The holiday season has officially begun, and there's absolutely nothing quite like a small town Christmas. If you didn't already know, Morgan County is home to some fantastic small town holiday events that you'll want to get on your family's holiday calendar ASAP! Below, you'll find our list of the 15 very best small town Christmas experiences this area has to offer. Oh, and don't forget to get the low-down on holiday shopping open houses, craft and vendor shows and other upcoming events on our blog or event calendar.
Be sure to get these fun, small-town holiday traditions on your family's seasonal calendar and get started creating those new holiday memories!
Handmade Candy Cane Demonstrations
Every Saturday
Martinsville Candy Kitchen, Downtown Martinsville
First off, it's simply not the holiday season until you've seen them make candy canes by hand at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen! Luckily, you've got plenty of chances for this iconic Martinsville experience. The 100+ year old, family-owned and operated candy shop will be making candy canes, on every Saturday in November and December, until Christmas. Approximate Saturday pour times are around 10 am, Noon and 3 pm, but times are subject to change so call or check their Facebook page for specifics if you have limited time. Keep an eye out for additional pour times as well, sometimes you can catch a mid-week or Friday evening pour time! It's fun to watch, but the smells are what really turn the experience into an unforgettable family memory. We guarantee, your kids will be reminded of this experience every time they smell peppermint, probably for the rest of their lives.
(Santa & Mrs. Claus will visit the Candy Kitchen on Nov. 26 and Dec. 24 this year.)
Truckload of Christmas Toy Drive Concert:
The Isaacs w/ Downpour & Trenton Baker
November 20, 7 pm
Hoosier Harvest Church, Martinsville
Enjoy an evening of holiday and gospel music on November 20 at the Truckload of Christmas Toy Drive Concert featuring The Isaac's with special guests Downpour and Trenton Baker. This annual holiday concert is a fundraiser for the holiday ministries of Churches in Mission. Music begins at 7 pm. Admission is $25 in advance; $30 at the door. A special VIP experience is available for $50 per person and includes an exclusive meet and greet and Q&A session beginning at 5 pm. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be gifted to a local child this holiday season.
Festival of Lights &
WCBK Christmas Parade
November 26 (Lights stay on until New Year's Day)
Jimmy Nash City Park, Martinsville
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, another Martinsville tradition takes place - the Festival of Lights event at Jimmy Nash City Park! Twinkling holiday lights throughout the park come to life and families gather for photos, crafts and carols. Right in step with the gift giving nature of the holiday season, this is the event that keeps on giving - because if you can't be there on the night of the lighting (Nov. 26 this year), you can still come enjoy the lights throughout the holiday season! They'll remain lit from dusk until the park closes, every night until after New Year's Day. Drive through any evening you happen to be in town! We do have a brand-new incentive for you to be in town on the night of the lighting though... the first-ever WCBK Christmas Parade! This fun parade of lights will travel down Washington Street from Downtown Martinsville to Home Avenue before ending at Jimmy Nash Park for the Festival of Lights.
Mooresville Christmas Light Tour
December 2 - 31
Driving tour, throughout Mooresville
Beginning on December 2, you can enjoy a driving tour of holiday lights at homes and businesses in the Mooresville area. The 2022 Mooresville Christmas Light Tour welcomes you from December 2 through 31. Be sure to vote for your favorite light displays by making donations that will benefit Mooresville area non-profit organizations. Voting runs throughout the tour dates. Enjoy viewing holiday light displays at 30+ locations in and around Mooresville, then use the code printed on this year's map to text in your votes for the best displays.
The Indiana Rail Road Company Santa Train
December 2, 6-7 pm
Fire Station, Morgantown
Enjoy an evening with some of your favorite characters on the Indiana Rail Road's annual Santa Train! Morgan County's stop on the Santa Train route is the small town of Morgantown. The train will stop just behind the Morgantown Fire Department on Friday, December 2, at approximately 5:45 pm. (Please note, this is a bit earlier than previous years.) There will be refreshments available while you wait for your turn to snap a photo with Santa and his friends. The Santa Trail will close at 7:00 pm to move on to the next town on the railway line, so don't be late!
Downtown Mooresville Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2, 7 pm
Bicentennial Park, Mooresville
On the eve of the annual Victorian Christmas Celebration in Mooresville, the community gathers at Bicentennial Park (at the intersection of Indiana and Main Streets) in downtown Mooresville to light the community Christmas tree. There will be activities beginning at 5 pm and fun for all ages. This event takes place the evening before the Victorian Christmas Celebration, so be sure to plan to attend both fun events celebrating Christmas in Mooresville!
Mistletoe & Mimosas on Main
December 3, 9 am
5 East, Downtown Mooresville
Mistletoe & Mimosas on Main at 5 East in Mooresville returns for a third year, in a slightly different format. This year's event will take place on December 3, beginning at 9 am, prior to the annual Victorian Christmas Celebration. Tickets will be sold individually this year, rather than as tables. If you're with a group, just let them know who you're sitting with when you buy your tickets. Smaller parties may be paired up with other small parties and parties of more than 8 will be divided up at adjacent tables. Your table will be elegantly set with fine china and glassware. Reservations are limited to 100 participants, so make yours early! Participants will enjoy unlimited hot cocoa and coffee with assorted toppings, unlimited Mistletoe Mimosas, a brunch bar provided by Ralph & Ava's and a fun group mistletoe craft provided by Petals from Kaye. Reservations available beginning Nov. 4 at halimaeevents.com.
