There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than to experience enchanting lights and dazzling decorations designed for this special time of year. So, pack up the car, turn on holiday music, and get ready for some spectacular sights! You’ll find these stunning displays all around Southern Indiana.
Charlestown: Christmas City
Charlestown: Christmas City is one of the Southern Indiana region’s most festive light displays with multiple locations lighting up to transform Charlestown into a “Christmas City.” To ring in the holidays, Light Up Charlestown begins at 5 p.m. Friday, November 24, at Greenway Park–the town’s central park. Enjoy holiday music, food trucks and the flipping of the light switch at 6 p.m., which sets Charlestown aglow with holiday lights. While there, take a stroll through the park to see a beautiful, fully lit 55-foot tree. Live reindeer will be on site from 6 - 10 p.m. on December 20!
Just a few blocks away on Market Street, holiday lights will also be shining bright on the miniature golf course at the Charlestown Family Activities Park. Play a round of put-put golf then hop aboard the Charlestown Express. Cost of the train ride is $5 per person. Purchase tickets at the admission window. If you have little ones, make sure you leave time for visits with Santa or the Grinch, children’s activities and a concession stand selling hot chocolate, apple cider and snacks.
And don't miss the Winter Holiday Market, also at the Family Activities Park! Check off your holiday shopping list by visiting vendors selling holiday décor, gifts, handmade crafts and more. The market will be open from 6 - 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
An animated light show takes place at the Charlestown City Square every night from 6 to 10 p.m. from November 24 until January 1. On some evenings, guests will be surprised with appearances by favorite holiday characters. Set your radio to 87.9 FM to hear music synced to the light show.
This year's festivities include additional special events, including a murder mystery dinner party, a wreath making class and a community painting party.
Light Up Jeff and Holiday Parade
Source: www.facebook.com/jeffersonville.indiana
The City of Jeffersonville comes aglow during Light Up Jeff, presented by Republic Bank, on Saturday, November 25 at Warder Park. Make a night out of this event filled with fun activities for the whole family.
The North Pole Party begins at 4 p.m. on Court Avenue with games, rides, live entertainment, treats, visits with Santa Claus and more.
The Holiday Light Up Parade gets rolling at 6 p.m. Find a great viewing spot on Spring Street (between Market and 7th) and watch as the floats, bands, unique vehicles and other participants ride by. Immediately after the parade ends, Mayor Mike Moore flips the switch to light up Warder Park.
While you’re in Jeffersonville, be sure and take a stroll through the glowing light displays in downtown Jeffersonville, including at Big Four Station Park and on the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. Head downtown early, before the light up festivities, to do some holiday shopping. If you arrive early enough, you might even catch holiday candy making at Schimpff's Confectionery!
While you’re in Jeffersonville, be sure and take a stroll through the festive light displays in downtown Jeffersonville, including at Big Four Station Park and on the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge.
Light Up New Albany
Kick-off the holiday season with Light Up New Albany at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, in Bicentennial Park.
Packed with yuletide fun for the entire family, City of New Albany presents an evening of crafts, cookies, hot cocoa, face painting, a photo booth, and visits with Santa. Like Jeffersonville, Downtown New Albany is packed with great shops and restaurants to begin checking off your list while ringing in the season.
Minion House
For a unique and quirky holiday light experience, take a drive to 2032 Indiana Avenue in New Albany where minion mania is on full display.
Around 70 of the zany, yellow inflatable characters made famous by the movie, “Despicable Me,” have taken over the home’s front yard. Decked out for the holidays, the minions come in all shapes and sizes, including two that stand 11-feet tall.
This Southern Indiana display has gone viral and caught the attention of millions worldwide. Weather permitting, the display usually goes up Thanksgiving weekend. For a unique and quirky holiday light experience, take a drive to 2032 Indiana Avenue in New Albany where minion mania is on full display.
Around 70 of the zany, yellow inflatable characters made famous by the movie, “Despicable Me,” have taken over the home’s front yard. Decked out for the holidays, the minions come in all shapes and sizes, including two that stand 11-feet tall.
This Southern Indiana display has gone viral and caught the attention of millions worldwide. Weather permitting, the display usually goes up Thanksgiving weekend.
Lights Under Louisville
Head across the bridge to Louisville to drive your car through Lights Under Louisville, “the only underground light show in the world.” Roll down the windows and enjoy a 30-minute contactless drive through portions of Louisville Mega Cavern—17 miles of underground passageways. With more than 900 lit characters and 4 million points of light, you’ll be treated to an underground winter wonderland of lights aglow for the season.
Take a driving tour through the attraction November 10 through January 1, 2024. Cost is $42.99 for a standard vehicle.
Gardens Aglimmer
Reserve your tickets for Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens! Starting December 1, enjoy a sparkling wonderland of giant flowers, snowflakes, glistening deer and twinkling archways. Visit Santa and his sleigh in the Graeser Family Education Center and Mrs. Claus’ cottage in the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms. Santa will be on site from 6 - 9 p.m. He will not be present December 10 or December 27 - 30.
Ticket prices for Gardens Aglimmer vary by age, ranging from $10.50 - $17 per person. Children 2 and under attend for free. Members of the Garden receive a discount.
