Brown County Offers Train Rides, Santa, Victorian Carolers for Christmas 2013

Okay, I love Brown County (like most peoplee). However, I had no idea until this year they offer cool Christmas things to do. Normally I head down in the Autumn, hit the neat little shop on the left (as you're coming into town) called Holly Shop, and wander about, sipping cider, traipsing through the trails at the state park and shopping (naturally). After that, I wait until Spring to return. But this year? Maybe it's time to head down in November or December.

The Village of Nashville is going old-fashioned with strolling Victorian-costumed carolers, the Little Nashville Express Train and visits with Santa and his elves, and a live nativity scene. Hot chocolate, cookies, caroling and the official lighting of Santa’s tree happens the first weekend of festivities. After that, every weekend is filled with holiday thappenings.

Things to do include: face painting with Santa, the Christmas Light Parade, gingerbread creations, holiday shows, sing-a-longs and victorian candlelight dinners.

Christmas in Brown County Activities

Kick-off Weekend is November 29 – December 1

Gingerbread Competition & Exhibit

November 24 - December 14

8 am-11 pm daily

This exhibit pays tribute to the log cabins of Brown County while challenging participants to

combine their culinary skills with architectural design to create extraordinary works of art.

Location: Brown County Inn

Little Nashville Express Train Rides

November 23 – December 14

See the Village! Board the Express Train for a fun and free ride.

Nov. 23-24, 29-30: Noon-7 pm; Dec. 1: Noon-5 pm; Dec. 7, 14: Noon-6 pm

Visitors Center Holiday Open House

Nov. 29

Join the Visitors Center as they welcome Santa and kick off the holiday season by lighting up

Santa’s Tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies. Open House and visits with Santa 2 pm-6 pm

Location: Visitors Center Patio

Santa Sightings

Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Bring the family and visit with Santa Thanksgiving weekend.
Friday 2 pm–6 pm; Saturday 11 am-5 pm; Sunday Noon-4 pm. Location: Visitors Center Patio

Strolling Carolers

Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Enjoy a holiday song from strolling carolers in the Village

Friday 2 pm–6 pm; Saturday 11 am-5 pm; Sunday Noon-4 pm.

Live Nativity Scene

Nov. 30

Enjoy live nativity scenes throughout the Village of Nashville from 1 pm-3 pm.

Final scenes will end at the corner of Mound Street and North Van Buren Street by the Holly Shop.

For more information: ChristmasinBrownCounty.com. 

For details about other Brown County events, tourist attractions and lodging: BrownCounty.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Christmas on the Square 2013 Includes Carolers, Roaming Characters, Train Ride & Live Nativity

A storybook window display following the escapades of Clarence the Christmas Camel, will be highlightedChristmas on the Square and will usher in the holiday season for Hendricks County residents and visitors again this year.

Scheduled from 4-6 p.m. November 29, the experience will include a variety of family activities as the town closes all four streets around the Courthouse Square to vehicular traffic.

Christmas on the Square Activities

Storybook Window Display

Beginning with a book reading at 4 p.m. at the Royal Theater, windows around the Square will be unveiled with each representing a page turning the area into the giant storybook, “Clarence the Christmas Camel.”

Live Nativity Scene

As in recent years, a nativity area with live animals will be stationed at the corner of Washington and Marion streets.

Train Rides

This free activity will occur on Jefferson Street.

Childrens’ Activities

A juggler, face painters and balloon artists will be stationed at various locations inside businesses around the Square. Children also will be able to fill a complimentary stocking with candy and prizes as they visit the various merchants around the Square.

Strolling Carolers

A group of jolly singers will provide a bit of ambience harkening back to traditional Christmas celebrations.

Roaming Holiday Characters

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, a snowman and Christmas tree will stroll around the square greeting visitors.

Holiday Melodrama

The Danville High School Drama Department will perform at 3 and 5 p.m. inside the Royal Theater.

Tree Lighting

Santa, Mrs. Claus and one child will flip the switch to light up the Downtown Square to end the evening.

For more information about Christmas on the Square, visit VisitDowntownDanville.com.

Images: Hendricks County CVB

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.