The Muncie area has 2 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie) in Muncie on December 3 to Sundaes with Santa in Muncie, on December 6. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Indiana, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 2 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Muncie for 2026, in Muncie
- First: Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie), Muncie, December 3. Runs latest: Sundaes with Santa, Muncie, through December 6
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Muncie
2 confirmed events for kids in Muncie, soonest first.
Tree lighting
Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie)
- When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Where: Canan Commons, Muncie
- Cost: Free to attend
Details, tips and host
The Annual Holiday Gift Market takes place inside the heated tent at Canan Commons on Thursday, December 3, as part of Light Up Muncie, the downtown kickoff to the holiday season.
The listing describes ice skating, a community tree lighting ceremony, performers, food trucks and a visit with Santa alongside the market. Earlier editions of the kickoff have also included a kiddie train ride and holiday music and light shows at the Commons, though the 2026 listing does not confirm those.
Parent tip: Dress warmly for the outdoor tree lighting. The market tent is heated.
- Host
- Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Canan Commons, 500 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47305
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa visit
Sundaes with Santa
- When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 4:30 pm
- Where: Muncie Children's Museum, Muncie
- Cost: Kids $20 ($15 members, $8 Access for All), adults $5
Details, tips and host
The Muncie Children's Museum closes to general admission on Sunday, December 6 so families can spend the afternoon with Santa. Each child ticket includes a photo with Santa, an ice cream sundae and a drink, Christmas crafts and activities, face painting and a ticket to the Amazing Elf Adventure.
Child tickets cost $15 for members and $20 for non-members, with a reduced $8 price through the museum's Access for All program. Adult tickets are $5, or $2 with Access for All. The listing notes that space is limited and tickets are expected to sell out, so plan to buy ahead.
Parent tip: Access for All buyers need to email a photo of a qualifying card to the museum before the event. Tickets are expected to sell out.
- Host
- Muncie Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Muncie Children's Museum, 515 S. High St., Muncie, IN 47305
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Muncie? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
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See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Indiana Christmas train rides page.
Muncie Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Muncie
- Season
- December 3 to December 6, 2026
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- tree lighting and Santa visit
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Muncie Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie) in Muncie on December 3; the last runs to December 6. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie)Muncie · Dec 3
- Sundaes with SantaMuncie · Dec 6
Looking further afield? Our Indiana Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington and Gary. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Muncie
In Muncie, the Christmas season lights up at Canan Commons, where a musical tree glows each December and a first-ever lighted parade joined the fun in 2025. On Christmas Eve, firefighters welcome hundreds of kids.
How Muncie celebrates
Muncie's season begins with Light Up Muncie, a downtown kickoff at Canan Commons run by the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. The animated, musical community tree is lit after a countdown, with performers, a holiday gift market, hot chocolate, a kiddie train and a visit from Santa. Holiday music and light shows follow on December evenings, and downtown storefronts compete in a window display contest. On Christmas Eve, the Muncie Fire Department holds the free Tiny Adams Memorial event, a tradition that started more than 20 years ago with just 13 kids.
Christmas last year in Muncie
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Light Up Muncie added a lighted parade for the first time. Floats lined up at City Hall and rolled through downtown, and the AMA Foundation entered two floats, planned over about a month. Staff walked alongside them handing out candy and balsa gliders. The most recent Tiny Adams Christmas Eve event we could confirm was in 2024: Santa arrived at 11 a.m. on a fire truck, about 100 bicycles were given away, and the day usually draws more than 800 children.
Fun facts about Christmas in Muncie
The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership traces its roots to 1983. In 2018, the tree lighting drew families to Canan Commons by 6 p.m., and kids rode a small train across the plaza. In 2024, holiday music and light shows played every Thursday through Sunday in December at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. The first Tiny Adams event had only 13 children, and it now gives away about 100 new bicycles each Christmas Eve.
Trains near Muncie
Muncie's own kickoff has had a small kiddie train that gives children rides across Canan Commons. For real railroad history, the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville runs themed rides from Forest Park over 12 miles of the old Nickel Plate Road, riding upstairs in two story 1956 Santa Fe El Capitan coaches. In New Haven, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society cares for Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive 765. The Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville is suspended after the August 2026 flood, so check for recovery news.
