Muncie’s holiday season officially begins with the annual Light Up DWNTWN, an event that has become a cherished tradition for the community. Scheduled for December 5 as part of the First Thursday events, this year’s festivities promise to continue the magic that has brought people together for years, spreading holiday cheer throughout the streets of downtown Muncie.
Cheryl Crowder, director of events for the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, has been at the heart of organizing these events for over two decades. Despite juggling multiple projects, Crowder spoke excitedly about the upcoming celebration, which draws residents and visitors alike to the downtown area for an evening filled with joy and togetherness.
Like all First Thursdays, events are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Community Tree Lighting at Canan Commons, featuring entertainment including Greg Rhodes and other community entertainers, setting the mood with festive music.
6 p.m. – Santa Claus (or Papa Yule, as he likes to be called) makes his grand entrance, arriving at Canan Commons on a fire truck down Walnut Street to help light the community Christmas tree.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Santa will visit with the kids and hear their holiday wishes. Ball State’s Charlie Cardinal, Rudolph, Ivy Tech’s Rudy the Roadrunner, and others will be on-site for selfies with the kids, and the ever-popular kiddie express train will run.
Local Businesses and Artisans Taking Part
Also, for the entirety of the First Thursday celebrations, the Holiday Makers Market will be set up for the community to support local vendors selling handmade goods and treats for their holiday shopping needs. Visitors can also view the elaborately decorated storefronts, and local businesses will once again be participating in the Christmas window decorating contest.
“There were some beautiful windows last year,” Crowder said. “It was magical down here. I anticipate it will be the same way again this year. There will be carolers walking around, the Holiday Makers Market is going on, and it’s just a lovely time to kick off your holiday season downtown.”
For many downtown business owners, this event is crucial for kicking off the holiday shopping season. Downtown businesses will be open later to accommodate shoppers.
Just two weeks prior on November 23, shoppers can also take advantage of Small Business Saturday and participate in the Gobble Wobble – a fun post-Thanksgiving pub and eatery crawl. Bars and restaurants will have food and drink specials. You can also make purchases at downtown shops to win prizes.
One of the event’s shining features is the community Christmas tree itself – an animated spectacle synchronized to music. The tree will put on a 15-minute show at the top of the hour on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout December.
“It’s something to plan for as a family; bring the kids downtown and dance around the Christmas tree,” Crowder said, highlighting how the tree’s music and lights will add to the festive atmosphere long after the initial lighting ceremony.
Pulling it All Together
But how does such a big event come together? The answer is simple: volunteers. Crowder works hard on these downtown events, but she couldn’t do it without these dedicated helpers and board members. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in making these events a success. From managing information booths to assisting with setup and cleanup, these dedicated volunteers are the backbone of Muncie’s holiday celebrations.
Yet even with all the moving parts, Crowder’s dedication and leadership shine through. Her love for Muncie is evident in her commitment to putting together not just this one celebration, but a whole series of events each year.
“I feel really lucky,” Crowder said, acknowledging the support she receives from the volunteers and the community. “I am very blessed by all the people that say ‘Yes.’”
This year’s Light Up DWNTWN will feature many familiar and beloved attractions. Whether you’re there to witness the tree lighting, grab a selfie with Santa or shop for unique holiday gifts, Light Up DWNTWN promises a memorable start to the holiday season for all.
Visit downtownmuncie.org/lightupdwntwn for the latest updates on the event.
