Things to Do This Winter in Southern Indiana

It's a new season and Southern Indiana is bursting with options to fill your winter needs. Whether you're looking for activities for your family or friends, Southern Indiana can turn some of the gloomiest days of the year into the best days of the season.

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Shopping

Man and woman window shopping in downtown Jeffersonville

Supporting local businesses is easy when you have two delightfully-booming downtowns that offer a plethora of local goods at beautiful and unique storefronts. No matter who you’re shopping for, our shops have the perfect gifts for everyone.

 

Huber's Orchard & Winery

Women cheers wine glasses at Huber's during the holidays

U-pick trees at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyard.

huber's igloo

One of the most popular year-round attractions in Southern Indiana is Huber's. Make the journey to Starlight to enjoy fresh hot apple cider, taste premium wines, cut down a Christmas tree and shop in their market. Returning this year are their outdoor igloos which can be a cozy way to enjoy Huber's this winter. Reserve yours today!

 

Breweries

Upland Brewing

Looking to enjoy some craft beer with family and friends this winter season? Look no further! We have a variety of selections on tap!

 

Night Life

Match Cigar Bar Heated Patio


No need to hibernate in SoIN! Southern Indiana comes alive after dark, even in the winter. Enjoy a smoked Old Fashioned on the heated patio at Match Cigar Bar, sing your heart out at The Blue Aux karaoke bar or gather your friends for wine and small bites at the Wine Shop. Click here for more late night spots in Southern Indiana!

 

MESA, A Living Dining Show

MESA, A Live Dining Show

If you want the best culinary experience in town that your taste buds will thank you for, then MESA, A Live Dining Show is the place to go. You'll get a hands-on demonstration from a superb local chef as well as a 3-5 course meal. Be sure to check out their upcoming events and your kids may enjoy a class at MESA Kids Cooking School! 

 

Dining

Group eating and drinking beer at Red Yeti

Once you're done shopping locally, go ahead and dine locally with some yummy carry-out or a delicious dine-in experience. These restaurants even have heated patios: Parlour, Union Restaurant & Gameyard, Pearl Street Taphouse, Upland Brewing Co. and Drake's

 

Outdoor Recreation

Family hiking in the woods at Deam Lake Knobstone Trail

Big Four Bridge

Get bundled up or choose a warmer weekend to get outdoors to do some hiking or walking. We offer some of the greatest trails in the region and you can make it a year-round thing to do.Explore Southern Indiana outside regardless of the temperature! Explore our multiple state parks, walk across the Big Four Bridge, or take a stroll on the Ohio River Greenway and more.

 

Museums

Visitors walk down the sidewalk outside of Culbertson Mansion during winter in New Albany, IN

Howard Steamboat Museum Christmas

If it's chilly out, you can always hibernate in your own home, but why not go inside one of our beloved museums? We have a few historical and cultural museums in Southern Indiana like the Carnegie Center for Art & History, Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, and Howard Steamboat Museum. The Carnegie Center's exhibit, Mothering Me is on display now through January 4, 2025 and The Printed Bird now through January 16, 2025. Explore the Culbertson Mansion and Howard Steamboat Museum in December to see these two magnificent homes dressed up for the holidays. If those don't tickle your fancy, then head over to Louisville, which is just 1-mile from Southern Indiana. Explore museums like the Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center and Speed Art Museum. 

 

Derby Dinner Playhouse

cartoon graphic of an open book with a castle and wintery fair tale scenebell with wings and play title A Wonderful Life

There is nothing better than having a delicious meal while being entertained by one of your favorite musicals, the magical component of Derby Dinner Playhouse. This is the oldest and largest continually operating dinner theatre in the country, and their shows do not disappoint. During the holidays, “A FairyTale Christmas” runs November 16 - December 21 and "A Wonderful Life" November 13 - December 31. Holiday shows sell out fast, so act quickly to secure your tickets! Look for additional shows in the new year, including “Salute To The Rat Pack & Friends", "Love, Lies & Lottery" and Tony Award-Winning musical "Urinetown". 

 

Sweets & Treats

Schimpff's Candy Cane Making Christmas Holiday

Get a cure for your sweet tooth at the following places and be sure to stop by Schimpff's Confectionery to watch a live demonstration on how they make their famous red hots. You might even catch a candy cane or ribbon candy demonstration during the holidays! Check out Sweet Stuff Bakery, Sweets by Morgan, Rookies Cookies, New Albany Sugar Shoppe, and more

 

Golf

Green at the Wooded View Golf Course

In our region, the weather can be a hit or a miss (no pun intended), but we definitely have a good amount of "warmer" days in the winter season. Rates are cheaper, you get to go outside and be active, and we have fantastic courses. What's not to love? 

 

The Sporting Club at the Farm

Outdoor range and targets at The Sporting Club at the Farm Archery

Get some outdoor recreation at The Sporting Club at the Farm which offers shooting sports, archery, upland game hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Nestled along the Ohio River, the Farm offers a new and unique way to enjoy the great outdoors. 

 

Year- Round Digital Passports

Digital Passports

Explore Southern Indiana your way using our Digital Passports. With three programs running all year round, you can choose to participate in our Scenic, Stranger Things and/or Inspired passports - each of which give the user a free way to discover the attractions that fit their interests, all while earning points for prizes! You can get a great overview of SoIN by signing up for our digital passports.

  • Scenic SoIN passport is a guide to some of the outdoor experiences.
  • Inspired SoIN passport will guide you through public art in SoIN, and the
  • Stranger Things Passport is a guide to all things quirky and eccentric in SoIN.

Learn more and sign up today on our Digital Passport page.

To find more fun activities to partake in this winter season, and to see a list of Santa sightings in Southern Indiana, check out our “Top Holiday Activities and Santa Sightings in Southern Indiana." For the best holiday light displays, check out our “Holiday Lights Events in Southern Indiana” blog!