It's a Wonderful Life Festival

About the Event

“It’s A Wonderful Life” in Indiana, PA – birthplace of the legendary actor, Jimmy Stewart, and home to the Jimmy Stewart Museum.  During the holiday season, Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana 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. IRMC Park, located at North 7th Street, Indiana, PA, transforms into the magical holiday headquarters for the First Commonwealth Bank “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival each year and boasts a 30″+ LIVE Christmas tree.  The entire “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival kicks off with the Lucy Donnelly Memorial Fund Presents: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Christmas tree lighting and parade on November 22, 2024 and then continues Saturdays, November 23 through December 21, 2024. What better place to celebrate Christmas than in “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World™”?

Saturday, December 14, 2024: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival – Family Day

Cookie Tour
12 PM – 3 PM: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to IRMC Park for donation to the PA State Police Toy Drive, and you’ll receive details on how to join the Cookie Tour! This delightful adventure takes you on a self-paced journey through Downtown Indiana, where you’ll enjoy delicious treats from various participating locations.

Blitzen’s Holiday Trivia Tour
6 PM – 9 PM: Gather your reindeer friends and test your knowledge of Christmas Trivia dashing through Downtown Indiana for a chance to win prizes. We encourage all to dress for the holiday occasion. This is a 21+ event. Let’s get Blitzen!

Holiday Activities in IRMC Park
North 7th Street, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 3 PM:
Visits with Santa
Roasting Marshmallows
Hot Chocolate
Soup in the Park
Face Painting & Ornament Making by SkinArtWork Tattoos & Piercings
Santa’s Spectacular Selfie Search (12 PM – 9 PM) – a donation only event courtesy of Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County

The Jimmy Stewart Museum 
835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 4 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit, display of themed Christmas trees, take your picture lassoing the moon or earning your wings & buy the perfect gift at “The Shop Around the Corner” gift shop – there is never a fee to stop & shop!
Holiday Movie Showings (included with admission)
10:30 AM: GE Theater’s “The Trail to Christmas”
11:30 AM: “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life”
1 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” matinee

Gingerbread Man Running Co.
714 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 6 PM: Gingerbread person decorating (Register on Facebook)

The Artists Hand Gallery 
732 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Enjoy “Angel Clarence’s Flaming Rum Punch” lattes and non-alcoholic mock-tails & free samples of mulled wine for those over 21!
10 AM – 4 PM: “Clarence Oddbody Day” – The Indiana Art Association (IAA) gift sale, presenting unique, handcrafted gifts by members of the IAA and “make & take” ornaments

Indiana Free Library
845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Stop in & vote for your favorite gingerbread house
11 AM – 1 PM: Reading with Mrs. Claus

The Paper Garden Co. 
655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Christmas bookmark craft & holiday fairy gardens
11 AM: Christmas story time

Philadelphia Street Playhouse 
725 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM: Saturday Morning Playhouse – Interactive Children’s Theatre
7:30 PM: Miracle on 34th Street, the Play

Veteran’s Wall by Indiana County Courthouse 
825 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM: Wreaths for Indiana County Veterans Ceremony

Indiana Mall 
2334 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
1 PM – 5 PM: Holiday Wheels & Thrills Community Model Train Display (Donations benefit Teddy Bear Fund Drive)

Stoke Hole Pottery
31 South Carpenter Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 2 PM: Candle holder theme project & pottery throwing demos

The Indiana Theater 
637 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM, 7 PM & 9 PM: “Elf” (2003)

Philly Street Candle Bar 
740 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Make “It’s A Wonderful Life” candles

PLUS, these Holiday Offerings Listed Below:
“It’s A Wonderful Life” Discounts & Promotions
“It’s A Wonderful Life” Food & Drink Specials
“Selfie Spots” throughout Downtown Indiana

We want to hear from you if you have an event to share or updates to this event.