Whether you're looking for special holiday shopping opportunities, iconic Christmas traditions like Victorian Christmas or the Martinsville Cookie Stroll, holiday lights, relatively new events like the Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular, fun workshops, or just some live music to enjoy, we've got your covered in the month of December. Find out what's on tap this month in Morgan County with this list of upcoming events, and don't forget we're always adding new events to our calendar, so check back often!
Taps on the Square - Every Friday
Join Spirit of '45 and the Martinsville American Legion Riders as they honor our American heroes each Friday evening, rain or shine (or snow). Each Friday at 6:50 pm, names are read of those American service men and women, Rosie the Riveters, law enforcement and firefighters that have been lost, followed immediately by a live, echoing performance of Taps by multiple buglers stationed at points around the courthouse square. Taps on the Square is performed at the 7th bell.
Holiday Candy Cane Pours - every Saturday
Join the Martinsville Candy Kitchen for holiday season candy cane pours. Watch them transform sugar and flavoring into holiday magic in this traditional process. Candy canes are hand-pulled and packaged up for purchase. (There are usually free samples for those who come to watch!) Candy canes will be made every Saturday, and keep an eye on their Facebook page for additional pour times. They've got weekday pour times this year, too - Monday through Friday at approximately 1:30 and 4:30 pm.
Live Music on Saturdays
Hoosier Que at Foxcliff Golf Club hosts life music each Saturday evening, beginning at 6 pm. Stop by to enjoy great food, including their amazing smashburgers, along with great music featuring different local and regional performers each week.
Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights - Nightly through New Year's Day
The holiday lights at Jimmy Nash City Park remain lit each night through New Year's Day! Swing by while you're in town for a drive through the lower loop of the park to enjoy the Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights, or park and walk around to enjoy the ambiance. There are photo ops as well - be sure to get a photo in Santa's sleigh! *Please note: the park now closes at 9 pm. The automatic gate will allow you to leave after 9 pm but you cannot drive into the park after that time.
Holiday Porch Pot Workshop - Dec. 1
Join Greendell Landscape Solutions in Mooresville for a fun Holiday Porch Pot Workshop to create a beautiful and festive planter for your front porch or entryway for the holiday season! The final workshoop of this season will be Dec. 1. Sign up on on their website to reserve your space, as this is a popular activity and sessions do sell out.
Jingle Bell Rock Light Tour - Dec. 1-31
Formerly known as Cuppa's Christmas Challenge, this fun holiday light tour is back for another year! Martinsville area residents are invited to register their home's Christmas decorations for a chance to win prizes! Spectators are invited to come view the lights, then vote on your favorite. Contest begins Dec. 1st and maps will be viewable online on that date at jinglebellrocklighttour.com.
Mooresville Christmas Light Tour - Dec. 1-31
Don't miss the second year of the Mooresville Christmas Light Tour in Mooresville! Between Dec. 1 and 31, come enjoy the lights on display at participating area homes and businesses, then vote for your favorites! Voting is online via Google form. Maps will be available online at mooresvillelights.com beginning Dec. 1.
Indiana Rail Road Santa Train - Dec. 1
The Indiana Rail Road's Santa Train returns this year with a stop in Morgantown at approximately 5:30 pm on Friday, December 1. The train stops behind the Morgantown Fire Department on Highland Street and kids will be able to snap a photo in front of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a touchless experience. Mail your letter directly to Santa via the INRD North Pole Express Mailbox while you're there! Train will depart for the next stop at 7 pm.
Downtown Mooresville Tree Lighting - Dec. 1
Mooresville will light up this year's community Christmas Tree at Bicentennial Park at the corner of Indiana and Main Streets on the evening of Dec. 1. There will be music and more to help celebrate the event, beginning at 6 pm with the tree lighting at approximately 7 pm. This is the kickoff event for the Victorian Christmas weekend in Mooresville!
5 East Christmas Market - Dec. 1 & 2
Join 5 East in Mooresville on Friday and Saturday, for a Christmas themed vendor market. Stop in and shop local artisans and crafters for those perfect holiday gifts. Hours are Friday from 6-8 pm and Saturday during Victorian Christmas from 10 am to 4 pm.
Victorian Christmas Celebration - Dec. 2
Join Mooresville for their annual holiday tradition - the Victorian Christmas Celebration. With several stops throughout town, including several craft and vendor booth options - both indoor and outside - plus live entertainment and so much more. Watch for wandering characters - you may encounter Father Christmas... or maybe even Ebenezer Scrooge! Hours are 10 am to 4 pm.
Bethlehem Walk - Dec. 2
Martinsville's Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will again host their fun and meaningful Bethlehem Walk event on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are free, but required as the event is operated via specific time slots. Reserve yours online before you go.
