In December 2024, Seymour's Parade of Lights entries lined up at Seymour High School at 5 p.m. The route wound along Community Drive and Fifth Street before it reached downtown, and the fireworks went up over Crossroads Park. Last year the city moved the start to West Second Street. This year the Seymour Parks and Recreation listing says "same parade route as last year."
The parade is the clearest example of a pattern that runs through this season's calendar. The tree lighting, the Main Street shopping day, the children's stroll, the 5K, the parade and the fireworks all happen within a short walk of each other in downtown Seymour. Here is how it got that way and when everything happens.
Four Decembers, Three Routes
For a 5th annual event, the parade has changed course a lot. Here is how the last few years compare, using route descriptions published ahead of each one:
| Year | Where it started | Path | Fireworks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Downtown | Chestnut, Fifth and Indianapolis streets | B&O lot behind the Knights of Columbus |
| 2024 | Seymour High School | Community Drive, Fifth, Walnut, Second, south on Ewing to the B&O lot | Crossroads Park |
| 2025 | West Second Street | East on Second through downtown, south on Ewing to the B&O lot | B&O lot |
| 2026 | West Second Street, near Brooklyn Pizza Company | To the B&O parking lot | B&O lot, around 7 p.m. |
The 2023 version drew 50 entries, according to 106.1 The River. That year the B&O lot was the gathering point. The Seymour Tribune reported children's activities there and hot chocolate from FOP Lodge 108 after the parade.
The 2024 parade started out at the high school, and the night ended in two places: food trucks and cookies in the B&O lot, fireworks over at Crossroads Park, WKKG reported.
By December 2025, the Board of Public Works and Safety had approved a tighter plan. As the Tribune described it, the parade would start "on West Second Street. The parade will then make its way east on Second Street through downtown Seymour to Ewing Street, where it will turn south and end with a fireworks display in the B&O parking lot behind the Knights of Columbus." That put the start, the route and the finale in one compact stretch of downtown. The 2026 parade keeps it.
Saturday, Dec. 19, From Morning to Fireworks
The parade's day starts early downtown. Seymour Main Street's Jingle All the 5K begins at 9 a.m. at 220 N. Chestnut St., and it starts and finishes there. Registration is on the race's RunSignup page.
That evening, the City of Seymour lists the 5th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights and Fireworks for a 5:30 p.m. start. It begins on West Second Street near Brooklyn Pizza Company and finishes at the B&O Parking Lot, with fireworks from Freedom Fireworks around 7 p.m. The event listing has lineup starting at 4 p.m. and says entry is free.
If you're building a float, here are the rules from that listing:
- No Santa costumes
- No candy throwing
- No animals
- Judging categories are Best Float, Best Vehicle, Best Walkers, Best Big Trucks and Best Overall
In 2024, WKKG also noted that every entrant had to have lights. To enter, call 812-522-6420, stop by Seymour City Hall at 301-309 N. Chestnut St., or sign up online through the city's RecDesk program page. Parks and Recreation has also been taking nominations for this year's parade marshal, the person picked for making a positive impact on Seymour.
The no-Santa rule makes sense once you look at the rest of the calendar, because Santa already has his own nights downtown.
Why the Season Opens at Crossroads Park
The tree lighting has a permanent home at Crossroads Community Park, 101 E. Tipton St. The park was built in 2018 for about $3.5 million on roughly three acres. The city's Redevelopment Commission paid for it with tax-increment financing revenue, and the Tribune reported in May 2018 that the covered stage was meant to host community events and concerts. The city lists the JCB Pavilion, a fitness court, a walking and biking trail, restrooms and more than 50 parking spaces there.
At last year's lighting, snow and cold weather didn't stop families from turning out. Santa arrived on top of a Seymour Fire Department truck, and "Jolly" Josh Eikman brought a reindeer from Silly Safari, the Tribune reported. Parks Director Chad Keithley told the paper the park is where the city's tree is lit each year:
"It's just a great community event to get the community downtown to light the Christmas tree each year."
This year's Christmas at Crossroads is Saturday, Nov. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. The city's plans include Santa, an elf, live reindeer, the tree lighting and free refreshments from the FOP. Sponsorships start at $50 for Community Friend, then $150 for Holiday Helper and $250 for Christmas Spirit. To sponsor, call 812-522-6420 or stop by City Hall.
Nov. 28 is also when Seymour Main Street holds its Downtown Shop Around, a themed shopping event with promotions, deals and giveaways at downtown businesses. That makes the Saturday after Thanksgiving a full downtown day, with shopping first and the tree lighting that evening.
Christmas on Chestnut Moves to the Morning
Seymour Main Street's children's stroll changed its schedule this year. In 2025, Christmas on Chestnut ran on Dec. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m., the Tribune reported. The 2026 stroll is Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. Each child gets a stocking to fill with treats along the route, plus crafts and a visit with Santa. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
With the stroll in the morning, families have the rest of that Saturday free. It also falls one week before the parade, in the same part of downtown.
A Shop on the Parade Street
One of downtown's newest businesses fits the season well. BY DESIGN, an antique and restyled-vintage boutique at 105 W. Second St., opened to the public in October. Owner Tammy VonDielingen keeps a vintage Christmas room there all year. According to the Tribune, hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's on West Second Street, where the parade starts, and it's open Saturdays, the day every big downtown event this season lands on.
Two Markets Before Thanksgiving
The holiday season starts before the downtown events, with two markets on Saturday, Nov. 14, two days after this post goes up.
- Frosty Fest Crafts and Vendor Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 333 S. Chestnut St. The church is hosting, and admission is free.
- Hen and Chicks Christmas Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5602 E. County Road 100 N. Admission is $5 and parking is free, according to the Jackson County Visitor Center calendar.
Trinity is on South Chestnut and fits the downtown pattern. Hen and Chicks is out in the county, so plan for a drive.
Elves in Action and What Comes in 2027
Parks and Recreation also runs Elves in Action. Through the program, families shop with department staff for toys, clothing, food and household needs, and the department plans to serve at least 10 families this Christmas. Registration is first come, first served, open to families with children 18 or younger, and closes Dec. 1. Sponsors can donate by the same date. Call 812-522-6420, visit City Hall or sign up on RecDesk.
Next year is bigger. Seymour turns 175 in 2027, and the city plans to feature one event, festival or special happening each week of that year. Event ideas can be emailed to [email protected]. Selected events get the official 175th anniversary logo and promotion from the city. That makes this year's parade the last before the anniversary year begins.
The Nolting Team's Seymour agents would love to see you along Second Street on Dec. 19. If you're planning a move in 2027 and wondering what your place near downtown is worth, The Nolting Team can put together a home value for you before Seymour's 175th year gets underway.
