“It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival & Holiday Parade

DATES TO REMEMBER
Saturday, December 2 – Kids Day
Saturday, December 9 – Christmas Cookie Tour
Saturday, December 16 – Santa’s Pub Crawl
Watch the LIVE STREAM of the Parade LIVE Tree Cam in IRMC Park

Click Here for Printable Brochure

“It’s A Wonderful Life” in Indiana, PA – birthplace of the legendary actor, Jimmy Stewart. Philadelphia Street sparkles with lovely Christmas tree decorations adorning the lamp posts and twinkling lights dotting the buildings. See vintage Christmas light displays situated throughout the downtown area and beautifully decorated store fronts,
which will delight both children and adults.

PARKING INFORMATION
FREE Weekend Parking
Enjoy free parking along Philadelphia Street from 5th Street to 9th Street Weekends 11/18/23 – 12/17/23
Courtesy of First Commonwealth Bank

Parade Night Parking Special Rate
$5 parking in Indiana Parking Garage on 650 Water Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Valid 11/17/23 only (while space permits)

Book Nook
25% off boxed Caspari Christmas Cards

Dan Smith Candies & Gifts
Chocolate angel or bell with $5 purchase (while supplies last) and “Calendar of Savings: A different special every day” (12/1 – 12/31)

Europa
Door prizes and discounts on seasonal items

GingerbreadMan Running Co.
Sales throughout the season

Hobby Speed
Register to win a Lionel Junction North Pole Central train set (Enter 11/17 – 12/09; Winner drawn 12/09)

The Artists Hand Gallery
IAWL trivia gallery gift card drawings every week beginning November 25

Benjamin’s
“A Bailey Family Meal” special four course meal and ”Mama and Papa Dollar” seasonal cocktail (Kick-off weekend)

Brunzies
Clarence’s flaming rum punch

Commonplace Coffee
Seasonal beverages

Donatello’s
Bedford Falls salted caramel apple cider mule

Dexter’s Cat Café
“It’s A Wonderful Life” themed menu items

Insomnia Cookie
Special Cookie “Gingersnap’wich” $7.75 plus tax (Saturdays & Sundays 11/18 – Christmas)

Levity Brewing Company
Beer named Cousin Tilly’s cream ale, and a cocktail called Zuzu’s gingersnaps

Luxenberg’s
Hot soup Saturdays, holiday treats and free popcorn (random dates)

Nap’s/Josephine’s
Seasonal Cocktail – hot mulled wine

Romeo’s Pizza
Specialty Cocktail

Spaghetti Benders
ZuZu’s angel hair pasta with red bell peppers & side of wings

The Artists Hand Gallery
Zuzu’s Petals, Cheer Me Up, The Clarence Oddbody and other specialty lattes inspired by “It’s A Wonderful Life“.  Holiday cookie flavored lattes include snickerdoodle, frosted gingerbread and more.  Festive teas include Yuletide Toddy and Rooibos Cinnamon Apple.  Don’t forget to try their famous “Frank Capra Panini”!

Woody Lodge Winery
FREE Fork & a Flick Friday wine tasting & “It’s A Wonderful” mulled wine

POP UP BARS:  
Noble Stein Brewing Co.: Ski Chalet Bar theme with “Gnome for the Holidays” Craft Beer
The Coney: “It’s A Wonderful Life” theme (select dates)
Wolfies: “The Grinch” theme with specialty drinks

The IAWL fun continues Saturday with “Kids Day”.

Mrs. Claus Reading Time
11 AM – 2 PM:  Stop by the Indiana Free Library when Mrs. Claus will be reading in the children’s department

Charles Dickens Christmas Carol Puppet Show
Showtimes at 11 AM & 2 PM: The Northern Appalachian Folk Festival (NAFF) is presenting a Charles Dickens Christmas Carol Puppet Show, performed by Wacky Woods Puppet Theater.  Admission is free. Puppet show held at NAFF Office (548 Philadelphia Street).

Community Kwanzaa Celebration
12 PM – 3 PM: Visit the Indiana Free Library for the celebration.

Activities in IRMC Park
12 PM – 3 PM:
– Visits with Santa
– Hot chocolate (Provided by Sit & Stay Cafe)
– Roasting marshmallows
– Soup in the Park (Provided by Indiana County Humane Society)
– Face painting by Bellatastic Creations

The Artists Hand Gallery: “The Greatest Gift” Day
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM:  Readings, book signings and conversation with local authors including Hilary Hauck and other members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” was based on The Greatest Gift, a short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, privately printed as a Christmas card to the author’s friends in 1943.

The Indiana Theater: Kids Holiday Craft Workshop
From 1PM – 5 PM

Holiday Wheels and Thrills Community Model Train Display
1 PM – 5 PM: Donations – Teddy Bear Fund Drive. The Indiana PA Quilter’s Club Holiday Quilts on display, too.