- Nickel Plate Express: Themed train rides from Forest Park in Noblesville aboard two-story 1956 Santa Fe El Capitan coaches.
- Whitewater Valley Railroad: Vintage open-window coaches follow the old Whitewater Canal towpath, though regular trains are suspended after the August 2026 flood.
- Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society: The volunteer group behind Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive 765, with a restoration shop that opens by appointment.
Traditions today
- Light Up Muncie: A downtown kickoff at Canan Commons with a tree lighting, performers, a gift market and Santa.
- Musical community tree: An animated tree lights after a countdown, with music and light shows on December evenings.
- Light Up Muncie parade: A lighted parade joined the kickoff for the first time on December 4, 2025.
- Tiny Adams Christmas Eve event: Firefighters host Santa, treats and about 100 free bicycles for kids at Fire Station #1.
- Sundaes with Santa: The Muncie Children's Museum serves sundaes, crafts and a Santa photo in early December.
- Storefront window display contest: Downtown shops decorate windows and the public votes once a day.
A fact for kids
On Christmas Eve in Muncie, Santa arrives at the fire station on a fire truck. Firefighters give away about 100 new bicycles to kids.
Questions about Christmas in Muncie
What is Light Up Muncie?
Light Up Muncie is downtown Muncie's kickoff to the holiday season, centered on Canan Commons. It features a community tree lighting, performers, a holiday gift market, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership runs it, and it usually happens on the first Thursday of December.
When is the Muncie tree lighting?
The tree lighting is part of Light Up Muncie, held in early December. In 2024 it was Thursday, December 5, with the tree lit at 6 p.m. after a countdown, and in 2025 it was Thursday, December 4. Our Muncie Christmas events guide on this page lists this year's confirmed dates, including the 2026 gift market on Thursday, December 3.
Where is the Muncie community Christmas tree?
The tall community tree stands at Canan Commons, at 500 South Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. In 2018 it put on a multicolor light show, and in 2024 it was an animated, musical tree that lit after a countdown. Holiday music and light shows play there on December evenings.
Does Muncie have a Christmas parade?
Yes, a new one. In 2025 Light Up Muncie included a lighted parade for the first time, on December 4, with floats lining up at Muncie City Hall. Before that, the kickoff centered on the tree lighting. Check our Muncie Christmas events guide on this page for this year's plans.
What happened at the first Light Up Muncie parade?
On December 4, 2025, groups decorated floats and lined up at City Hall. The AMA Foundation entered two floats, one a lit truck and trailer, and staff walked alongside them handing out candy and balsa gliders. The floats were planned over about a month, and the parade was the first one in Light Up Muncie's history.
Do kids get to ride a train at the Muncie kickoff?
Yes, in some years. A small train gave children rides across Canan Commons at the 2018 tree lighting, and a kiddie train was listed again for the 2024 kickoff. Offerings can change from year to year, so check the current schedule before you go, and our Muncie Christmas events guide on this page for this season.
Does Santa visit downtown Muncie?
Yes. Santa has joined the Light Up kickoff at Canan Commons, and the 2026 listing for Thursday, December 3 mentions Santa along with ice skating, a tree lighting, performers and food trucks. Santa also headlines Sundaes with Santa at the Muncie Children's Museum on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
What is Sundaes with Santa in Muncie?
Sundaes with Santa is a Muncie Children's Museum event, listed for Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Kids get a photo with Santa, an ice cream sundae, crafts, face painting and a ticket to the Amazing Elf Adventure. Space is limited and tickets are expected to sell out.
What is the Tiny Adams Christmas Eve event?
It is a free Christmas Eve event at Muncie Fire Station #1, at 421 East Jackson Street, hosted by the Muncie Fire Department and Local 1348. Santa arrives on a fire truck at 11 a.m., and kids get a photo, hot chocolate, cookies, a candy cane and a gift. About 100 bicycles are given away.
How long has the Tiny Adams event been going?
