ORLEANS — Following a vibrant autumn, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a busy schedule of community gatherings, holiday promotions, and seasonal contests to close out the year in the Dogwood Capital.
Chamber leaders are encouraging all local merchant and business members to decorate their storefronts and display windows for the Christmas season, asking owners to leave display lights on during evening hours to brighten the town center.
Upcoming Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Chamber “Breakfast Chat”: The final Chamber Breakfast Chat of the year will take place Thursday, November 12, at 8:00 a.m. at Orleans Town Hall. Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber office at 812-865-9930.
- Orange County Homegrown Holiday Market: Scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Orleans Elementary School.
- “Small Town Country Christmas” (New for 2026): A new addition to the community calendar, set for Saturday, November 21.
- Turkey Jumped Over the Log: Hometown Scoops will host the 3rd annual event on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 25, at 5:00 p.m. Participants will meet at the Monon South Trailhead and are asked to bring a non-perishable food item.
- Small Business Saturday: Taking place Saturday, November 28. The Chamber will run print and radio spots highlighting local Orleans retailers. Participating businesses offering holiday deals or special hours are urged to contact the Chamber immediately to be included in promotional campaigns.
- Carriage Rides: Presented by the Historic 1847 Home and Hometown Scoops, carriage rides will be offered every Saturday in November and every Friday in December.
- Annual “Christmas on the Square”: Set for Saturday, December 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Chamber is seeking school groups, church choirs, and individual musicians to perform holiday music, as well as businesses and civic clubs interested in hosting or sponsoring activities on the square.
- Historic Orleans Home Tour (New for 2026): A historic residential tour taking place Sunday, December 13.
Annual Lighting & Decorating Contest
The Chamber’s Annual Christmas Lighting and Decorating Contest returns this year to recognize the best-decorated residential homes as well as business storefronts and window displays throughout Orleans.
Get Included in Holiday Promotions
Business owners, civic groups, and residents planning special holiday events, celebrating business milestones, or wishing to highlight outstanding employees are encouraged to share their news with the Chamber for promotion across community networks.
To schedule performance times for Christmas on the Square, register a business for Small Business Saturday, or submit event announcements, contact Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson at 812-865-9930 or via email at rfh2.orleans@gmail.com.
