December is jam-packed with Christmas activities to get your family in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re new to Hendricks county or a long time resident, seeing the holiday sights and engaging in fun family activities close to home makes it worthwhile to check out these top 10 attractions this holiday season.
1) Beasley’s Christmas at the Orchard
2304 E Main St.
Danville, IN 46122
Beasley’s Orchard has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland from the north pole. There will be Santa with his antique sleigh and elves for a photo opportunity and visit. While at the orchard, enjoy some kid’s crafts, market samples and the most delicious and famous warm apple cider. There will be lots of great tasty baked goods to buy, as well as jams, jellies, candies and much more.
The Christmas at the orchard event will be held on Nov.30th-Dec.1st and Dec. 7th-8th, from 10am-2pm both weekends.
2) Christmas with Santa & the Ponies
1350 Terry Dr.
Plainfield, IN 46168
Do your little ones love horses and ponies and Christmas? Then head to an event hosted by Strides to Success where there’ll be Santa and ponies waiting to greet your family. The event will have reindeer games, time at Santa’s workshop and visits with horses and ponies. The event costs $25 per family at the door, but it goes to a great cause in supporting the amazing work with children and adults partnering with horses to reach their full potential.
The event will be held on Friday, Dec. 6th from 4pm-8:30pm and Saturday, December 7th from 4pm-8:30pm.
3) Natural Valley Ranch Candy Cane Hunt
6310 E Co. Rd 350 N.
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Does your family love candy canes? What better way to have a fun family day than a candy cane hunt at Natural Valley Ranch? Along with finding lots of candy canes, the ranch will also have visits with Santa Claus, a fun petting zoo area to see cute animals, a popcorn bar where you can create your own yummy treat and a holiday craft. The event will cost $7 person ages 2+ if registered early, and $10 person ages 2+ at the door. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7th.
There will be two sessions to choose from a morning session from 10-11:30am and an afternoon session from 1-2:30pm.
4) Hometown Holiday at Hummel Park
1500 South Center St.
Plainfield, IN 46168
Something fun for all ages that my family loves engaging in every year is the hometown holiday at Guilford-Township’s Hummel Park. The event has something for all ages from little ones to grandparents; all will enjoy the festivities. The event will include; photos with Santa Claus, train rides around the trail, horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, petting zoo, ice skating, cookies, hot chocolate, music and prize giveaways.
The event is completely free to families and is held on Saturday, December 14th from 12-4pm.
5) Winter-land Holiday light show at Ellis Park
600 E Main St.
Danville, IN 46122
The holidays are never complete without those beautiful sparkling lights around town. Head over to Ellis Park in Danville for a winterland light display with 1 million lights.
The light display will be from Nov. 29th-Dec.28th. The cost is $10 per car or $5 per car with a coupon that can be found on the chamber’s website or Facebook page, and the parks website.
6) The Market at Penguin Park
115 S. County Rd. 575
Avon, IN 46123
Washington-Township Park will be opening their Penguin Park for an exciting winter wonderland family experience. There will be lots of great activities for all ages. There will be ice skating, a Santa village, holiday craft vendors, face painting, a north pole mailbox, festive food and drinks. Each Saturday of the month there will be a new activity added for free. Admission wristbands are $8 per person with skates included, or you can purchase a 5-punch pass for $32. Spectators and children 3 and under are Free.
The park will open the first 3 Saturdays in December form 4-8pm.
7) I’ll Be Home for Christmas Musical
Long street playhouse
4998 N County Rd 100 E
Pittsboro, IN 46167
Check out a Christmas musical this holiday season at Long Street Playhouse. The event is suitable for all ages and highlights Christmas during World War II in the 1940’s. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the show and it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
The musical will be on December 6-8th and December 12-15th. Thursday and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm.
8) Holiday Fest
Hendricks County Conference Center 4-H Fairgrounds
1900 East Main Street
Danville, IN 46122
Enjoy a Holiday festival at the fairgrounds in Danville, featuring holiday music by local children and adults. Holiday booths and crafts for children. There will be holiday gifts for purchase and a cookie walk.
Admission to the event is free and will be from 9am-3pm on December 6th .
9) Polar Express Breakfast
402 East Main St.
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Do your kids love the polar express story? Brownsburg Parks is hosting a Polar Express breakfast on Saturday, December 21st from 9-11am. The fun event will be showing Tom Hanks’ classic Polar Express. There will be a train themed craft, a take home gift per child and of course breakfast.
The event is Saturday, December 21st from 9-11am. The cost is $18 per person ages 2+ and early registration is preferred.
10) Tree light displays & Ceremonies
- Avon-Tree lighting ceremony held at the Avon town hall on December 7th at 6pm. There will be train rides, vortex tunnel, kid craft zone, Christmas story time, pictures with Santa and live performances.
- Brownsburg– Christmas under the Stars on December 7th at 6pm. There will be a parade, tree lighting at town hall and pictures with Santa.
- Danville– Christmas on the Square “Light up Danville” at the courthouse grounds on Friday, Nov. 29th at 6pm. There will be Santa & Mrs. Claus, train ride, cookie decorating and live nativity scene.
- Pittsboro-Christmas Spectacular at the Pittsboro Scamahorn Park on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-7pm. There will be a Christmas village fair, meet with Santa and tree lighting ceremony.
- Plainfield– Annual Tree lighting at the Shops at Perry Crossing will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23rd at 6pm. There will be cookie and ornament decorating, letters to Santa, holiday photos, piñatas and a huge 52 foot tree lighting.
