Southern Indiana comes alive with the magic of the winter season, offering a delightful array of holiday events and activities that are sure to warm your heart. From festive light displays and parades, ice skating rinks, and seasonal culinary delights, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of the year. Explore our list of winter holiday activities in Southern Indiana and let the spirit of the season fill your days with joy, wonder, and cherished memories.
Top Holiday Activities
Huber’s Orchard and Winery
Wine, spirits and Christmas tree shopping - At Huber’s Orchard and Winery, guests can revel in the holiday spirit as they choose the perfect Christmas tree in a picturesque setting. Alongside the festive tree-picking experience, visitors will discover an extensive array of wines and spirits to make their holiday celebrations truly special. Huber’s Orchard and Winery provides the ideal destination for all your holiday needs.
Pop’s Reserve Release - Mark your calendars, as the exclusive wine release will be available for the public to purchase from the winery starting at 10 a.m. November 21.
Holiday Candy Making at Schimpff’s
The days following Thanksgiving are an absolute treat for all who visit Schimpff's! Prepare to be dazzled as they whip up magical holiday candy right before your eyes. They'll craft either delightful candy canes or intricate ribbon candy, making it an enchanting experience you won't want to miss!
Handmade Candy Canes
Friday, Nov. 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Handmade Ribbon Candy
Saturday, Nov. 30
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MESA
MESA is proud to offer a range of exciting holiday cooking classes this season. On December 11, join Chef Liz Martino for a festive 3-Course Christmas Movie Trivia event. On December 14, enjoy a special 3-Course Brunch with Santa, hosted by Chef Alejandro Magallanez. Then, on December 19, participate in a Hands-On Gluten-Free Holiday Baking Class with Rachael Ritter. Finally, on December 21, experience a 3-Course Christmas with a Twist, featuring Get Served winner Chef Jake Brockman from Mise en Place Catering. Get tickets for these and other dinners on the MESA website.
MESA Kids
MESA Kids Cooking School presents an engaging opportunity for young aspiring chefs! Their upcoming cooking class series, taking place every Wednesday from December 4 - 18, offers kids the chance to master the art of preparing delectable appetizers and desserts fit for the whole family. For just $37 per class, participants not only gain valuable culinary skills but also receive all the materials and ingredients required for each session. It's a hands-on, creative adventure that promises to leave young chefs inspired and their taste buds delighted!
Derby Dinner Playhouse Holiday Shows
A Wonderful Life
“A Wonderful Life and “A Fairy Tale Christmas come to the Derby Dinner Playhouse stage this holiday season! “A Wonderful Life,” showing from November 13 – December 31, is an uplifting adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film that follows the extraordinary lives of ordinary people and celebrates the innate goodness in us all. In addition to the dates listed for the show, Derby Dinner fans can enjoy a special Thanksgiving matinee performance for $48/person.
A Fairy Tale Christmas
“A Fairy Tale Christmas,” showing November 16 – December 21, is Derby Dinner’s Children’s musical this holiday season. Experience the holidays through the eyes of your favorite fairy tale characters as everyone in the land of Happily Ever After is preparing for the Crystal Christmas Ball!
The New Albany Wicked Walk
Bundle up and take a winter stroll through the haunted, violent, and tragic past events of downtown New Albany, set to the warm glow of the downtown holiday lights! Experience the "Frights & Lights" Friday the 13th tour on Friday, December 13 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. As a special treat, midway through the tour, visitors will be stopping at The Odd Shop for a little respite from the cold and to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee! On Saturday, December 21 you can attend the Fright & Lights on Macabre Main tour.
Christmas at the Culbertson
In most places, the spooky season ends on October 31, but not at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site in New Albany. In addition to hosting the region’s longest-running haunted houses in the fall, the beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion hosts haunted activities throughout December.
The mansion was built by William Culbertson, one of the richest men in Indiana at the time, and is rumored to be haunted. This holiday season, guests can experience both the grandeur and the ghoulish side of the mansion at a series of festive and sometimes frightening events.
Put your detective skills to work during one of two Holiday Murder Mystery dinners. Explore the once-popular tradition of sharing ghost stories during “The Spirits of Christmas – Victorian Ghost Stories.” Brave a holiday haunt inspired by central European folklore during Krampusnacht, produced by the same crew behind the mansion’s annual “House of Anguish.” Click the links for more information and to purchase tickets.
Ivy Wonderland & The Festival of Trees
Ivy Tech Sellersburg and the Arts Alliance are teaming up for this special holiday event. Enjoy Santa visits, holiday crafts, the opportunity to bid on decorated trees and more!