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 2
On Saturday morning, December 2, Delta Theta Tau will host a fun Breakfast with Santa event at the First Baptist Church, located on Columbus Street. From 8 am to Noon, stop in and enjoy a donut breakfast, a change to talk with Santa, and a hand painted ornament! Cost is $3 per person.
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 2
The Monroe Township Fire Station in Monrovia will host Santa for a fun breakfast event on Saturday, December 2, from 9 to 11 am. Stop in for breakfast for the whole family and a chance for the kids o tell Santa what they want for Christmas!
Pancakes & Photos with Santa - Dec. 2
Hoosier Harvest Church, located on State Road 252 in Martinsville, will host a fun event with Santa on Saturday, December 2. From 9 to 11 am, participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast and a photo with the big guy! Cost is $7 for breakfast and a photo. ($5 for breakfast only).
Choosing a Telescope: What to Look For - Dec. 2
The Mooresville Public Library invites you to their ongoing series of talks in partnership with the Indiana Astronomy Association to make sure you're ready for the Total Solar Eclipse in April, 2024. This month's talk is about telescopes and how to know you're choosing the right one for your needs. Program begins at 6 pm on December 2; no registration required.
DeLyn Jewelry Christmas Open House - Dec. 2
Free earrings while supplies last with a minimum $49 purchase! Stop in and shop the Delyn Jewelry Christmas Open House for amazing gifts for those special ladies in your life. Of course you'll find beautiful jewelry, but don't miss the ladies' apparel and accessories as well! Located on Washington Street on the Courthouse Square in Martinsville.
Temporary Ice Skating Rink - Dec. 2 & 3
Courtesy of the Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular planning committee, don't miss your chance for some outdoor winter fun on the temporary, synthetic ice rink that will magically appear on Jefferson Street for two evenings of ice skating! Hours will be Saturday from 4 to 8 pm and Sunday from 3 to 8 pm. No charge to skate!
Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular & Tree Lighting - Dec. 3
This fun event will feature live music from the band featuring the son and grandson of Bobby Helms, a trackless train ride for the kids, downtown carriage rides, a life-sized snow globe, characters like The Grinch and Whos from Whoville, and of course the tree lighting at approximately 7:15 pm. The Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular and Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 3 pm on Sunday, Dec. 3 in downtown Martinsville.
Martinsville Community Band Christmas Concert - Dec. 4
Join the Martinsville Community Band on Monday, Dec. 4 at the First Baptist Church on Columbus Street in Martinsville for their annual Christmas Concert! This is a free event, but donations are accepted. Come enjoy the music of the holiday season!
Holly Jolly Party: Gingerbread Lane - Dec. 5, 6 & 7
Brickhouse on Main will host their fun Holly Jolly Party again this year, with three dates - Dec. 5, 6 & 7. This fun event features visits with Santa, craft stations, reindeer games and more! Reserve your tickets early. This year's theme is Gingerbread Lane.
MartinselFest Concert - Dec. 7 & 8
Enjoy a fun evening of holiday music featuring some of your favorites, performed by the talented students of the Martinsville High School Music Program. Performances will take place on December 7 and 8, beginning at 7 pm at the Martinsville High School Auditorium.
Open Studios & Open Mic Night - Dec. 8
Join the resident artists at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana for their monthly Open Studios and Open Mic Night. Browse locally-created works of art, talk with artists, check out the studio spaces where they create and more! Stop in between 6:00 and 8:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 8. Don't miss Open Mic performances in the lower gallery!
Martinsville Cookie Stroll - Dec. 9
This holiday tradition is all about the cookies! Well, and the live entertainment, holiday shopping and overall festive atmosphere! Okay, maybe it's not all about the cookies, but they are pretty awesome. Head for Downtown Martinsville for the annual Martinsville Cookie Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 9 for a day of fun for the whole family. Tickets are available online, but keep in mind you get a cookie at each of the 25+ stops, so you may want to share the riches with friends or family. Don't forget to stop by the Morgan County History Center to drop off your letter to Santa! Find more details about the Cookie Stroll on our recent blog post.
Farmers' Market's Holiday Market - Dec. 9
The Morgan County Farmers Market will host their annual Holiday Market in conjunction with the Martinsville Cookie Stroll on Dec. 9. Stop in to browse the booths. You'll find a wide variety of handmade gift items, plus local meat, produce, jams and jellies and more.
Santa in the Park - Dec. 9
Bring the kids to Old Town Waverly Park for the annual Santa in the Park event! This fun day features photos with Santa inside the historic bank building, traditional arts demonstrations including blacksmithing, live Christmas music, hands on crafts, a meet and greet with the Grinch, and so much more. The fun begins at 11 am.
