15 Ways to Celebrate the Season Just South of Indy

There’s a brand new way to experience the season in downtown Edinburgh. A synthetic ice skating rink will be open downtown 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. 

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 to Dec. 23, 2024. There will also be a live Nativity and other fun features. Tickets are required and we recommend purchasing them in advance.

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 and the official lighting of the courthouse. As the grand finale, there will be a showstopping fireworks display.

From Dec. 1 to 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.

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.

With more than a dozen craft markets throughout the county, there's no shortage of opportunities to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Local vendors will offer handmade and homegrown products ranging from festive home decor to hostess gifts and more. Scroll through the schedule to find them all.

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. 

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

Stop and stare at this 50-foot electronic tree that showcases a dazzling light show. The show runs from Nov. 27 to Jan. 8 when it's dark.

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 during the month of 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 Dec. 7 and 14.

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.

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 70,000 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.

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.

Stroll through the farms to find that perfect Christmas tree. Cut your own tree starting in late November at Peiffer Tree Farm, Trees from DeHart and The Wildes. Find pre-cut trees and decorations at Welch’s Holiday Farm and Jenkin’s Farm Market. Learn more about local Christmas tree farms here.

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