Santa, Mrs. Clause & Grinch Sightings
When the enchantment of the holidays fills the air, there's no better way to embrace it than by sharing your wishes with the man in the red suit. This list is your guide to discovering the best places to visit Santa in Southern Indiana. If your heart is “two sizes too small”, you might prefer to see everyone’s favorite green villain, The Grinch, who has also been spotted in some SoIN locations.
Charlestown: Christmas City
Charlestown: Christmas City is one of SoIN’s most festive light displays with multiple locations lighting up to transform Charlestown into a “Christmas City.” Not only is the event a haven for spectacular lighting showcases and festive activities, but visitors can also meet Santa, reindeer and The Grinch! Visit the City of Charlestown website for a list of dates and times.
Santa at Huber's Orchard & Winery
Santa will be at Huber's for two special "Cookies & Cocoa" events on Sunday, Dec 8th, and Saturday, Dec 14th, from 9 -11 a.m. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy cookies, cocoa, and cider, and receive a Christmas goodie bag. This year, the Starlight Cafe will open early for breakfast. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!
2nd Annual Christmas Family Night
Head to the Knights of Columbus, 809 E. Main Street in New Albany, on Tuesday, December 10 for the second annual Christmas Family Night! Enjoy live festive music, holiday crafts and fun activities for the entire family! The event takes place from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and includes a chance to visit and take photos with Santa. There is also a hot chocolate bar ($1) and the K of C's famous chicken-and-dumplings ($7) will be available for purchase. This is a free event hosted by Floyd County Parks and Recreation with support from Small Talk Pediatric Therapy and the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Ritter Council 1221.
Story Time with Santa
Perfect for kids 12 and under, this magical event features Santa himself reading stories to spread holiday cheer. Warm up at the cozy hot cocoa station, where kids can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with festive toppings. After story time, head over to Maker13 for treats and a holiday art activity.
Fresco Tea Bar
Returning due to high demand, the 4th annual “Pictures with the Grinch” event is a must-attend! The Grinch will be visiting on Friday, Dec. 13 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Guests can savor delicious Boba Tea and snacks before making their way upstairs to meet the beloved character in green. Plus, every family will receive a complimentary photo to cherish.
Green Tree Mall
Green Tree Mall is thrilled to welcome Santa Claus this holiday season for a heartwarming meet-and-greet experience Nov. 27 - Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Bass Pro Shop
Visit Santa this season at Bass Pro Shops! Santa will be available for your one free photo by reservation at Basspro.com/Santa so don't delay in getting your reservations now! The hours begin on Sunday, November 4 and run through December 24.
Meet Santa in the upper room on Thursday, December 5 from 6-8 p.m. Share your Christmas wish list and snap a photo during this FREE event.
3rd Annual Christmas Holiday Open House and Christmas Bazaar
Come and peruse the crafts and unique items available from local artisans at this one-of-a-kind event on December 8, from Noon to 4 p.m. at The Howard Steamboat Museum. The perfect place to find a great gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative. Visit Santa Claus, enjoy seasonal music provided by the Thomas Brass Ensemble, and share in light refreshments with us as we celebrate the season!
Vintage Fire Museum
On December 14 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Santa will be at the Vintage Fire Museum! Children of all ages can have their photo taken with Santa, will receive a gift and sweet treat from Santa and will see antique toy fire trucks. Enjoy seeing the amazing things in the Museum, too!
Festive Cocktails and Hot Chocolate
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with the warmth of a steaming cup of heavenly hot chocolate or a uniquely crafted festive cocktail? Southern Indiana is your destination for the most divine hot chocolate and the most creatively concocted seasonal cocktails. This guided list is your passport to savoring these delightful beverages that will transport you to a world of delicious holiday magic.
Festive Cocktails
Experience the NEW Holiday Pop-up bar inside The Exchange Pub and Kitchen in downtown New Albany! Celebrate the holidays in style, savoring expertly crafted holiday cocktails, fine wines, and refreshing beers, all while relaxing in a magical winter wonderland. The bar will be open from November 29 - December 31. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.
Hot Chocolate
Preparing for Winter/Winter Wear
Embrace the chilly season with style! Dive into the world of fashionable winter outerwear by exploring the offerings of these local shops in the heart of Southern Indiana. Get ready to revamp your winter wardrobe and make a statement!
Looking for more places to find that perfect gift? Check out our "Holiday Staff Picks" blog post to see our favorite spots to gift shop for the whole family! And if holiday lights are what make your spirit bright, don't miss our "Holiday Light Events" post.
