Travel along Main Street and take photos with the holiday decor and special guests
December 13, 2023: Downtown Evansville is decorated for the holiday season and Friday marks the return of a holiday tradition that started in 2020. On Friday, December 15 from 5 – 7 PM the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) will host the 4th annual Santa Stroll Presented by Riverside Capital Management Group Jim Back, CFP® Financial Advisor and Daniel Schweikhart Financial Advisor on Main Street (between Riverside Dr. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.).
Guests will stroll by foot or vehicle along Main Street beginning at Riverside Drive. As they travel, guests will enjoy the EID’s holiday decorations and lighting installations; including the lighted trees along Riverside Drive, the Chandelier Tree (130 Main Street), 12’ nutcrackers and the lighted archway at 2nd & Main, the Heart of Downtown Evansville (212 Main Street at the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana), Santa’s Little Helpers Alley (213 Main Street by Evansville Eyecare Associates), the decorated fountain (300 block of Main), an 11′ Snowflake with more than 3,000 lights (300 block of Main Street), the Tunnel of Light featuring more than 13,000 lights (400 block of Main Street), a 10’ lighted tree (500 block of Main), an alley featuring multi-color lights (500 block of Main), and ending at the City of Evansville Christmas Tree (Civic Center).
Costume characters will be located on multiple blocks of Main Street to greet visitors and pose for photos. Free hot cocoa will be served on the 300 Block of Main Street in front of the Innovation Pointe Building (318 Main Street). There will also be a one night only Polar Express themed backdrop installation to capture your holiday memories. Volunteers will distribute free ornaments, crafts, and stickers to children at various lighting installations. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will be stationed on the Ford Center Plaza for brief photo opportunities. As guests leave Main Street, they will see the City of Evansville Christmas Tree.
The event is free to attend and is open to the public. It is a busy time of the year for Santa and all the characters, so please note that the event will end promptly at 7 PM. Shops and restaurants along Main Street and throughout Downtown will be open for business.
“Now in its fourth year, this event debuted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community reception was overwhelmingly positive, with hundreds of cars participating. This year we are providing multiple options for guests, including the ability to join us by foot or vehicle. We look forward to seeing lots of smiling children and families,†says Adam Trinkel, executive director, EID.