Victorian Christmas Celebration
December 3, 10 am - 5 pm
Several stops around town, Mooresville
Each year, on the first Saturday in December, Mooresville, Indiana goes back in time to the Victorian era. (Don't ask us how... it just happens!) Don't worry - you needn't be in Victorian garb to enjoy this fun-filled holiday event (though costumes are certainly welcome). The Victorian Christmas Celebration involves performances, artisan booths, craft shows, demonstrations, activities, characters in costume and more. Come prepared - you may very well encounter Father Christmas... or Ebeneezer Scrooge! There are carriage rides available and a free trolley service ensures that you get to each and every stop so you don't miss a thing. There are four(!) craft and vendor locations this year to browse through, as well as a variety of performances. This year's event is on Saturday, December 3.
Little Red Barn Market presents
Christmas on the Farm
December 3, 3-7 pm
Walker's Homestead, Bill Smith Road, Martinsville
Christmas on the Farm is back, presented by the Little Red Barn Market at Walker's Homestead. A mini-craft and vendor market, plus farm store shopping, a petting zoo, great food, live music and more! Kids can write their letters to Santa, make Christmas crafts and enjoy the light display and hot cocoa bar. Mini sessions available on site with Dirt Darlin Photography.
Bethlehem Walk
December 3, 5-8 pm
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Martinsville
On Saturday, December 3, head over to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Martinsville for their annual Bethlehem Walk event. This event features an expanded live nativity experience that will take you back to the first Christmas night. The evening begins with a brief introduction in the church sanctuary before guests proceed outside to walk through the gates of Bethlehem, encounter Roman guards, hear the words of prophets and wise men, shop merchants' tents, encounter a variety of live animals and visit the inn and stable. Cookies and hot chocolate are served in the fellowship hall after the event. The event is free, but tickets are issued in 10-minute time increments, so reserve yours early.
Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock
Christmas Music Spectacular & Tree Lighting
December 4, 3-7 pm
Courthouse Lawn, Downtown Martinsville
Head for Downtown Martinsville on Sunday, December 4 to enjoy some holiday cheer at this year's Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular and Christmas Tree Lighting! There will be live music, fun holiday characters, carriage rides and more beginning at 5 pm, with the tree lighting up on the courthouse lawn at approximately 7 pm. Come out and enjoy the season with an event that's fun for all ages!
Holly Jolly Party
December 6 & 7, 5:30-7:30 pm
Brickhouse on Main, Martinsville
Brickhouse on Main will present their second annual Holly Jolly Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 6 and 7. This fun event feautures holiday snacks, reindeer games, craft stations, gifts and more! Tickets include a light meal, photo opportunities, individual time with Santa, gifts, games and more. Cost is $20 per child and $10 per adult. A family package is available for $50 per family (two kids and two adults; additional participants are $10 each). Specify which date and number of attendees when you purchase tickets.
Martinsville Cookie Stroll
December 10, 10 am - 5 pm
Downtown Martinsville Historic District
The second Saturday in December is cookie time! The Martinsville Cookie Stroll takes place each year, featuring hundreds of volunteer cookie bakers, dozens of cookie stops, lots of fun live performances, Holiday Market from the Morgan County Farmers Market and so much more. Cookie Passports must be purchased in advance. They are available online, while supplies last. A couple of things to know: cookie passports almost always sell out, so get yours early; not everyone in your party needs a passport (unless you want to go home with A LOT of cookies); and you only need a passport if you want to collect cookies at each stop - everything else is free (including entertainment)! Home base for the Cookie Stroll is the Art Sanctuary of Indiana.
Santa at Waverly Park
December 10, 11 am - 2 pm
Old Town Waverly Park, Martinsville
Old Town Waverly Park will once again host Santa in the Park, featuring a chance to interact with the jolly old elf himself inside the historic bank building, holiday stories and songs along with cookies and hot chocolate inside the church building at the park and fun demonstrations from the past in the demonstration area. This year's event will take place on Saturday, December 10. A blacksmith will be on hand to show his skill at the forge and other traditional arts will be demonstrated as well. Additional activities will be available throughout the park at this free event. All ages are welcome.
Speakeasy Soiree: Christmas Edition
December 10, 7 - 10 pm
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew Co, Martinsville
This one is for adults only - join Cedar Creek Winery and Brewing Co for a celebration of the end of Prohibition… and Christmas! The 1920's style Speakeasy Soiree: Christmas Edition will be held on Saturday, December 10, beginning at 7 pm. This "after hours" party is a 21+ event and a password is required for entry. Travel back in time and embrace the Jazz Age with an evening of live music, 1920s attire and more! Put on your 1920s best and celebrate with Jazz tunes and giggle water reminiscent of times past. To get the password, RSVP to kelsy@drinkatthecreek.com.
