MITCHELL — Spring Mill State Park is once again inviting visitors to experience the magic of the holidays with the return of the immensely popular drive-through Holiday Lights event at the park campground. The festive event, which showcases the creativity and holiday spirit of dozens of campers, is sponsored by the Friends of Spring Mill State Park.
This year’s event will feature 65 campsites decorated with elaborate light displays and holiday scenes, promising to bring cheer to all who drive through. The Holiday Lights event will run for two nights only: Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. both evenings.
Sara and Jim Terry, who have hosted the event for the last few years, noted that each campsite will offer a unique, illuminated Christmas scene for visitors to enjoy from the warmth of their vehicles.
Friends of Spring Mill State Park President Teena Ligman emphasized the unique, interactive nature of the event. “Driving through the campground at Christmas is always a treat,” Ligman said. “Some of the campers interact with the visitors, holding signs and waving, and a Grinch may run out and look in your window. It just makes you laugh out loud.”
The participating campers are known for their competitive spirit. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite display, as the winning campsite will receive a free camping trip in 2026. However, Sara Terry noted that for most participants, the true reward is seeing the “happy faces of the people who drive through waving and smiling at their efforts to bring joy for the holidays.”
Visitors wishing to drive through the holiday display will be charged $5 per vehicle at the campground gatehouse. This fee is in addition to the standard park entrance fee.
All proceeds from the Holiday Lights event go directly to the Friends of Spring Mill State Park to fund various park projects. Organizers noted that this is a cash-only event because they cannot process credit cards at the gate. There is no limit to the number of people allowed in your car, encouraging families and neighbors to come together.
Experience Christmas in the Village
Ligman also encourages visitors to extend their trip and visit the Pioneer Village for “Christmas in the Village” on the same two evenings, December 5th and 6th.
Visitors can enjoy the Village at Christmas time, step inside the pioneer cabins, and interact with occupants, offering a glimpse into a traditional Christmas celebration in the late 1800s. Santa Claus will be present to hand out candy canes and gifts to children, and traditional musicians will play in the evenings. Wassail and cookies will be served in the tavern while supplies last, provided by the Friends of Spring Mill State Park. The Friends will also be selling crafts in the Woodworker’s Cabin at the end of the Village.
The village will be open on Friday, December 5, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 6, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
