Memorable and Original, Celebrate this Holiday Season in Brown County

Celebrate the holiday season in Brown County, where holiday cheer comes naturally. With plenty of fun and festive holiday events, unique shopping, and quaint old-fashioned charm, Christmas in the Village of Nashville is a magical experience that should not be missed. This year,make Brown County a new holiday tradition and create memories to last a lifetime.

From late November throughout the month of December, the holidays will be in full swing in Brown County. From Santa sightings and a vibrant holiday lights parade to Victorian candlelight dinners and a Christmas sing-along, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

Kick off the holidays the day after Thanksgiving at the Visitors Center Holiday Open House. Join Santa and his elves at the Brown County Visitors Center on November 27 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Rather than battling the chaotic Black Friday crowds at the mall, make it a “Brown Friday” in Brown County instead. Get in the holiday spirit in the peaceful, picturesque Village of Nashville, where enjoying time with friends and family and the real meaning of the season is what it is all about.

Not only can visitors share their secret wish lists with Santa at the Holiday Open House, but they also can pose for a picture with the big guy, complimentary of Stiles Studios. There will even be a face painter on site as well, carefully creating holiday masterpieces one cheek at a time.

After some treats and time with Santa, visitors can tackle their Christmas shopping in town. Just as the unique, eclectic stores fill the streets of Nashville, visitors can fill their bags with one-of-a-kind, locally handcrafted gifts. An official tree lighting ceremony also will take place on November 27 at 6 p.m. at the Brown County History Center, complete with some live holiday tunes by Brown County Christmas Music Sing-Along featured artists.

The holiday fun continues the following weekend during Brown County’s annual Weekend of Giving. Making sure that everyone is able to experience a happy holiday season is top priority during this weekend, where festive events are not only fun, but also benefit the less fortunate.

The Weekend of Giving  begins on Friday, December 4 with the 38th Annual Children’s Christmas Fund Benefit Auction at Out of the Ordinary Restaurant at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this special auction ensure that children in need in the Brown County community will receive a new item of clothing for Christmas.

Give back to others and get in the mood for the holidays as the Weekend of Giving continues with the Holiday Lights Parade and Toy Drive on December 5. Enjoy brightly lit floats as they travel through the Village beginning at 6 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided along the parade route too! Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Lights Parade. Donated toys will be dropped off to the local Salvation Army and will be distributed to less fortunate Brown County families. Last year over 800 toys were donated, more than double the amount given in 2013.

Another fun and memorable Weekend of Giving event is Stuff a Stocking. From 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on December 5, children will have the opportunity to follow a map to over 25 local merchants gathering treats, ornaments, toys, and more to stuff their Christmas stockings. All proceeds will benefit the Brown County Community Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Brown County area. Tickets for this event can be purchased online in advance at browncountygives.org or at the Brown County Community Foundation office and the Brown County Visitors Center the day of the event. Only 300 Stuff a Stocking tickets will be sold. Act fast to ensure a spot!

As if this wasn’t enough, there are plenty of other holiday events going on December 5 as well. Take a lighted wagon ride at Shireman Homestead and enjoy Holiday at the Farm from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Experience an enchanted village, visit with Santa, and check out his treat house and craft workshop at this original holiday attraction. Holiday at the Farm will be open November 27-29; December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-23.

Children also can enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Brown County Inn, complete with drawings for gifts, a hot chocolate bar, and more. If it is Mrs. Claus they are after, they can swing by Bear Hardware from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., where she will be handing out tasty cookies for her guests.

Those looking to get active this holiday season can participate in the 16th Annual Reindeer Romp, an 8K run or a 5K run/walk, at the Brown County State Park. The Reindeer Romp will be held December 5 at 1 p.m., with proceeds from the event benefitting the Brown County YMCA’s Y financial assistance program. Registration is available online at www.browncountyymca.org/events/reindeer-romp.

Visitors need not look any further than the T.C. Steele State Historic Site for some old-fashioned holiday fun during Steele’s Country Christmas. On December 5 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., guests can step back in time to the early 1920s when legendary painter T.C. Steele celebrated the holidays at the House of the Singing Winds. Visit with St. Nicholas, make ornaments and small hand-crafted gifts, and even enjoy live music and refreshments. Tickets can be purchased on site.

As far as holiday musical entertainment goes, Brown County has plenty of that too! Visitors will be dazzled by Believe, a seasonal music show featuring vocalists and members of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. Believe can be seen at the Brown County Playhouse on November 27-29; December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20. Show times and tickets are available online at www.browncountyplayhouse.org.

Another entertaining holiday show is the Brown County Christmas Music Sing-Along on December 12. A home-town show that pulls the audience right into the fun, the Christmas Music Sing-Along will showcase the talent of local musicians, as well as include some laughter, prizes, and more. This event will be held at the Brown County Inn and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their best singing voices and join in on the action. Tickets are available online at browncountychristmas.com or in-person at the Brown County Inn, The Wild Olive, and the Brown County Visitors Center.

Various other holiday events and activities are slated throughout the month of December in Brown County as well, such as Victorian Candlelight Christmas Dinners, the Santa Train, and Christmas Bird Count to name a few. With its unique atmosphere, quaint charm, and endless holiday offerings, there is no better place to be this holiday season than in Brown County. Magical, memorable, and all around original, be sure to celebrate the holidays beautiful Brown County this year.

For more information on holiday events, attractions, and activities, please visit christmasinbrowncounty.com or call the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (812) 988-7303.

About Brown County, Ind.: No matter what you’re looking for, escape comes naturally in Brown County. Eclectic boutiques and galleries, breathtaking scenery, welcoming accommodations, and endless outdoor adventures await in one of America’s original artists’ colonies. From art to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and for most, it’s only a short drive away. Unplug from daily life and reconnect with one another as you experience the rustic beauty and artisanal charm of Brown County. Plan your escape today…you’ll be glad you did.