The Indiana Theater: Movie Showing – “The Grinch”
Showtimes – 2PM, 4:30 PM, 7 PM

Family Friendly Musical
7:30 PM: Visit the Philadelphia Street Playhouse to see “A Christmas Peter Pan” musical

Walk In Workshop
Stop by 7th Street Marketry to participate

“It’s A Wonderful Life” Candle Making
Come visit Buddy the Elf and make “It’s A Wonderful Life” candles at Philly Street Candle Bar

The Jimmy Stewart Museum Activities
Museum hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
Holiday Movie Showings (included with admission)
“It’s A Wonderful Life” Exhibits
· Festival of themed Christmas trees
· 10:30 AM: “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life”
· 11:30 AM: GE Theater’s “A Trail to Christmas”
· 1 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” matinee
Take your picture lassoing the moon in front of large mural, or earning your own wings!
Enjoy their “Shop Around the Corner” gift shop (there’s never a fee to stop and shop)

12PM – 2PM:  The IAWL fun continues Saturday with the “Christmas Cookie Tour” (while supplies last). Those wanting to participate in the “Christmas Cookie Tour” need to bring a new & unwrapped toy to IRMC Park for a list of participating businesses!  After completing the tour, participants can register for a chance to win a kids bike in the “Christmas Cookie Tour” giveaway!

The Artist Hand Gallery: Mary Bailey Day – Indiana Art Association Art & Craft Sale
9 AM – 5 PM: Handmade and modestly priced gift items by Indiana Art Association. Mary was an amazing friend and spouse. 

Gingerbread Person Decorating
10 AM – 6 PM: Register on Facebook for GingerbreadMan Running Co.’s gingerbread person decorating.

3 PM – 9 PM: Special for the grown-ups (21+), “Santa’s Pub Crawl” is sure to be a blast!  Gather your friends, throw on some ugly sweaters, and hit the Downtown Indiana area. “Santa’s Pub Crawl” kicks-off in IRMC Park!  While this day is special for the 21+ over crowd, kids can still enjoy the activities in IRMC Park!

The Artists Hand Gallery: Clarence Oddbody Day (Angel Second Class) Angel Wings and Ugly Sweaters
10 AM – 11 AM: Make an Angel Wings tree ornament in our artists’ studio and bells will ring. And show off your ugly sweater (holiday themed) for 20% off your drink. Holiday piano tunes by local musician Lily Carone. 

Activities in IRMC Park
12 PM – 3 PM:
– Visits with Santa
– Hot chocolate
– Roasting marshmallows
– Soup in the Park
– Face painting by Bellatastic Creations

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Festival Proudly Supported By:

Additional Holiday Happenings

4:30 PM: Light Up Night Activities for Kids Begin (see below)
6:30 PM: Tree Lighting
7 PM: Holiday Parade on Philadelphia Street (10th Street to 5th Street)

Special Grand Marshal of the Parade: Zander Marshall.
Learn more about Zander and help donate to the cure for SURF1 Leigh Syndrome!

Additional activities occurring on Friday, November 17 include:
The Coney
11:30 AM – 1 PM: Lunch with Jimmy Stewart

The Jimmy Stewart Museum
10 AM – 4 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit, festival of trees & special guests
2 PM – 3:30 PM: Get your picture with George Bailey Lassoing the Moon ($5 donation goes to help local veterans)
4 PM, 4:30 PM and 5 PM: FREE showing of documentary “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life”
Holiday Movie Showings (included with admission):
10:30 AM:  “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life”
11:30 AM: GE Theater’s “The Trail to Christmas”
1:00 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” matinee
Enjoy their “Shop Around the Corner” gift shop (there’s never a fee to stop and shop)

William & Mary Gift Shoppe
10 AM – 5 PM: Hot chocolate bar (while supplies last)

Dan Smith Candies and Gifts
Make your own reindeer candy

9th Street Deli
‘Til 9 PM: IAWL-themed menu items & warm-up station
Before/During/After Parade: Free holiday cookies and hot chocolate outside of the deli (while supplies last)
5 PM – 9 PM: Noble Stein Brewing Co. serving beer

Dexter’s Cat Café
4 PM – 7 PM: Free hot chocolate and coffee (while supplies last)

The Indiana Theater
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: KIDS ACTIVITIES – Cookie decorating, face painting and holiday photos hosted by students from the Indiana County Technology Center (while supplies last)

IRMC Park
Before Parade: Miniature Ponies
Before Parade: Kettle Corn available for purchase
4:30 PM – 6 PM: Free Hayrides near IRMC Park
5 PM – After Parade: FREE roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate courtesy of the Salvation Army. (while supplies last)
6 PM: Indiana Junior High Spirit Band
6:30 PM: 30-Foot LIVE tree lighting

