The Christmas spirit is coming to Franklin County! Mikel Beck, executive director for Experience Franklin County, joined us today to fill us in on all of the fun and festive activities coming there this year.
Starts November 20th: Metamora Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us in the annual celebration of the start of the Holiday season. The tree lighting event will take place at the Gazebo at 6 PM. Gather around the fire barrels as you listen to live holiday music, sing-alongs, enjoy the Christmas Story and warm up with free hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies and at the right moment we will light up the tree.
Location: 19062 S Main Street Metamora, IN 47030
November 20th: November Noel & Cookie Trail in Brookville
November Noel will be Saturday, November 20. Visit Santa and enjoy some crafts and reindeer games. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Bring your own camera for your children’s pictures with Santa. Santa arrives in downtown Brookville. Come out for all the holiday fun! Location: Brookville, IN 47012.
Starts November 27th: Christmas Walk in Metamora
The prettiest time of the year in Indiana’s Canal Town. Holiday decorations everywhere, lanterns and luminaries, and Shopping. It doesn’t get any better. Four weekends beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Starts November 27th: Lighting up the Whitewater Valley Tour
6 counties along with Whitewater Canal Byway light up homes, & Businesses to compete in best decoration. This is outside only. Franklin, Wayne, Union, Fayette, Ripley & Dearborn Counties.
Starts November 27th: Winter Wonderland in Brookville Town Park
Local businesses and individuals adopt a tree or structure in our town park to decorate. Free to the public
Starts November 27th: Whitewater Valley Railroad and Polar Express
This is a sell-out every year as the Polar Express takes you on a journey to see Santa Clause.
Starts December 11th: Historic Home Tours
Amazing Historical Homes are decorated inside and out, and you have a chance to see inside these treasures. Located in Brookeville, IN.
All information can be obtained by calling 765-647-6522 or Texting the word “Explore” to 55433.
Also, for more information visit, franklincountyin.com.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY EXPERIENCE FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
While this Christmas season it sure to be a little different for most of us, Bob Schultz, senior vice-president of marketing and events for Downtown Indy joined us to insure us that there is still much to do in Downtown Indy.
Holiday Market on the Circle
Bring your family to a free Downtown Holiday Market on the Circle Saturday, Dec. 12 from 3 – 7 p.m. Local artists and vendors will be selling unique gifts to complete your holiday list. Enjoy a Beer/Wine Garden thanks to Indy Brew Bus on Tap. Check out the McDonald’s truck with giveaways for menu items. Listen to festive music and take in the Shining A Light Holiday presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

All aboard! One of Indianapolis’ most popular family holiday traditions returns. Experience the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s magical holiday model-train exhibit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.Take a journey through a locomotive wonderland as trains wind past icons of Indianapolis and the American West Nov. 21 through Jan. 18. Enjoy all of your favorite miniature recreations including Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas and more. Two local backdrops return: The Indiana State Fair and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These amazing structures are uniquely built out of all-natural materials and decorated with holiday lighting. Jingle Rails tickets are timed with limited capacity and visitors must reserve them online.
Indianapolis Zoo

Surround yourself with the beauty of the holiday season as the Indianapolis Zoo returns with the 51st year of Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union. This year’s celebration continues daily Nov. 21 through Dec. 30, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. Stop by Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa in his study and get up close and personal with penguins. Check out Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer. Then stay late to watch as the Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland covered in lights. For more details, visit IndianapolisZoo.com or call 317.630.2001.
Indiana Historical Society

If you’re seeking a way to brighten your mood this season, look no further than Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees Nov. 13 through Jan. 4 featuring 50 elaboratively-decorated trees. Select Friday evenings will offer extended hours to see the trees by night. Take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the 10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees. Stop in the Cole Porter Room for a holiday singalong and enjoy virtual story time with Santa. All exhibits will be open, including You Are There 1920: Celebrate Indianapolis! For those who would rather view from home, a free new virtual experience will allow you to enjoy the festivities on any mobile device. Check out FestivalofTreesIndy.org or call 317.232.1882.
For more information go to downtownindy.org/backdowntown.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN INDY.