Holidays at Gresham Shines With Joy & Purpose
As winter settles over east central Indiana, a familiar sparkle begins to appear along West White River Boulevard. Twinkling lights stretch across trees, animated displays come alive, and families queue up in cars, windows rolled down just enough to hear carols on the crisp evening air. For many, this can mean only one thing: Meridian Health Services’ Holidays at Gresham has returned.
Now in its thirteenth year, Holidays at Gresham has grown into one of Muncie’s most beloved traditions — a dazzling drive-thru light extravaganza that combines the magic of the season with the heart of community giving. Hosted at Meridian’s Suzanne Gresham Center, the event runs Friday through Sunday evenings in December from 6 to 9 p.m., welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
A Tradition That Glows Brighter Every Year
With more than one million lights, whimsical themed displays, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Holidays at Gresham is a glowing winter wonderland. Families can expect a joyful journey through scenes of toy soldiers, Candy Land, and dancing snowflakes from the comfort of their car.
“It’s one of those rare events that feels both grand and personal,” says Beth Clark, Meridian’s vice president of marketing and development. “You see kids’ faces pressed against the windows, their eyes wide with excitement. But behind the lights is a deeper purpose. It’s about shining hope into the lives of children who need it most that receive services at our Suzanne Gresham Center.”
For families, that balance of celebration and service is what makes the event so meaningful.
“Driving through the lights with our kids has become our way of saying, ‘The holidays are here,’” says local dad Joey O’Connor. “It’s beautiful, and you know you’re supporting something that truly matters.”
The Light Behind the Lights
While the glowing displays create an unforgettable holiday experience, Holidays at Gresham also serves as a fundraiser for Meridian’s Children’s Services programs and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), located at the Suzanne Gresham Center. The CAC provides trauma-informed care to children who have experienced abuse or neglect and offers a safe space for healing and recovery.
“Every light out there represents a child’s story,” says Carrie Schad, director of the Suzanne Gresham Center. “When people visit, donate, or volunteer, they’re helping us bring light to children during the darkest moments of their lives.”
This year’s event aims to raise funds for a new therapeutic walking path to be installed at the Suzanne Gresham Center — a restorative space designed to support children receiving mental health services. The asphalt path will offer an environment where therapists can integrate movement and outdoor interaction directly into treatment plans.
For many children, traditional therapy settings can feel intimidating or confining. A walking path provides an alternative, encouraging conversation through motion, reducing anxiety, and helping kids open up. Walking side-by-side rather than sitting face-to-face often helps children process emotions, build trust, and regulate their energy.
Blending the benefits of movement and mental health care, the therapeutic walking path will be a valuable addition to Meridian’s holistic approach, nurturing both mind and body while giving children space to breathe, reflect, and heal.
A Community Effort
Behind every strand of lights is a story of partnership. Each year, local businesses, civic groups, and volunteers come together to make the event possible.
Longtime partner Indiana Michigan Power provides both lift trucks and volunteers to help install the lights.
“It takes a village to create something this special, and the generosity of our community is what keeps this event going year after year,” says Kaitlyn Davis, Meridian’s director of development, fundraising and events.
That sense of collaboration extends beyond setup. Sponsors and volunteers know their time and resources help do more than create holiday cheer — they’re building a stronger, more compassionate community.
“When we come together to celebrate, we also come together to care for community,” Davis says. “That’s what the holidays, and Meridian, are all about.”
Experience the Magic
The official “First Look” event kicks off on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., giving visitors an early glimpse at the display and a chance to make their first holiday donation.
Throughout the season, guests can drive through for free, though donations are encouraged. Donors each weekend will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. A winner will be selected after each event weekend in December.
The event runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December, and every night during the week of Dec. 22-28, at the Suzanne Gresham Center, 3620 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, Indiana.
For those who have made it part of their holiday routine, the event’s charm never fades.
“No matter how many times you go through the lights, it still feels magical and serves as a reminder of the good that’s happening right here in our community,” Schad says. “We may light up the Gresham Center for a few weeks each year, but the impact of this event lasts far longer.”
Every light is a promise that no child faces darkness alone.
Event Dates (6-9 p.m.):
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Fri–Sun, Dec. 5-7; 12-14; 19-21
Nightly Dec. 22-28