Diamond Drugs
5 PM: Free hotdogs (while supplies last)

Harvest Church
6 PM: Warm-up station and restroom, hot dogs, snacks and hot chocolate (while supplies last)

Philadelphia Street Playhouse
Before & During Parade: Warm-up station in lobby with hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last)

Upstreet Ace Hardware
Before & After Parade: Food trucks in parking lot

First Commonwealth Bank
6 PM through Parade: Scarves and hot chocolate distributed courtesy of First Commonwealth Bank (while supplies last)

Grace Church
6 PM – 8:30 PM: Warm-up station in Welcome Center (access via courtyard – 7th Street), enjoy sweet treats, hot chocolate, carols and wintery photo booth.

Indiana County Recovery Center
During Parade: Free hot chocolate & cookies (while supplies last)

Fox’s Pizza
During Parade: Free juice & bambino ticket (while supplies last)

The Artists Hand Gallery
Open late for warm drinks & holiday carols

The Coney
After the Parade: Pop-up martini bar, selfie station and live entertainment

Josephine’s Pizzeria and Enoteca
After the Parade: Mingle with George Bailey

The Indiana Theater: “Shop Around the Corner” Radio Show
2 PM: Brian Rohan (LA actor) will perform a remake of the classic radio show.  Tickets are $5 and available by contacting the Indiana Theater.

Register for Kids Bike Giveaway
12 PM – 3 PM: Register in IRMC Park for the Masonic Kids Bike Giveaway

The Jimmy Stewart Museum
10 AM – 4 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit, festival of trees & special guests
Holiday Movie Showings (included with admission) include:
10:30 AM: “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life”
11:30 AM: GE Theater’s “The Trail to Christmas”
1:00 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” matinee
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:  Get your picture with George Bailey lassoing the moon ($5 donation goes to help local veterans)
Enjoy their “Shop Around the Corner” gift shop (there’s never a fee to stop and shop)

Activities in IRMC Park
12 PM – 3 PM:
– Visits with Santa
– Hot chocolate
– Roasting marshmallows
– Soup in the Park (Courtesy of Romeo’s Pizza)
– Face painting
– Register for Masonic kids bike giveaway

Lucy Rae: Sensory Bins
12PM– 4PM: Make a holiday sensory bin!
Accepting donations for Surf1 Leigh Syndrome on behalf of Zander Marshall.  Learn more.

The Indiana Theater: Poeming through the Dark Open Mic
6PM: Poeming Through the Dark is an inclusive space meant for cultivating connection and community through poetry and self-expression

Noble Stein Brewing Co.’s Pop Up Bar
Pop-up ski chalet bar with specialty drinks

Walk In Workshop
Stop by 7th Street Marketry to participate

Make Your Own Reindeer Candy
Visit Dan Smith Candies & Gifts to make your own reindeer candy

Saturday Morning Playhouse
11 AM: Stop by the Philadelphia Street Playhouse for the Saturday Morning Playhouse – Christmas Edition

Hot Chocolate Bar
10 AM – 5 PM: Stop by William & Mary Gift Shoppe and enjoy a hot chocolate bar

Reindeer Food
10 AM – 2 PM: Stop by Upstreet Ace Hardware to make your own reindeer food

Brass Quintet
11 AM – 3 PM: Visit GC Wyant to listen to beautiful brass quintet Christmas music

“It’s A Wonderful Life” Candle Making
Come and visit Buddy the Elf and make your own “It’s A Wonderful Life” candle

Holiday Ornament Decorating
12 PM – 5 PM: Visit Stoke Hole Pottery to decorate a special holiday ornament

Tour the Stewart Family Church
12 PM – 2 PM: Location – Calvary Presbyterian Church.  Hear about the history of their beautiful stain glass windows, see pictures of the Stewart family in church and hear about their history there.

Special Promotions & Discounts on November 18
Diamond Drug: 35% off “winter wear” (hats, gloves, scarfs….).  Free mug with purchase of $30 or more on any gift items.

Lucy Rae: 15% off entire store

Meraki: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Discount of 15% off

Michael B Shoes: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Discount of 10% off select running and walking shoes within Michael B Shoes Specialty Health and Wellness Center (kick-off weekend).

The Finery: Register to win a piece of Vera Bradley and Brighton Jewelry

The Artists Hand Gallery: Bert and Ernie Day
10AM – 1 PM: Enjoy hot spiced cider for small business Saturday and piano music by Lily Carone (10AM – 11 AM), followed by talents of Carl Rahkonen and Terry Sabo playing seasonal standards and some Celtic magic, too!

Pop Up Market
10 AM – 3 PM: Visit Commonplace Coffee for a Pop Up Market with 12+ vendors