It began more than 20 years before 2024. The first year drew just 13 kids, and it now usually draws more than 800 children. Organizers say it gets larger every year and promote it through local schools and daycare centers. It runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Who runs the downtown Muncie holiday events?
The Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, which traces its roots to 1983, hosts Light Up Muncie and the downtown holiday programming. Its mission is a downtown that leads to sustainable economic and cultural growth. It also runs the storefront window display contest, which had its second year in 2024.
Is there a window display contest in Muncie?
Yes. The DWNTWN Storefront Holiday Window Display Contest started alongside Light Up and was in its second year in 2024. The public could vote once per day from December 6 to 25. Strolling downtown to see the decorated windows is an easy, free outing with kids.
What are the Canan Commons light shows?
In December, Canan Commons hosts holiday music and light shows. In 2024 they ran every Thursday through Sunday at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. The shows pair music with the lit, animated community tree, and the short schedule of repeating times makes it easy to fit one into an evening with kids.
How did the Muncie tree lighting look in 2018?
On December 6, 2018, families crowded Canan Commons by 6 p.m. The tree put on a multicolor light show, the Muncie Community School Choir and Ball State's Code Red performed, and a heated tent held the Muncie Makers Mart. Free vegan hot chocolate was served, and a small train gave kids rides.
Does Ball State take part in Muncie Christmas?
Yes. Ball State performers have joined the downtown tree lighting, and the university hosts holiday concerts and planetarium shows. For 2026, listings include the University Singers Holiday Festival on December 4 and Holiday Choral Concerts on December 6 at Sursa Performance Hall. Our Muncie Christmas events guide covers family friendly options.
How can I explain the tree countdown to a toddler?
Tell your child that the whole town counts down together and then the big tree lights up. In 2024 the countdown came at 6 p.m. at Canan Commons. Arrive a little early so little ones can see the performers, sip hot chocolate and find a spot near the front.
Where can kids see Christmas lights in Muncie?
Downtown Muncie's Canan Commons has the community tree and, in 2024, December light shows every Thursday through Sunday. The downtown storefront window display contest also puts decorated windows on view through December 25. Our Muncie Christmas events guide on this page lists the dates we confirmed for this season.
Are there train museums near Muncie?
Yes, within a drive. The Nickel Plate Express runs themed rides from Forest Park in Noblesville, riding in two story 1956 Santa Fe El Capitan coaches. The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, home of Nickel Plate Road 765, is in New Haven. Check each site for current dates.
Is Whitewater Valley Railroad open after the flood?
Regular trains are suspended after the August 2026 flood, according to our museum page. The volunteer run railroad in Connersville normally follows the old Whitewater Canal towpath to Metamora in vintage open window coaches. Check the railroad's own site for recovery news before planning a trip from Muncie.
What traditions might kids in Muncie enjoy at Christmas?
Canan Commons has a musical tree and, since 2025, a lighted parade. The Children's Museum hosts Sundaes with Santa, and on Christmas Eve firefighters welcome more than 800 children with Santa, treats and bicycles at the Tiny Adams event. Together they give families a mix of newer and longer-running traditions.
Sources
- Light Up DWNTWN to kick off the holiday season, Towne Post
- Downtown Muncie to sparkle during annual Light Up DWNTWN event, Muncie Journal
- Muncie community lights up downtown, The Ball State Daily News
- The 2025 Light Up Muncie parade, AMA Foundation
- Annual Holiday Gift Market, Muncie Events
- Sundaes with Santa, Muncie Events
- Tiny Adams Christmas Eve Event at Fire Station #1, Muncie Journal
- Nickel Plate Express, Rally Takes the Train
- Whitewater Valley Railroad, Rally Takes the Train
- Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Rally Takes the Train
Muncie Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Muncie this year?
We confirmed 2 for the 2026 season. Good places to start: Sundaes with Santa (Dec 6) and Annual Holiday Gift Market (Light Up Muncie) (Dec 3). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Where can kids meet Santa in Muncie?
2 events here include a visit with Santa. Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 2 of the 2 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Muncie?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Muncie Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.