It’s that time…the holly jolly holiday season is upon us! Magical, memorable, and oh-so-festive, there’s nothing quite like the holidays in Brown County.
After all, around here holiday cheer comes naturally. With plenty of fun holiday events, unique shopping, and nostalgic charm, we think it’s high time you start a new holiday tradition…in Brown County, of course!
From the day after Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas, we’ve got a long list of fun, festive happenings that everyone will enjoy. We’d go so far as to say, we could even win over the Grinch!
What’s planned? Check it out below:
Shop Til’ You Drop!
Kick off the holidays…and get a head start on your shopping on November 29. Rather than battling the chaotic Black Friday crowds at the mall, make it a “Brown Friday” in Brown County instead! Enjoy one-of-a-kind, eclectic stores as you fill your shopping bags with locally handcrafted gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Stick around and support Small Business Saturday on November 30 and keep crossing those names off your Christmas list! The Village’s holiday décor, quaint charm, and abundance of treat shops will make your holiday shopping experience all the sweeter!
Another good spot to stock up on gifts is the Holiday Art and Craft Show at The Seasons Lodge. Going on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, you’ll love this mega showcase of local and regional items, all handmade by skilled artisans.
There are a few holiday open houses to check out in December too. Besides getting to admire some antiques and art, these are all great places for scoring awesome (and original) holiday gifts. Head to open houses at the Brown County Antique Mall and New Leaf Gallery on December 7. Stop by the Sleepy Cat Studio for a holiday open house on December 14 and see a round up of art from several local artists!
Oh yeah, we can’t forget about the Creekside Retreat Holiday Craft Show on December 14 too!
So much shopping, so little time…
Merry and Bright…Time to See Some Holiday Lights
Whether they are white, colored, icicle style, twinkling, or blinking, get your fill of holiday lights in Brown County!
It wouldn’t be a proper holiday without an official tree lighting ceremony! Head to the History Center on November 29 at 5:30 p.m. for some yummy holiday refreshments and cheerful tunes. Official business will take place at 6 p.m. when the Village’s tree is powered up, kicking off Brown County’s happy holiday season!
The light show continues December 7 with the always magical Holiday Light Parade and Toy Drive. Watch as a flock of brightly lit floats travel through the Village beginning at 6 p.m. Not only is this a fun way to get in the holiday spirit, but it also supports a good cause! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Light Parade and it will be donated to less fortunate Brown County families. You can also give back this holiday season at the annual Children’s Christmas Benefit Auction on December 6.
Of course, a simple stroll through the downtown Village will leave you seeing plenty of lights too!
Kid-Approved Holiday Fun
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…at least according to the kiddos! Bring the little ones to Brown County for tons of festive fun that’s sure to get a thumbs up!
A must for the kids is a visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick! Stop by the History Center on November 29 and 30 for some time with Santa. We can’t think of a better way to welcome the holidays! You also can enjoy a hearty, warm breakfast with Santa at the Brown County Inn on December 7 and 8…hot chocolate bar included!
Be sure to put Stuff a Stocking on this year’s holiday to do list! On December 7, the kiddies can follow a map to over 25 local merchants gathering treats, ornaments, toys, and more to stuff their Christmas stockings! Proceeds benefit the Brown County Community Foundation. This is always a sell out, so get your tickets fast!
Another fun thing for the kiddos is the Santa Train on December 6. Head out to Helmsburg and catch Santa as he rolls through town on the railroad. Climb aboard and chat with St. Nick on his very own express train!
The kids also will enjoy Believe, a holiday entertainment show at the Playhouse. In fact, everyone in the family will love it. Singing, dancing, laughter, special effect lighting, lots of music, an appearance by Santa, and so much more…don’t miss out on this lively holiday experience!
Holiday Drinks & Entertainment
The holiday season is all about feeling festive! We bet some fun cocktails, fine wine, and live concerts are sure to get you there!
Check out the Uplands Winter Wine Market on December 7. Head to the Brown County Art Gallery for an afternoon of holiday wine, food, and shopping. Taste wines from across the Indiana Uplands, stock up on wine accessories, sample specialty foods from culinary artisans, and see some local art! Life doesn’t get much better!
Of course, you can always mix in some tours and tastes at our local wineries, distilleries, and brewery during your holiday visit! Take a break from shopping or from your event-filled day to wet your whistle. Those creative Christmas-themed cocktails and locally produced libations are sure to make all that holiday stress fade away!
Our newest entertainment venue, the Brown County Music Center, has a big line-up of holiday shows to enjoy, December 1-21. With six different shows across a variety of genres, there’s no reason not to catch a fun live performance!
Of course, there are plenty of other spots to hear some live music too…pretty much every weekend. And, we’ve got a slew of New Year’s Eve parties and packages coming your way!
Feeling Old-Fashioned?
Old-fashioned holiday charm abounds in Brown County! After all, when you have such a historic past and quaint Village to boot, Christmas nostalgia comes easy.
Step back in time to the early 1920s when legendary painter T.C. Steele celebrated the holidays in Brown County. That’s right…have some old-fashioned holiday fun at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site on December 8 during Steele’s Country Christmas! Visit with St. Nicholas, make holiday crafts, and even enjoy live music and refreshments.
Another great old-timey holiday event is the Story Inn’s Victorian Candlelight Dinners. During this special experience, Story’s dining room is illuminated by candles and oil lamps only. The staff even dresses in authentic Victorian fashion and live traditional Christmas music plays from the piano. It’s a must!
Better check out the Christmas Log and Country Home Tour on December 7 while you’re at it! Here’s your chance to see some true Brown County cabins and cottages. On the tour, you will visit three log homes, two country homes, and one church all decked out in festive holiday decor. Learn the history of each place too!
Have a Little Outdoor Holiday Adventure!
Maybe your idea of holiday fun is spending some quality time with Mother Nature! We’ve got you covered. It is Brown County we’re talking about!
Lace up those running shoes and do the Reindeer Romp, an 8K run or a 5K run/walk at the Brown County State Park. Enjoy the brisk winter air, beautiful Brown County scenery, and earn those holiday treats with this fun run on December 7!
Another holiday adventure awaits at the State Park and that’s the Christmas Bird Count on December 14! Take a trek through the park to estimate the numbers and kinds of birds spending their holidays in Brown County. Then, meet up at the Abe Martin Lodge for lunch to tally up the list!
You also can go on a fun zip line experience all month long at eXplore Brown County. P.S. you’ll be joined by Santa and get treated to some tasty hot cocoa!
With its unique atmosphere, quaint charm, and endless holiday festivities, there’s no better place to be this holiday season than in Brown County. It’s high time you come experience our holiday magic!
For more information on holiday events, attractions, and activities, click here!