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It's a Wonderful Life Festival 2024

Arts and Entertainment

October 25, 2024

From: It's a Wonderful Life Festival

“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™”?

Schedule:

Friday, November 22, 2024: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade

Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM in IRMC Park
Holiday Parade at 7 PM along Philadelphia St. (10th – 5th)

IRMC Park
North 7th Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM: Free hayrides
5 PM – 7 PM: Face painting & ornament making at SkinArtWork Tattoos & Piercings
5 PM – After Parade: Roasting marshmallows & hot chocolate
6 PM: Indiana Junior High Spirit Band
6:30 PM: Lighting of 30-foot LIVE Christmas tree

“It’s A Wonderful Big Balloon Build” 
S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, Indiana, PA 15701
8 AM – 10 PM: Tickets required – Immerse yourself in a magical, holiday balloon world. Ticket proceeds benefit the United Way of Indiana County.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum 
835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 4 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit, festival of trees & special guests
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
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Get your picture with George Bailey lassoing the moon
4 PM, 4:30 PM & 5 PM: FREE showings of “The Making of It’s A Wonderful Life” documentary

The Coney

642 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Lunch with Jimmy Stewart

Philly Street Candle Bar 

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

Canella Café

660 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
4 PM – 8:30 PM: Extended hours of operation

The Atrium

665 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Cookie decorating, face painting and holiday photos hosted by students from the Indiana County Technology Center

Upstreet Ace Hardware

631 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM – 9 PM: Levity Brewing Co. will be pouring a special release and other brews
Before & After Parade: Food trucks, drinks and kid’s games in parking lot

Dexter’s Cat Café

1053 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM until Parade: Free hot chocolate

The Paper Garden Co.

655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM: Christmas story time

First Commonwealth Bank

601 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
6 PM: Scarves and hot chocolate distributed courtesy of First Commonwealth Bank

Diamond Drugs

670 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
6 PM: Free hotdogs

Harvest Church

Enter on North 7th Street, Indiana, PA 15701
6 PM: Warm-up station & restroom, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn

Philadelphia Street Playhouse 

725 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
6:30 PM: Warm-up station, cookies and hot cocoa

InFirst Bank 

935 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Stop by for a special treat

Indiana Free Library

845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Owlbert will be passing out books

S&T Bank

800 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Holiday selfie station, fresh popcorn, glow balloons &
“Plant a Seed” ornaments courtesy of S&T Bank

Create & Curate Co.

1128 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
During Parade: Polaroid photo booth

Indiana County Recovery Center

574 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
During Parade: Free hot chocolate and cookies

9th Street Deli

901 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
“It’s A Wonderful Life”-themed items and activities, Noble Stein beer, cookies & hot chocolate

Holiday Parade

7 PM: Philadelphia Street (from 10th to 5th Street)

Josephine’s Pizzeria & Enoteca/Nap’s Cucina Mia

1037 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
After Parade: Lite Up Night After Party with caroling on Josie’s patio

Saturday, November 23, 2024: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival – “It’s A Wonderful Life” Day

“It’s A Wonderful Life”
 in Downtown Indiana

Participate in a variety of “It’s A Wonderful Life” activities at a variety of businesses. Keep your eyes peeled for “George Bailey” or “Jimmy Stewart,” who will be making special appearances around town, ready to snap a selfie with you!

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
Fresh Evergreen Wreath Sales from Local Christmas Tree Grower
Free shuttle to the Big Balloon Build courtesy of Indiana County Tourist Bureau (10 AM – 6 PM)

“It’s A Wonderful Big Balloon Build”
S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, Indiana, PA 15701
8 AM – 10 PM: Immerse yourself in a magical, holiday balloon world. Tickets required (available online www.uwindianacounty.org/its-a-wonderful-life & at the door). Ticket proceeds benefit the United Way of Indiana County. Free shuttle from IRMC Park 10 AM – 6 PM.

The Artists Hand Gallery
732 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 11 AM: “George Bailey Day” – Actor Brian Rohan will visit the gallery as “George Bailey” for coffee, conversation, refreshment & merriment.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum
835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 4 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit, festival of trees & special guests
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
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Get your picture with “George Bailey” lassoing the moon

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

William & Mary Gift Shoppe
18 South 7th Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM – 5 PM: Make your holidays easy with our Stonewall Kitchen and Wind and Willow products – free samples

Stoke Hole Pottery
31 South Carpenter Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 5 PM: Holiday ornament decorating, pottery throwing demos & holiday pottery sale

Calvary Presbyterian Church
695 School Street, Indiana, PA 15701
1 PM – 3 PM: Free tours of Jimmy Stewart’s Family Church (Stewart history, pictures and beautiful stained-glass windows)

Lucy Rae Gifts & More
682 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
“It’s A Wonderful Life Discount” of 15% off entire store

The Indiana Theater
637 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
2 PM: “The Shop Around the Corner” Radio Show LIVE; Co-sponsored by The Jimmy Stewart Museum; $8 admission
7 PM: Concert – The Jaggerz with Pittsburgh Belairs; Sponsored by Northern Appalachian Folk Festival, Inc.

