Pulaski County’s Christmas Lights tradition brings holiday magic to residents and visitors

The small village of Pulaski County transforms into a glowing holiday destination as the annual Pulaski Fest-A-Mill Christmas Light Display tradition returns to brighten the winter nights. The event runs through the start of the New Year and stands as Pulaski County’s most beloved holiday tradition. 

“It is probably the most beloved and consistent holiday season tradition in Pulaski County,” said Nate Origer, executive director of the Pulaski County Department of Community Development. “It has stood the test of time for decades and shows no sign of slowing down.”  

The annual lighting event, which illuminates every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST, features miles of bulbs, elaborate yard displays, and a signature lighted archway spanning the village streets. The event began in 1989, coinciding with the county’s 150th anniversary. After nearly four decades, the tradition has grown and evolved with extensive yard displays, street right-of-way decorations and a large archway over the street. 

“You’re not going to spend hours and hours doing it, but it is a simple, affordable bit of joy,” Origer said. “It brings people into our smaller communities and brings joy to the people who live here as well.” 

The lights run nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Located just southwest of Winamac off State Road 119, the village is small enough that visitors do not need an official map to navigate the six-block display along the Tippecanoe River. Admission to the Pulaski Lights is free, but donations are welcome to ensure the lights continue to shine for future generations. 

“It’s beloved,” Origer said. “Locals go every year, not just people from out of town, because it is such a beloved part of our holiday season.”  

This year’s holiday event features a weekly star scavenger hunt, and Winamac FFA members, local high school students dedicated to leadership and agricultural education, handed out candy through December 12. On December 19 and December 20, Santa will be present to visit. The tradition encourages visitors to slow down and experience the village charm, whether they choose to admire the lights from their cars or explore the displays on foot. 

“You can park and get out, but you can drive right through a lot of it,” Origer said. “There’s some on-street parking. You can park at Bill & Babe’s and from there get dinner and go on a walk through.” 

When coming into town, visitors are encouraged to support local businesses while driving through, including Bill & Babe’s Riverside Inn. The inn is the oldest tavern in Indiana still run by the same family, with fresh seafood flown in weekly from Boston. The P.J. Gilsinger & Co., part of the John Deere Museum, is also a great local choice for history and fun. 

“Pulaski is very small,” Origer said. “It’s nice to be able to bring people into small communities in the county and expose them to the businesses that are there.”

For more information about Pulaski County, or to find more details about upcoming Christmas events, visit: pulaskionline.org. For scheduling for the Pulaski Christmas Lights, visit: pulaskicountycalendar.com/events/pulaski-fest-a-mill-christmas-light-display/.