Encore Performances of Into the Woods - Dec. 9
Merry MAC Players presents a second opportunity to see their sold-out November show, Into the Woods! Join them at the Depot Theatre for two additional performances on December 9, at Noon and 7:30 pm for this fun show featuring some of your favorite fairy tale characters from the Brothers Grimm.
Meet artist Rhett Whittington - Dec. 9
Krypton Comics is at it again - bringing another awesome artist to town for you to meet! On Saturday, December 9, meet artist Rhett Whittington and get one of his beautiful limited edition prints inspired by Martinsville at Christmas time!
Speakeasy Soiree - Dec. 9
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew Co will once again host this amazing, 1920's themed holiday party! Make sure you get your tickets early. They sold out last year and you don't want to miss this event - it's the Bee's knees, as they say!
The Nutcracker - Dec. 9
Join the talented students of Studio J2 Dance for their annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker on Cookie Stroll Day! This year's performance has been moved to the Martinsville High School Auditorium to allow for more spectators. Make sure to plan your day with this in mind, as the performance takes place at 3:30 pm. Admission is a canned good for a local food pantry.
Martinsville Light Tour - Dec. 9-31
Beginning on December 9, the newest self-guided light tour in the area will come online, highlighting holiday lights in the greater Martinsville area. Get the map and get out and explore the beauty of holiday light displays! Map available at martinsvillelightour.com.
Blue Eyes & Grey Skies Band Holiday Concert - Dec. 10
Popular local band Blue Eyes & Grey Skies will host a benefit Holiday Concert at the Depot Theater in Martinsville on December 10, beginning at 3 pm. Admission is $15 per person and may be purchased online at martinsvillearts.org. Proceeds from the show will benefit Stability First, the Martinsville Arts Council and the Martinsville Shop with a Cop program.
Martinsville Community Choir Winter Concert - Dec. 12
Join the Martinsville Community Choir for a fun evening of Christmas music on Dec. 12 at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana. Music begins at 7 pm. This is a free event but donations are accepted.
Indiana Wind Symphony - Dec. 13
Join the Morgan County Community Concerts Association for a fun holiday performance from the Indiana Wind Symphony. This ensemble is a crowd pleaser with a family-friendly format. This show will explore familiar holiday treasures from Irving Berlin to the Carpenters. Performance will take place at the Mooresville High School Auditorium beginning at 7 pm on Dec. 13.
Cocktails & Canvas - Dec. 13
Join Trackside Bar & Grill in Paragon for a fun evening of creativity with Cocktails & Canvas, featuring a fun snowman painting! The fun begins at 7 pm with instruction from Cupcakes & Canvas. Admission covers all materials and one cocktail. Cost is $25 per person.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunts - Dec. 14 & 19
Someone hid candy canes all over Pioneer Park in Mooresville! Grab your flashlight and come help find them all. Advance registration required. Two dates available. Dress for the weather!
Cookies with Santa at Jimmy Nash Park - Dec. 15
Come enjoy cookies with Santa at Jimmy Nash Park on Friday, December 15. Santa will be there from 6 to 7 pm at Shelter #1. Participants will be able to visit with Santa and decorate their own cookie. This event is free and open to all.
Jingle Belles, Mistletoes & Hot Cocoa - Dec. 16
Join Sidney & Girlfriends Nail & Day Spa for a fun holiday event specifically for "belles" age 12 and younger! Participants will be pampered with a mistletoe pedicure, hairstyle and light makeup application, plus a tasty cocoa bar and visit with Santa! Participants will receive a gift from the big guy in red, and parents are welcome to take photos as well. The fun begins at 3 pm. Reserve your space early! Cost is $50.
Martinsville High School Madrigal Dinner - Dec. 16 & 17
Join the talented students of Martinsville High School's Choir program for their annual Madrigal Dinner to celebrate the holidays. This event has expanded to two dates to allow for additional participants. Start time is 6:30 pm on both evenings at the Art Sanctuary of Indiana.
21 North Holiday Brunch - Dec. 17
Join Chef Matt at the staff at 21 North Eatery + Cellar for a very special Holiday Brunch menu from 11 am to 2 pm. The menu includes things like a gingerbread waffle, salmon eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast, plus $5 Bad Santa Cocktails and Peppermint White Russians! Reservations are recommended - call 765-315-0767 to make yours.
Live Music: Tim Neuman - Dec. 17
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew Co will host live music from Tim Neuman on December 17. This is free show inside the Tap Room and all ages are welcome. The onsite eatery will be open as well.
Live Music: Mike McCartney - Dec. 23
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew Co will host live music from Mike McCartney on December 23. This is free show inside the Tap Room and all ages are welcome. The onsite eatery will be open as well.
Live Music: John Ryan - Dec. 30
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew Co will host live music from John Ryan on December 30. This is free show inside the Tap Room and all ages are welcome. The onsite eatery will be open as well.
