We have entered November in Hendricks County, Indiana, and that means the holiday season is in full swing. Over the next two months, Hendricks County has train rides, a train show, holiday lights, ballet, theater, visits with Santa, a parade and more!
Let's take a look at the Top 10 holiday events in Hendricks County.
1. Winterland Holiday Light Show
Danville's Winterland Holiday Light Show opens at Ellis Park on Nov. 22 and runs daily (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) through Dec. 28.
If you're not familiar, the Winterland Holiday Light Show is a magnificent, drive-through experience featuring more than a million lights. Pay at the gate and then make as many laps around Ellis Park as you'd like to soak in all the holiday spirit.
2. Danville Train Show
The annual Danville Train Show presented by the Central Indiana Division of the National Model Railroad Association at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex in Danville provides the perfect introduction to the holiday season. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23.
The model train show spans more than 29,000 square feet and includes about 100 dealers featuring everything from train cars and locomotives in every scale from G to Z, as well as a huge selection of accessories to make your setup or collection complete. The event also includes operating layouts, clinics, food and more.
3. Christmas on the Square
Kindle your holiday spirit at the 18th annual Christmas On The Square from 4 to 7 p.m., Nov. 29!
Join Santa Claus on the historic Courthouse Square in Danville for a winter wonderland with all the trimmings, including beautifully decorated shop windows, activities for kids, a live nativity scene and caroling. This free, family-friendly evening filled with holiday cheer is the perfect way to usher in your Christmas season.
4. Beasley's Christmas at the Orchard
Join Beasley's Orchard in Danville on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, or Dec. 14 as they transform their Civil War-era Barn Market into a winter wonderland and welcome Santa during Christmas at the Orchard!
Get a professional photo of your family with Santa sitting in his one-horse sleigh by the stone fireplace from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is open to pre-ordered time slots only. Beasley's offers professional photography with digital files and a variety of prints.
5. The Twelve Daze of Christmas
From Dec. 5-8, the Hendricks Civic Theatre presents The Twelve Daze of Christmas at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Matinees begin at 2:30 p.m., and evening showtimes are at 7:30 p.m.
This play keeps theatre-goers wondering who will show up every time Alice opens her mouth and sings the next verse.
6. Trees of Plainfield
Come to the Al & Jan Barker Sports Complex in Plainfield on Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening for free family fun during the Trees of Plainfield event!
Explore a dazzling trail of sparkling Christmas trees, indulge in tasty treats from local food vendors and enjoy a variety of festive activities that are sure to create lasting holiday memories for the whole family! Make sure to check out the holiday schedule and plan your visit accordingly because each night offers something special for everyone.
7. Plainfield Tri Kappa Gingerbread Christmas
Sponsored by Plainfield Tri Kappa, the 54th annual Gingerbread Christmas is the oldest and largest fine arts and craft show in the area. This year's event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 7 at Plainfield High School.
Master artists and crafters from many states will showcase a wide variety of original works of art. Browse a tempting array of unique and one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, accessories, wearable art and seasonal decorations in this juried event.
8. Christmas Under the Stars
Also on Dec. 7, a Christmas celebration begins at Brownsburg Town Hall at 4 p.m. when you can visit more than 20 vendors at the Winter Market and create some holiday crafts during Christmas Under the Stars.
At 6 p.m., the Christmas Under the Stars parade winds its way through Brownsburg with lots of beautiful floats, candy flying everywhere and a grand entrance by Santa Claus himself at the end of the parade! Right after the parade, head back to the Town Hall for the lighting of the town's Christmas tree, more shopping at the Winter Market and pictures with Santa!
9. Avon Tree Lighting
On Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Avon Town Hall Park, the annual Avon Tree Lighting will provide families with a free and fun way to get into the holiday spirit.
Visit with Santa, listen to a story from the Avon Library, see the model trains, take a ride on the trackless train, visit the outdoor activities, see live reindeer, listen to live music and more!
10. The Nutcracker
Make The Nutcracker part of your family’s holiday traditions! The Children’s Ballet and Hendricks Symphony present Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic on Dec. 21 and 22 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.
This year's production will feature performances by local actors, professional dancers and more than 50 local students.