The Finery
679 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Register to win a piece of Brighton Jewelry

7th Street Marketry
672 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Walk-in workshop

Diamond Drugs
670 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
35% off “winter wear” (hats, gloves, scarfs, etc.) and free mug with purchase of $30 or more on any gift items

Meraki
645 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
“It’s A Wonderful Discount” of 15% off

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

The Paper Garden Co.
655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Christmas bookmark craft & holiday fairy gardens

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

Saturday, November 30, 2024: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival – Small Business Saturday

“Downtown Dollars”
Get into the holiday spirit when you shop at the charming specialty stores of Downtown Indiana! As you shop for unique gifts, you’ll earn “Downtown Dollars” to treat yourself later this season. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses while finding those special treasures for everyone on your list. (AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS ONLY)

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
Fresh Evergreen Wreath Sales from Local Christmas Tree Grower
Enter to win prizes from Indiana Franklin Masonic Lodge #313

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
Commonplace Coffee
1176 Grant Street, Indiana, PA 15701
10 AM – 3 PM: Holiday Pop-Up Market

The Artists Hand Gallery 
732 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM – 3 PM: “Mary Bailey Day” – “Over the River and Through the Woods” with Ebensburg author Hilary Hauck and associated writers presenting their holiday stories. Authors will happily inscribe their books with a message just for you or someone receiving it as a gift.

The Indiana Theater 
637 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM – 3 PM: FREE Looney Tunes cartoons plus games and kids activities in the lobby

Stoke Hole Pottery
31 South Carpenter Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 2 PM: Mono printing ornaments & pottery throwing demos

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)

The Paper Garden Co. 
655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Christmas bookmark craft & holiday fairy gardens
2 PM – 3 PM: Christmas Cards on Strings (violin duet)

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

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

Saturday, December 7, 2024: “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival – Holiday Music Day

Christmas Carols

Listen to the joyful sounds of Christmas carols as you roast marshmallows around a crackling fire! Let the warmth of the season fill the air as you create sweet memories with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit!

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
Fresh Evergreen Wreath Sales from Local Christmas Tree Grower
Enter to win prizes from Indiana Franklin Masonic Lodge #313

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

The Artists Hand Gallery

732 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM – 1 PM: “Bert & Ernie Day” – Special guest artists will play and sing holiday songs

The Indiana Theater

637 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
11 AM – 2 PM: Family Fun Day – Free crafts in the lobby
11 AM & 1 PM: “Polar Express” (2004)
7:30 PM: Concert – Gene the Werewolf with Black Ridge

Stoke Hole Pottery

31 South Carpenter Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 2 PM: Tree theme project & pottery throwing demos

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)

Philadelphia Street Playhouse 

725 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
7:30 PM: Miracle on 34th Street – the Play

The Paper Garden Co.

655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Christmas bookmark craft & holiday fairy gardens

Philly Street Candle Bar

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

Indiana Free Library

845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Stop in & vote for your favorite Gingerbread House

PLUS, these Holiday Offerings Listed on Below:

“It’s A Wonderful Life” Discounts & Promotions
“It’s A Wonderful Life” Food & Drink Specials
“Selfie Spots” throughout Downtown Indiana

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

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

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 – 7 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

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

The Paper Garden Co. 
655 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Christmas bookmark craft & holiday fairy gardens

The Artists Hand Gallery 
732 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
“Uncle Harry Day” – Purchase last minute gifts & art work
11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM: “It’s A Wonderful Life” film trivia contests

Stoke Hole Pottery

31 South Carpenter Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
12 PM – 2 PM: “Here Comes Santa” project & pottery throwing demos

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)

The Indiana Theater 
637 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
5 PM: White Christmas (1954)
7:30 PM: Christmas Vacation (1989)
9:15 PM: Scrooged (1988)

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

Date: November 22, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2024

Venue: Various Venues.

For more info https://www.visitindianacountypa.org/IAWL/