The Holiday season is here! It’s time to enjoy the small-town charm of a quaint Christmas celebration, sip a cup of cocoa while watching a festive parade, and delight in the twinkle of a half-million-holiday lights. Southern Indiana shines during the holidays with dozens of opportunities to make magical memories that feel like you just stepped into a Hallmark movie. Make your list and check it twice – check out the holiday happenings you and your family won’t want to miss this year.
Shopping
Start your holiday shopping early to enjoy the festivities without the last-minute rush. Check out these great opportunities to start crossing items off your list.
Annual Huntingburg Christmas Stroll, Nov. 5-12 Kicks off with a tree lighting and stroll through the Victorian-era historic district and take in the decorated storefronts, or pop into the eclectic local businesses for one-of-a-kind gifting. This year brings unique experiences like a meet and greet with Tatertot the miniature pony, private igloos, seasonal drinks, and cookie pairings at Yard Goat Artisan Ales.
10th Anniversary Chandelier Country Christmas Market- Nov. 10 and 11 Head over to Gasthof Amish Village in Montgomery and shop from over 100+ handpicked artisan booths. Visits with Santa, live music, food, and plenty of photo ops.
Patoka Lake Winery Girl’s Day Out, Nov. 18 Sorry, fellas, this one's for the girls. Enjoy a glass of wine or a wine slushie and shop to your heart’s content from an array of wine-and food-themed gifts and home decor.
26th Annual Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 18 - 19 Browse through an array of more than 200 beautifully adorned booths, showcasing a variety of handcrafted goods, antiques, and delectable regional cuisine. This is an event the whole family will enjoy with plenty of seasonal entertainment including performances from the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, Marionette Theater performances, reindeer meet and greet, and more!
Santa Visits
Get ready, because Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a few special stops in Southern Indiana this season to spread holiday cheer.
Visit Santa at French Lick West Baden, Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 24 until Dec.16 at French Lick Resort. After sharing your Christmas wishes with Santa and his elves, enjoy cookies and cocoa, holiday music, and a candy cane scavenger hunt at the French Lick Activities Center. If you prefer to send him a letter instead, drop it in one of the holiday mailboxes by December 12 and get a response sent to your home before Christmas.
Indiana Rail Road Santa Train, Dec. 1-3 As the bright red train makes its way into town, step aboard a vintage passenger car and prepare to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they stop for heartwarming visits throughout Greene County. The train will visit multiple towns, so be sure to check the schedule to find the best location for you!
Annual Christmas on the Square, Dec. 9 Visit Orleans for the ultimate holiday celebration, featuring horse and carriage rides, a classic Christmas Story narration, a childrens’ train ride, Santa visits, and lots of holiday treats.
Dubois County Museum’s Festival of Trees and Santa Claus Exhibit, Nov.16-Dec.31 Get in the holiday spirit with over 1,100 Santa Clauses. The museum will be overflowing with holiday decorations, including Christmas trees decorated by local merchants.
One-of-a-Kind Experiences
Caroling in the Cave, Dec. 11 Marengo Cave’s year-round 52-degree temperature will feel downright balmy on a cold winter night. Descend to the cave’s underground Music Hall for seasonal tunes performed by local artists.
Wilstem Winter Fest Light Show, Starting on Nov. 24th, drive through the beautiful covered bridge adorned with holiday lights and venture into a winter wonderland with magical light displays.
French Lick Resort 50 Days of Lights, Nov. 11 - December 31 With more than half a million lights illuminating the property and a packed calendar of events including tree-lighting ceremonies, gingerbread house competitions, holiday drive-in movies, and much more, the resort becomes the premier destination to soak in the holiday spirit.
For a complete list of holiday happenings click here.
