Several downtown cafés and restaurants — including Tavern on the Lake, SIP Coffee, Farmhouse Coffee, and Bonvie — will offer food and drink specials throughout the day for shoppers participating in the event.

Families can stop at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for Pictures with Santa at the Chamber’s downtown office located at 1001 Lillian Street. The drop-in photo hours are expected to draw steady foot traffic between businesses and other scheduled events.

Hobart Parks & Recreation will host the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks from 5 to 7 p.m. at Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road. The evening will include children’s crafts, holiday photo opportunities, and Santa photos inside the Community Center. Fireworks, sponsored by BF&S Civil Engineering, will close out the first day of festivities.

“The event marks the official start of the city’s holiday season and is expected to draw families from across the region,” Parks & Recreation Director Julie Mandon said.

The holiday weekend continues Sunday with the Merry Mini Makers Market at the PCC Building, 705 E 4th St., beginning at 11 a.m. The market features youth vendors selling handmade items, crafts, and small-batch holiday creations.

“The event highlights Hobart’s youngest entrepreneurs and provides families with a unique seasonal shopping experience,” Mandon said.

City officials say the two-day schedule is designed to support local businesses while offering residents a variety of family-friendly activities across downtown.

“We can’t wait to see residents and visitors enjoy the weekend, explore our shops, and take in the holiday atmosphere throughout Downtown Hobart,” Hobart Chief of Staff Kelly Clemens said.

For additional event information, visit cityofhobart.org or follow the City of Hobart on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the City of Hobart
The City of Hobart, located in Lake County, Indiana, is a key municipality in the northwest region of the state. Known for its combination of small-town character and modern amenities, Hobart focuses on economic development, public safety, and the well-being of its residents and visitors alike. The City remains dedicated to providing a sustainable, accessible environment while addressing the evolving needs of its community. For more information, visit cityofhobart.org.