McCordsville’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration, set for 6 p.m. Dec. 2, features performances by local student musicians.
Submitted photo
GREENFIELD – It’s about to get merry and bright here in Hancock County.
Local festivals, events and fundraisers abound to get local residents in the Christmas spirit.
Here’s a look at where to go to celebrate the holidays. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Dec. 1
“Save Our Gingerbread Friends,” program for elementary children, 3:30 p.m. at the main branch of the Hancock County Public Library; visit hcplibrary.org to register.
Dec. 2
McCordsville Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration, 6-8 p.m., McCordsville Town Hall, 6280 W. 800N.; event features performances by local student musicians, hot chocolate, cookies and crafts.
Dec. 3
Greenfield-Central High School Holiday Bazaar, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., fundraiser for local school groups featuring free visits with Santa.
Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Greenfield Elks Lodge, 820 S. State St., Greenfield, includes games, activities and prizes.
Weihnachsmarkt, Cumberland’s annual holiday celebration, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. featuring vendors, entertainment, food, a lighted parade and more.
Winterfest in Fortville, noon-7 p.m., featuring vendors, bonfire stations, a kids’ zone, live music, a parade and more.
“Miracle on 34th Street” classic film showing at 1:30 p.m. at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts; all tickets are $5, visit hancockcountyarts.org to reserve a seat.
“Home for Christmas” concert by the Hancock County Children’s choir, 2:30 and 7 p.m., Park Chapel Christian Church; for tickets and more information, visit hancockcountychildrenschoir.org.
Shirley Christmas Walk, 4-8 p.m., downtown Shirley; vendors, carriage rides and prizes; Santa arrives at 4:30 p.m., bring bells to cheer him into town.
City of Greenfield Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m., downtown Greenfield ending in Depot Street Park.
Dec. 4
Pet photos with Santa, benefiting Partners for Animal Welfare Society; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Shelter House at Riley Park, cost is $15.
Dec. 8
“A Classic Hollywood Christmas” event for adults from film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek, 6 p.m. at the main branch of the Hancock County Public Library; visit hcplibrary.org to register.
Dec. 9
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” family movie night, 7 p.m., New Palestine Lions Club, 5242 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine.
Dec. 10
Winter Fest, “It’s a Whoville Holiday in New Palestine,” featuring vendors, story time with Mrs. Claus, Santa, a parade and tree lighting.
Ugly Sweater Party hosted by Greenfield Parks and Recreation, 1-6 p.m. at the lower level of the Patricia Elmore Center, 280 N. Apple St., Greenfield; cost is $5 per person, bring your own sweater and supplies will be provided to decorate it. Drop in or pre-register at parks.greenfieldin.org.
Holly Jolly Holiday Party, 6 p.m., Fortville Community Center, 400 W. Church St., Fortville; event hosted by Fortville Parks Department and the Fortville Vernon Township Public Library; visit fvtpl.org for details.
Dec. 12
Grinch Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. at the Sugar Creek branch of the Hancock County Public Library; register at hcplibrary.org.
Dec. 13
Cookie Decorating, 6 p.m., Fortville-Vernon Township Public Library, 625 E. Broadway St., Fortville.
Dec. 17
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Breakfast and Holiday Market, $20 per person breakfast features three time options to meet Santa. Free outdoor festivities include vendors and greeting Santa’s reindeer; see facebook.com/GreenfieldMainStreet for details.
Christmas at the Ricks, 7 p.m., H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, fundraiser talent show features guest performances by Josh Kaufman and Cliff Ritchey; tickets are $10 in advance at hctheaterfriends.org or $15 at the door. Proceeds will help purchase new seats and flooring at the theater.
Dec. 19
Jingle John with live reindeer and other arctic animals; Sugar Creek branch of the Hancock County Public Library; visit hcplibrary.org for times and to register.
Racoon Lake Saxophone Quartet, 6:30 p.m. at the main branch of the Hancock County Public Library; visit hcplibrary.org to register.
Dec. 20
Jingle John with live reindeer and other arctic animals; main branch of the Hancock County Public Library; visit hcplibrary.org for times and to register.
