December 2023

Top Holiday Activities & Santa Sightings

Spend the holidays in Southern Indiana this year! Whether you’re a SoIN native or visitor, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of the holiday season. Find the perfect Christmas tree at Huber’s Orchard and Winery, enjoy ice skating in Jeffersonville, or take a holiday cooking class at MESA. Don’t forget to visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch during their SoIN visits! Their stops include Charlestown: Christmas City, Fresco Tea Bar, Vintage Fire Museum, Uncommon Cups and Cones and more!

Things to Do This Winter in SoIN

Beat the winter blues in SoIN! Southern Indiana has tons of options for winter fun, making it easy to turn the gloomiest days bright. Have a family fun night at Jeff on Ice or catch a show at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Knock out your holiday shopping with some friends and finish with a refreshment from one of our local breweries. Click the link for more of SoIN’s winter fun opportunities!

Scenic SoIN Digital Passport

Get rewarded for exploring the most beautiful places in SoIN! The Scenic SoIN Passport features 14 idyllic locations that passholders can explore, most of which are free to enter! Check out places like New Albany’s Mansion Row, Ashland Park in Clarksville, or the Mount Saint Francis Sanctuary.

Check in at 10 locations to win a custom print by Graphic Designer, Illustrator and SoIN native Matthew Clinard. Each check-in earns entries toward the grand prize grand prize drawing, which includes an overnight stay at Stone Creek Cabin in Henryville, exploring SoIN at The Wood ATV Adventures, a clay shooting experience at The Sporting Club at the Farm and a gift card to the newly opened Bicycle Station.

Sign up for your free digital passport today!

These artists think big and work small. The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center (formerly Carnegie Center) invites viewers to engage with art on an intimate scale during Exhibition, Intentionally Intimate: The Choice to Work Small, on display now through March 16, 2024. The exhibit is free to view.

Jeff on Ice is back at the Depot in Jeffersonville now through December 31! Book your time on the ice Fridays – Sundays. Come early to check out shops including Bad Cat Boutique, L.O.S. Vibes, Sister Ray Records and Mood/Egee. Santa will be at the rink December 9 & 16. Tickets are $12 per person and include a complimentary skate rental.

Take a cruise and have Cookies with Santa as the Mary M. Miller transforms into a winter wonderland for you and your family to enjoy. Cruises are December 2, 9 and 16. Boarding starts at noon, cruising from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $39.99 for adults (15-64), $38.99 for seniors (65+), $24.99 for kids (5-14) and children 4 and under are free.

Shop for gifts, visit Santa Claus, enjoy seasonal music provided by the Thomas Family Brass Duo, and share light refreshments at the Howard Steamboat Museum’s Holiday Open House and Christmas Bazaar from Noon – 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3.

Let Santa know what you want for the holidays this year during Treats from Santa at the Vintage Fire Museum from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on December 9. Children can have their photo taken with Santa, eat sweet treats and check out antique toy fire trucks. Enjoy the museum’s full collection at half-price admission.

See Rudolph and his crew live on December 20 at Greenway Park in Charlestown! Experience holiday magic at this FREE event featuring live reindeer and character meet and greets from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy the city’s famous light displays and fun at the Family Activities Park throughout December.

Your View of SoIN!

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Take a walk through the timeless charm of Historic Mansion Row in downtown New Albany! https://bit.ly/45xqi1z

📸: maxgosman