NEW CASTLE, Ind. – New Castle is preparing to welcome the community to its annual Christmas Walk on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Christmas Walk plans to feature 115 vendors along Broad and Main streets, including both local shops and visiting sellers.

“That is a combination of local brick and mortar and incoming vendors,” said Shonda Kane, Executive Director of Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Children can enjoy games and activities, including bounce houses. The Chamber encourages attendees to watch for small Frosty figures hidden throughout the Christmas Walk. Those who find one can redeem it for gift card prizes later in the evening. Horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, and appearances by Santa, Buddy the Elf and the Grinch are also planned.

“Shops love the surge in shoppers and new people in their stores,” Kane said. “Downtown New Castle has seen many changes in the past few years, and this is a great avenue to show off their progress.”

The Christmas Walk has been a Chamber tradition for more than 15 years, growing from a handful of vendors to over 100. “Each year it grows a bit,” Kane noted.

The Chamber is coordinating with city officials, police, fire, and EMS to ensure safety measures are taken throughout the evening. State Road 38 and several downtown side streets will be closed. A map of closures is available on the Chamber’s website.

“Volunteers man the barricades while vendors are setting up,” Kane said.

Parking downtown is expected to fill quickly. New Castle Transit will provide a shuttle from the Ace hardware parking lot to Broad and Main streets to help with traffic flow.

 “The Chamber and the Christmas Walk planning committee are excited to welcome so many people to our community,” Kane said.

Image provided by Shonda Kane.