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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by exploring the magic of local festivities? From dazzling light displays to heartwarming parades, our community has a variety of events to make this season merry and bright. Here, we have compiled a list of 10 great local attractions ranging from Evansville to Jasper!
- A Downtown Christmas in Evansville
- Date: Saturday, December 2nd
- Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
- Enjoy free festive activities like Santa’s Workshop with craft stations, face painting, and letter writing to Santa. Glide down the Snow Glacier Inflatable Slide, visit the Petting Zoo, and snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss giant snow globes, pony rides, and a Holiday Express Trackless train. Warm up with hot cocoa, shop in 20+ stores, and choose from 50+ restaurants to dine in. This is the best way to start the Christmas season! The event takes place on Main Street in Evansville (200, 300, 400 and 500 Blocks).
- Downtown Christmas Parade in Henderson
- Date: Saturday, December 2nd
- Time: 10 AM
- Kick off the holiday season with the Henderson Merchants’ Annual Invitational in Downtown Henderson. Sponsored by the Henderson Shrine Club and supported by donations from local merchants, this festive parade is a community celebration not to be missed!
- Polar Express Pajama Party in Jasper
- Date: Saturday, December 2nd
- Time: 3 PM (EST)
- Embark on a magical Polar Express adventure presented by German American Bank. Go on an enchanting journey to the North Pole, inspired by the beloved children’s book and movie. General admission tickets, priced at $10.00, offer special treats for the whole family. Pajamas are encouraged for a fully immersive experience. Doors open at 2:30 PM EST, with the film starting at 3:00 PM EST. Believe in the magic of Christmas and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get your tickets at the link here!
- Santa Claus, IN
- Explore the enchanting city of Santa Claus, America’s Christmas Hometown! Visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village to learn about the town, write a letter to Santa, and capture a photo with the 22-foot-tall Historic Santa Statue. Create lasting memories by personalizing an ornament at the Santa Claus Christmas Store. Indulge your sweet tooth at Santa’s Candy Castle with classic sweets, hand-made chocolates, and frozen hot chocolate. Don’t miss the highlight—the Santa Claus Christmas Parade on December 9th at 1 PM, promising a jolly good time lasting about one hour. Santa Claus is the place to be for Christmas fun!
- Explore the enchanting city of Santa Claus, America’s Christmas Hometown! Visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village to learn about the town, write a letter to Santa, and capture a photo with the 22-foot-tall Historic Santa Statue. Create lasting memories by personalizing an ornament at the Santa Claus Christmas Store. Indulge your sweet tooth at Santa’s Candy Castle with classic sweets, hand-made chocolates, and frozen hot chocolate. Don’t miss the highlight—the Santa Claus Christmas Parade on December 9th at 1 PM, promising a jolly good time lasting about one hour. Santa Claus is the place to be for Christmas fun!
- Christmas with The Beatles in Vincennes
- Date: Thursday, December 14th
- Time: 7 PM – 9 PM (EST)
- Experience a groovy evening of festive cheer as attendees celebrate Christmas with The Beatles at 20 West Red Skelton Boulevard. The show starts at 7:00 PM, with early arrivals treated to lobby entertainment. The event promises a magical atmosphere, featuring favorite Beatles hits infused with holiday spirit. Attendees will be transported back to the swinging sixties by talented musicians, spreading joy and nostalgia. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music, merriment, memories, and a touch of comedy. The event includes a collection of winter hats and gloves for local distribution to those in need. Get your tickets at the link here!
- Newburgh Winterlights
- Date: Thursday, December 14th
- Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Immerse yourself in the magical Newburgh Winterlights, where thousands of lights adorn the Rivertown Trail from the Aurand Trailhead. Tickets are $5 per person (children 2 and under free) for this rain-or-shine event, valid from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the chosen date. The enchanting journey spans across the red bridge, through the woods, and onto the overlook. Parking is available at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and downtown public lots. Don’t miss this luminous experience! Get tickets to the event at the link here.
- Donuts and PJs with Santa in Bruceville
- Date: Saturday, December 16th
- Time: 9 AM – 12 PM (EST)
- Celebrate the holiday season at The Big Peach with breakfast with Santa! Tickets, priced at $10.50 per child (parents exempt), include 1 donut, 1 drink (milk or juice), a digital photo with Santa, and a pass for play and Christmas crafts. PJs are welcome! Parents can purchase donuts, coffee, and baked goods separately. For an extra special touch, surprise your child with a personalized mug for $7. Join in the festive fun of delicious treats, Santa photos, and holiday crafts by getting your tickets here!
- Visit with Santa and parade in Jasper
- Dates: November 24 – December 17
- Times: vary by date
- Santa Claus is making a special visit to his home on the Square in Downtown Jasper! After arriving at the end of the Santa Comes to Town Parade, Santa will be in His Special House greeting children at the Fire Station. This festive event runs on specific days until Sunday, December 17th. For detailed times and dates, check the link here. Join the holiday magic at Downtown Jasper!
- Live Drive-Thru Nativity in Holland
- Date: Thursday, December 21st
- Time: 6:30 PM – 8 PM (EST)
- Holland United Methodist Church invites everyone to experience the magic of Christmas with a Live Drive-thru Nativity at their parking lot (205 N. 2nd Ave). Witness the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in Bethlehem and receive a free holiday treat bag for every vehicle. This heartwarming event is a wonderful opportunity to share in the joy of the season, and best of all, it’s entirely free.
- The Fantasy of Lights in Evansville
- Dates: November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024
- Times: Thursday 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 5 PM – 10 PM, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 5 PM – 10 PM
- In its 30th year, Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights continues to be a cherished holiday tradition for the Tri-State community. Garvin Park is magically transformed into a “fantasyland” with over 80 spectacular light displays, some towering up to 25 feet. Animated scenes include flying reindeer, dancing bears, and a waving Santa. Tickets, priced at $7 for a vehicle with 6 or fewer people, $10 for 7-14 people, and $25 for 15 or more people, can be purchased at the event entrance. The fantasy comes to life from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sunday to Thursday and extends to 10 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
This is merely the tip of the iceberg (winter pun intended) of the festive activities awaiting you in our local communities this holiday season. We trust we’ve sparked your enthusiasm to gather friends and family and partake in these fantastic events. So, don’t forget to mark your calendars – ’tis the season for joy and merriment!
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