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. on Thursday, November 20.
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! Follow their Facebook page for more holiday candy updates.
Handmade Candy Canes
Friday, Nov. 28
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Handmade Ribbon Candy
Saturday, Nov. 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MESA
MESA is proud to offer a range of exciting holiday cooking classes this season. Get tickets for these and other dinners on the MESA website.
November 20 - Holiday Cocktail Class and 4 Course Dining Event with Chef Q McCoy from Buck's Restaurant
November 21 - 4 Course Friendsgiving Celebration with Chef Vanessa Felix-Goode, Culinary Instructor at Prosser
November 22 - French Harvest Live Dining Experience with Chef Joe Burner of Your Favorite Burner Catering
November 28 - 4 Course Dining in the Dark on Black Friday with Chef Serge Katz of Flavaville
December 13 - 4 Course Bourbon Dinner with Chef Mike Bowe of Red Yeti and Peerless Distillery
December 18 - 4 Course Christmas Dinner with Zechariah Maxey of Leaven Bakery
MESA Kids
MESA Kids Cooking School presents Pancakes with the Grinch, a mischievously magical holiday experience! Kids will cook up their own green pancakes while the Grinch pops in for some playful fun. Afterward, he’ll lead a mini parade and pose for photos. Parents can relax up front and enjoy breakfast specials and festive drinks from O’Chae’s Café located inside MESA. Sessions are Saturdays, November 29 – December 20, at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
Holiday Shows
"A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas" runs November 15 - December 20. Catch another holiday classic next door at the Clarksville Little Theatre when they perform Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” December 5 – 14. Holiday shows sell out fast, so act quickly to secure your tickets!
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" tour on Friday, December 19, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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. 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.
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
@gosoin Save this for your next must-do Holiday event here in Southern Indiana! The festivities can be broken down by 3 locations within Charlestown, all in close proximity. Charlestown City Square 📍850 Main St, Charlestown, IN 47111 * 20 minute animated light show * Nov. 29 until Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. Greenway Park 📍Charlestown, IN 47111 * Paved path with Hallmark worthy lights * Lit up & decorated 55-foot Tree * Concessions Family Activities Park 📍1000 Park St, Charlestown, IN 47111 * Tickets for The Charlestown Express train rides * Tickets for Holiday Mini-Golf * Winter Holiday Market * Character Visits * Concession * Kids activities in the party rooms * Thursdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. Know before you go: * Dress warm! While there are a few heat lamps at the Family Activities Park, everything is outdoors. * You can park at any of the 3 locations but know that the Family Activities Park lot gets full quickly. * Train rides are $8 per person, ages 2 and up while a round of mini-golf is $5 per person. Tickets are sold nightly on site at the admission window only, NOT in advance. 📸 KeepingUpInSoIN on Instagram #southernindiana #christmaslights #fyp #hallmarktown #GoSoIN ♬ Main Title (From "Elf") - Dominik Hauser
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 every weekend after Thanksgiving through December 20! Plus, don’t miss the Cookies & Cocoa with Santa event on Saturday, December 20, from 9–11 a.m. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy cookies, cocoa, and cider, and take home a festive goodie bag. The Starlight Café will open early for breakfast.
Green Tree Mall
Green Tree Mall is thrilled to welcome Santa Claus this holiday season for a heartwarming meet-and-greet experience from December 5 - 24. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Bass Pro Shops
Visit Santa this season at Bass Pro Shops! Now through December 24, Santa will be available for your one free photo by reservation at Basspro.com/Santa, so don't delay in getting your reservations now!
Uncommon Cups and Cones
Meet Santa at Uncommon Cups and Cones on Saturday, December 20, from noon - 3 p.m. Share your Christmas wish list and snap a photo during this FREE event.
Howard Steamboat Museum 4th 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 Sunday, December 7, 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 as you celebrate the season!
Vintage Fire Museum
On December 13 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 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. View all the details here. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.
Downtown New Albany is also home to Recbar 812’s holiday pop-up bar, Spirits Full Tavern, where the entire downstairs has been completely decked out in Christmas cheer. Sip a seasonal drink, soak in the festive atmosphere, and grab some tokens to battle your friends in pinball, air hockey, Pac-Man, and tons of arcade favorites.
For more festive cocktails, head over to O'Shea's in downtown Jeffersonville. Featured cocktails include The Icicle Martini and their house recipe New York Sour, topped with a delicious Pino Noir. While supplies last. Don’t miss out!
Get your hot chocolate fix at local favorites like Coffee Crossing, Kolkin Coffee and Starlight Coffee.
Preparing for Winter & Winter Wear Shopping
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.
