15 Ways to Celebrate the Season Just South of Indy

Posted by: Shelby Morse on November 12, 2024

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without enjoying our favorite traditions. In Festival Country, that means gazing at sparkling light displays, finding the perfect gifts at a craft market, visiting Santa and choosing your own tree from a local farm. Here’s how to make your holidays merry and bright just south of Indy.

Ice Skating in Downtown Edinburgh

There’s a brand new way to experience the season in downtown Edinburgh. A synthetic ice skating rink will be open from Dec. 13 to 24. Public skating hours are Dec. 14 from 5 to 10 p.m., Dec. 13 and 15 through 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Dec. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring your own skates or use the ones provided. The skating rink will be part of Edinburgh's 12 Days of Christmas, which features holiday events, food trucks, trolley rides, movies, vendors and more from Dec. 13 to 24.

The Holiday Stroll

Head to Kelsay Farms to stroll through the farm for a magical holiday experience. See larger-than-life decorations, relax amongst twinkling lights and sip cocoa by a cozy campfire from Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. There will also be a live Nativity and other fun features. Tickets are required and we recommend purchasing them in advance.

Holiday Lighting & Winter Market

On Dec. 7, downtown Franklin will transform into a Hallmark-worthy wonderland with an indoor and outdoor craft market, a lighted parade, live music, food, warm drinks, the official lighting of the courthouse and fireworks to conclude the night.

The Lighted Trail

Open from Dec. 8 through 31, the amphitheater park path in Greenwood becomes a festive trail filled with holiday lights and decorations. Explore the trail for free from dusk to dawn.

Movies at the Artcraft

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without seeing a classic film at The Historic Artcraft Theater in downtown Franklin. They show favorites like White Christmas, A Christmas Story and Elf; serve local popcorn and have fun, interactive activities before the show to make it an experience like no other. Tickets sell quickly, so we recommend purchasing them in advance.

Holiday shopping

Shop small and find unique gifts at the same time. From handmade jewelry to festive home décor to pet treats, the perfect gifts are waiting to be discovered at holiday markets and local shops throughout Festival Country. Scroll through the event page to find upcoming markets, and the shop page to locate local shops.


Santa Train and Christmas Market

On Dec. 6, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers will come rolling into downtown Bargersville on the Santa Train. Kids can have the chance to meet and take a photo with Kris Kringle himself. There will also be live reindeer, a choir, a winter market and free hot chocolate and cookies.

Edinburgh Holiday of Lights

Downtown Edinburgh will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on Dec. 14 with carriage rides through their historic downtown, a visit with Santa, a parade, a holiday market, a Christmas show and shopping at downtown stores. Carriage rides require tickets in advance, but the rest of the event is free. 

MegaTree

Stop and stare at this 50-foot electronic tree that showcases a dazzling light show. The show runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 when it's dark.

Dec-a-Tree

Stop by the Johnson County Museum of History to see dozens of beautifully decorated trees and vote for your favorite. The trees will be on display on the top floor of the museum from Dec. 3 to 31. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Santa will also be visiting the museum on Dec. 7 and 14.

Christmas at the Farm

Hop in the car and head to Christmas at the Farm on Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. for a drive-thru experience with a light show set to music, holiday characters, Santa and hot chocolate. There is no cost, but they will be accepting non-perishable food items to donate to Johnson County Senior Services. The light show will also be open (without characters and hot chocolate) Dec. 15 through Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. 

Another great drive-thru experience on Dec. 14 is the Festival of Lights and Live Nativity in Bargersville with decorated homes, photos with Santa, carolers and more.

Christmas Acres

Another fun way to enjoy lights from the car is with a stop by Christmas Acres in Franklin. This private residence decks the halls with more than 80,000 lights from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. It’s free to enjoy, but they will be accepting canned goods for the local food pantry.


Visits with Santa

Visit Greenwood Park Mall or Toodleydoo Toys for the chance to see Santa and take a photo. Dates and times vary by location. Find more Santa visits here.

Christmas tree farms

Stroll through the farms to find that perfect Christmas tree. Visit The Wildes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 30, and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 to choose the perfect tree. No reservations are required and trees are priced based on type and height. The Wildes will also be hosting a holiday event on Nov. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. with live music, warm drinks, gift shopping in the mercantile, fellowship and family photo opportunities. Registration can be done on their website.

Other tree farms where you can cut your own tree include Peiffer Tree Farm and Trees from DeHart. Find pre-cut trees and decorations at Welch’s Holiday Farm and Jenkin’s Farm Market. Learn more about local Christmas tree farms here.

Holiday concerts

Hear the joyous sounds of choirs, bells and holiday cheer at concerts throughout the Festival Country. Find more performances here.

Extras

There are even more activities like tree lightings, breakfasts with Santa, and live Nativity events to fill the season with fun. Find the full list here.

Make a weekend of it by staying overnight in Festival Country.