Restart Your Create Holiday Memories Engine

This holiday season, create (or re-create) wonderful memories with family and friends. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Share your favorite holiday memories and traditions with us by adding to this list.

Festive Holiday Events & Displays
A Christmas Story Comes Home, Hammond – Celebrate this holiday classic based on growing up in Hammond, Indiana. November 1, 2009-January 10, 2010.

Christmas City Walkway of Lights, Marion – Fabulous 4.5 mile holiday light display featuring more than 2.5 million lights. November 26-December 31, 2009.

Christmas in Santa Claus – Two-day festival includes craft shows, a spectacular Christmas light tour and parade. December 12-13, 2009.

Conner Prairie by Candlelight, Fishers – Journey back to December 24, 1836 to celebrate Christmas with Prairietown’s residents. Fridays and Saturdays, December 4-19, 2009.

Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt, Ferdinand – Traditional German Christmas Market offering local artisan and crafters’ wares, seasonal foods and carriage rides. November 21 & 22, 2009.

Festival of Gingerbread, Fort Wayne – More than 100 handcrafted gingerbread houses made by children and culinary artists, gingerbread cookies and more. November 27-December 13, 2009.

It’s a Wonderful Life, French Lick – Enjoy this classical holiday show with dinner at the historic French Lick Resort. December 1-23, 2009.

Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas – Countywide celebration. Festivities include: visit with Santa, holiday shopping, music, food, home and cover bridge tours. December 4-6, 2009.

Holiday Shopping & Quaint Getaways
Madison – Explore this great National Historic Landmark on the Ohio River. It offers wonderful scenic views, Clifty Falls State Park, beautiful accommodations, Mundt’s famous fish candies, unique shops and the Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. November 27-December 6, 2009.

New Harmony – Located on the banks of the Wabash River, this community began as a spiritual sanctuary then later became a haven for international scientists, scholars and educators seeking equality in communal living. Enjoy the Spirits of Harmonie, a seasonal celebration, offering festive foods, spirits and shops. November 28, 2009.

Outlet Mall Shopping abounds in Indiana. Great sales await, even at Midnight, at these select centers: Edinburgh Premium Outlet, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet and The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont.

Shipshewana – Located in the Heart of Amish Country, this Amish community offers shopping, family-style dining and evening entertainment. Enter a Shipshewanderland with events like: Chocolate Day, Christmas tree adventure and the Ice festival. Through January 2, 2010.

Village of Nashville, Brown County – Hustle and bustle this holiday season in and out of shops, art studios and galleries to find that one-of-kind gift. Holiday festivities include: decorated storefronts, caroling and a Christmas Tree Walk. Through January 3, 2010.

The Village at Winona – Nestled along the shores of Winona Lake, this thriving arts community is home to numerous galleries, studios, shops, eateries and museums. This Christmas season also enjoy gingerbread house decorating and other fun holiday festivities. December 5, 2009.

Outdoor Fun
Chop down your own Christmas tree and enjoy holiday festivities at a local tree farm.

Ski and Snowboard to your heart’s content at Paoli Peaks in Paoli or Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages over 70 outdoor recreational properties across the state each offering their own unique experience. These properties offer great winter amenities like toboggan sliding at Pokagon State Park, winter hike program at Brown County State Park and cross-country skiing at Tippecanoe River State Park. Amenities vary per property.

May memories of unique Indiana experiences fill your home this holiday season!