If you want to try something fun this holiday season – and maybe even start a new holiday tradition – head to Festival Country Indiana, located just south of Indianapolis.
You’ll find everything from classic holiday movies at a single-screen theatre, to the most decorated Holiday House you’ll ever see, to events with Santa. Festival Country is also home to great boutique shopping, one of Indiana’s largest malls and an outlet mall. Click here for the full list of events.
One holiday outing everyone must do once is to visit Holiday House in Greenwood. This private residence opens up each year so people can see the 70 Christmas trees, a 212-piece Christmas village, 30 Nativity sets and hundreds of other decorations. There is no cost, but donations to Riley Hospital for Children are collected. The home is open from 6 to 10 p.m. each night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24.
While in Greenwood, check out Greenwood Park Mall and numerous great dining options.
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without catching a holiday movie at The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin. This is a classic one-screen theatre that serves Indiana popcorn and has a staff that does fun, interactive games and often dresses up as the movie’s characters. This holiday season, the Artcraft is showing these holiday favorites during the weekends leading up to Christmas:
• It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 7, 8 and 9.
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Dec. 14, 15, and 16.
While you’re in Franklin, walk the downtown area and find unique places to shop and dine.
Finally, Edinburgh Pixy Theatre in Edinburgh has three holiday events: The It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play on Dec. 13 and 14; the showing of the movie Scrooged on Dec. 21 and Happy Place Comedy’s Happy Christmas, A Christmas Charity Benefit for Love Chapel on Dec. 22.
Edinburgh is also home to Edinburgh Premium Outlets.
Enjoy a relaxing holiday getaway by staying at one of Festival Country’s hotels or B&Bs.