Winter Activities
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better place to create lasting memories than in Boone County. Experience a warm, festive welcome and the charm of small-town holidays with lots to do this winter.
Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown was recently voted #1 for Best Christmas Tree Farm in a recent Newsweek article! Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Dull’s offers the experience of selecting and cutting your tree before you load it onto the wagon and ride back towards the barn. Enjoy the farm’s festive activities, playground, games, and of course hot apple cider and apple cider donuts. It’s the ideal place to embrace the holiday traditions and create cherished memories with loved ones.
Head to Zionsville for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration, where Zionsville’s Main Street comes alive with holiday spirit. Stroll along the picturesque brick street, lit up with twinkling lights and festive decorations to browse unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind gifts during Small Business Weekend. The Zionsville Christmas in the Village Parade on November 30th marks the arrival of Santa Claus, who will then be in the Santa House on main street every weekend up to Christmas for families to come and visit. Christmas in the Village also has offerings for adults with Ladies’ Night on December 12th offering the chance to plan a night out with friends as you enjoy shopping and dining throughout Zionsville. The Christmas Crawl is geared towards the big elves 21 and older as you visit participating locations for drink specials and ugly sweater contests!
Lebanon’s Christmas on the Square on December 7th features a market, kids area, and live reindeer before the parade at Main Street and Meridian and the tree lighting in the evening. The Grinch, Santa and the Coca-Cola Bear will make an appearance in Whitestown at Santa’s Workshop each Saturday from November 30th to Christmas at Main Street Park. Stop by the Whitestown Winter Market on December 14th at the Whitestown Municipal Complex to do some unique holiday shopping with handmade crafts and baked goods. Stop by Jamestown on November 30th for experience the Park Lighting and Caroling with Carriage rides provided by the Jamestown Lions Club.
Stroll on over to the Heart of Lebanon office on November 30th to pick up a reusable shopping tote, map, and punch card before you set off to enjoy the Small Business Saturday Lebanon Ornament Stroll. Visit the downtown stops along the map, choose an ornament and get your card punched. Return to the Heart of Lebanon office with your completed punch card for a chance to win a downtown Christmas Prize Pack. Cost for the Ornament Stroll is $10.
Take a trip to Thorntown on December 8th for Holiday on Main Street where you’ll find crafts, free cocoa and cider, photos with Santa and the Grinch, antique toy exhibit, horse drawn carriage rides, and a toy drive. Stop by the historic Thorntown Public Library on December 2nd to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, see live reindeer, and be entertained by magician Marc Lehmann before you take home a Christmas Ornament craft and book.
Zionsville Parks want you to get outdoors this winter with a variety of winter activities during the Zionsville Park’s Winterfest! Lincoln Park in Zionsville welcomes you to come and enjoy Lincoln Lights, November 30th through February 15th. Lincoln Park will sparkle with festive holiday lights around the gazebo providing a magical atmosphere and perfect place to grab some holiday photos. The Open-Air Maker’s Market on December 7th is a great way to support local artisans as you do your holiday shopping. Walk along main street as you explore the market, enjoying the music of carolers before you visit Santa or stop into one of the many unique shops and restaurants.
Prepare for the elves to take over Elm Street Green with Christmas in the Park! Complete Elf Boot Camp missions to become one of Santa’s elves before attending the Elf Academy where you ‘ll learn about animals in winter with the Zionsville Nature Center. With treats, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of activities, you’ll enjoy a morning of great holiday fun. Return to Elm Street Green on December 17th to enjoy a beautifully lit Luminary Walk as you stroll through the park with friends, family, and pets along a trail lit by candlelight.
Looking for some holiday musical entertainment? Visit the Star Bank Performing Arts Center to celebrate the season with the ZCHS Instrumental Holiday Concert on December 5th. With lively symphonic pieces and solos, it will be a night sure to fill you with holiday spirit. On December 10th, return to the performing arts center for the ZCHS Choral Holiday Concert with joyful melodies that bring people together for the holidays.
For outdoor enthusiasts, take a walk along the Big-4 Rail Trail connecting Zionsville and Whitestown and Lebanon and Thorntown. This paved path is a great way to enjoy winter weather with friends, family, and pets. Hike through Starkey Park in Zionsville and Abner Longley Park in Lebanon to enjoy beautiful dirt path strolls through nature and do some bird watching and sight seeing.
