(Batesville, IN) – The City of Batesville, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Batesville Main Street are co-hosting the 13th annual parade and community tree lighting event on Friday, December 1, 2023, in downtown Batesville. Rain or shine.
Santa Village and Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen at Inspiration Park opens at 4 p.m. and features Storytime with Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, roasting marshmallows, food/craft vendors, and more.
Enjoy festive music performed by choirs from the Batesville Intermediate, Middle, and High Schools.
Take the opportunity to give back by donating your gently used coat. Donation boxes will be on-site courtesy of So Loved Closet.
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Parade starts at 6 p.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Mulberry Street, turning right onto Mulberry, left onto George Street, left onto Main Street, right onto Boehringer, right on Park Avenue, and will conclude at Santa’s Village on George Street where Santa will disembark from his sleigh to greet children before approaching the main stage for the tree lighting.
Miss Shannon of Miss Shannon’s Studio and Bryce Mullins will lead the crowd with a community sing-along.
Those interested in participating as a parade entry should visit the Chamber’s website at [email protected] or call (812) 934-3101.
At the conclusion of the sing-along, Mayor Mike Bettice will be joined by Miss Penny Hamby to conduct the official lighting of the tree. The beautiful 20-foot Christmas Tree has been graciously donated by Smitty and Connie Rozman.
Following the tree lighting, young and old can visit Santa at his house and give him their list!
The Gibson Theatre will offer a free showing of Elf at 8 p.m. co-sponsored by the Batesville Kiwanis and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
The following streets will be closed during the festival and parade:
- E. Pearl Street, from Main Street to Park Avenue, eastbound lane.
- George Street from Main Street to Park Avenue and Sycamore Street from George to South Street will be closed on December 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The following parking lots will be closed:
- Inspiration Park, south parking spaces (adjacent to George Street) on Thursday, November 30 from 12 p.m. to December 1 until 8 p.m.
- Inspiration Park, north parking spaces will be closed on Friday, December 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(City of Batesville press release)
