Experience a Hometown Holiday in Marion

Ring in the holidays in Marion for a unique hometown holiday feel. With numerous themed activities and events, Marion brings a sense of warmth and togetherness as the community and guests come together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season.

One of the most charming aspects of celebrating the holidays in a hometown community is the festive atmosphere created by local shopkeepers. From the twinkling lights that adorn storefronts along the streets of Downtown Marion to the cheerfully themed Gingerbread Jubilee window decorations, wherever you turn, there is a sense of holiday cheer.

Prepared with a shopping list of the “naughty and nice” in your life, discover locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and home décor stores where shopkeepers have created a festive atmosphere. You’ll find customer service at its finest and the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Special shopping events include holiday open houses at various times and Pink is the New Black shopping experience on Nov. 22 and 23.

Community events play a significant role in bringing people together during the holidays. From tree lighting ceremonies to holiday parades, there is no shortage of holiday activities in Marion. Bundle up for the weather as the Lighted Truck Parade, tree lighting and related activities take to the streets of Downtown Marion and Founders Park on Saturday, Nov. 30. These events create an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and spread holiday cheer.

Whether you enjoy sipping hot cocoa or your favorite coffee drink from The Remnant while at the annual Downtown Marion Christmas Market or savoring the beauty of Marion’s historic churches during the Aspire Ministries yearly Christmas Church Tours, Marion is a hometown community that values tradition.

Many towns have longstanding holiday traditions cherished by both young and old; Marion is among them. Bring the littles to Founders Park for pictures with Santa or the Grinch at The Santa House. Load up the family van or SUV and explore the Christmas light display at the Marion County Fairgrounds during the holiday light drive-through, Christmas by Candlelight, which opens Nov. 30. Enjoy an evening or afternoon of live performance by getting tickets for the annual production of Christmas at the Palace, a holiday tradition spotlighting song, dance, and holiday sketches, at the Marion Palace Theatre Dec. 6 to 8.

A community rich in history, Marion is home to the late President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding. Join a special tradition on December 14, Holidays with the Hardings, a celebration of the rich history and the enduring spirit of the season with the Press House special exhibit, Ring in the Season: Christmas in the Hardings' Marion.

Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without the sense of nostalgia a small town creates. From the familiar tunes of classic holiday songs playing in the Downtown District to the traditional decorations that highlight the local landmarks, familiarity brings to mind simpler times. A Hometown Holiday in Marion fosters an awareness of the importance of gathering, honoring traditions past while creating new ones, and valuing a slower pace to create meaningful moments with those we love the most.

Join us in Marion for a magical Hometown Holiday experience!