December is often a busy and stressful time of the year, but Evansville and New Harmony are offering several exciting holiday events that would put Ebenezer Scrooge in the holiday spirit.
“The events are a great opportunity for people to see downtown dressed up for the holidays,” said Joshua Armstrong, Downtown Alliance director.
Holly Jolly Holiday! is a new event that blends several downtown events into one, day-long Christmas event on Dec. 13.
The day begins with the Dickens Christmas on Franklin Street from 1-4 p.m. where live actors will perform in traditional Victorian style costumes to set the mood of a Dickens novel as guests shop and browse along one of Evansville’s oldest and most preserved streets.
The Franklin Bazaar will also return with a wintery theme, and there will be musical performances on the West Branch Library Lawn. The entire street will be draped in garland.
Then guests can head over to Main Street at 5 p.m. for A Downtown Christmas, where more than 600 luminarias will line the street while local choirs perform Christmas carols; shops will sell food, clothes and crafts; and Santa Clause will make an appearance until 9 p.m. There will also be musical performances in the park.
“This event is an exciting way to see your city a little differently,” Armstrong said.
Visitors can then enjoy a romantic horse drawn carriage ride to the Reitz Home Museum to view a beautiful candlelight tour, or drive through Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights for $7 per car.
Alternately, for $30, guests can view the magnificent lights from a horse drawn carriage. To finish off the evening, the Evansville Ballet Theater accompanied by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra will host a performance of the timeless classic “The Nutcracker.”
“I’m going to see “The Nutcracker” this year. I get to dress up nice and pretend I’m rich for two hours. It’s kind of a family tradition,” said Kennedy Salts, freshman radiology major.
The “Nutcracker” is a full-length ballet performance that features over 50 casts members. The performance is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and again at the same time Dec. 14 at the Victor Theater. Tickets are $25-$50 each, but only $20 for students.
“This is the most beloved ballet of all time. We have new performers and costumes every year,” said Mark Bush, artistic director of “The Nutcracker.”
This year’s show will feature guest artists from New York City.
There are a number of events scheduled this season to create a memorable evening or a new family tradition. No matter your style, Evansville and New Harmony are hosting events that will keep you humming “Jingle Bells” and sporting hideous Christmas sweaters until New Years.
Here are some additional holiday events guests can attend in December:
The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana is presenting The Holiday Indoor Art Market throughout December. The Holiday Indoor Art Market begins with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Arts Council on Main Street. The Art Market will feature local art from Arts Council’s members. The Arts Council will also provide holiday treats and Acropolis will provide a cash bar for guests at the reception.
Guests looking to experience German culture can enjoy Christmas at Germania. Participants can enjoy a delicious meal featuring German cuisine, listen to live music performed by Germania’s men and women’s choirs and a watch a humorous theatrical performance. Christmas at Germania is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Germania Maennerchor. Admission is $27.50 per person.
Christmas at New Harmony provides guests with a number of fun-filled holiday events to choose from. From a holiday parade to Christmas tree lightings, and a delicious breakfast with Santa, New Harmony assures that both children and adults will have an enjoyable time celebrating the holiday season. Other activities include crafts for children, shopping, live music, free carriage rides, concerts and an auction. Guests with a sweet tooth can indulge in delicious baked goodies available for sale or bring home a unique gift or hand crafted decoration such as pottery art, hand-blown glass and jewelry. Most events are free of charge and are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday and last until Sunday.
More than 60 teams will compete in Aurora’s Midwest Gingerbread House Competition, which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Old National Events Plaza downtown.
The Evansville Philharmonic Opera will present Peppermint Pops, accompanied by vocalist Lisa Vroman. They will perform popular Christmas songs live at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Victory Theatre. Ticket prices vary from $13- $70.
Coffee addicts can rejoice at the Wired Handmade Holiday Fair, where guests can enjoy live music and a steaming cup of java while purchasing handmade gifts from over 20 venders. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m Dec. 13 at 111 NW 4th Street in downtown Evansville.
Boogie Nights at the Tropicana is hosting a Last Minute Holiday Shopping Bazaar from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 14 for those who are struggling to find a great holiday gift. Familes and children of all ages can enter to win door prizes and raffles. A canned food donation or $2 entry fee is required to participate. Donations benefit the Evansville Food Bank.
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra is hosting a candlelight performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Trinity United Methodist Church. The event will feature a 27-piece orchestra, 40-member chorus and four soloists. Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $23, or for $25 at the door.
Straight No Chaser is returning to Evansville in”The Happy Hour Tour.” The all male a cappella group has made numerous national TV appearances. The tour is schedule to premier at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at Evansville’s Old National Events Plaza. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $49.50.
