Winter in Festival Country means ice skating, holiday traditions, sparkling lights, sledding, and visiting Santa. Here’s how to celebrate the season just south of Indy.

Ice Skating at Deck the Stalls

On Dec. 20, Johnson County Park will host Deck the Stalls, a holiday festival with food, music, ice skating, Christmas light displays, photo opportunities and more. The ice skating rink will be open from Dec. 13 to 21 and features synthetic ice, which is more kid-friendly since it's an easier surface to skate.

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. 18 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. 6, downtown Franklin will transform into a Hallmark-worthy wonderland with an indoor and outdoor craft market, a lighted parade, live music, food, warm drinks and the official lighting of the courthouse.

The Lighted Trail

Open during the month of December, 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.

Bargersville Christmas Festival

Bargersville typically celebrates the holiday season on the first Saturday of December. Find fun like carolers, live reindeer, hot chocolate, Christmas light displays and more.

Edinburgh Holiday of Lights

Downtown Edinburgh will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on Dec. 13 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.

Sledding

When it snows, locals love to visit Freedom Park and Province Park for fun sledding hills and space to play and make snowmen.

MegaTree

Stop and stare at this 50-foot electronic tree that showcases a dazzling light show when it's dark outside. The show typically runs from the end of November to the end of December.

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 in December. 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 select Saturdays in December.

Christmas at the Farm

Hop in the car and head to Christmas at the Farm 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. Dates will be announced closer to the event.

Another great drive-thru experience 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 the end of November to the end of December 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. Farms include The Wildes, 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.