Gingerbread Village, Photo From ConnerPrairie.org

If you are already planning a weekend getaway to Hamilton County’s 8 Great Towns or want to take a last minute Indiana vacation, here are 8 Great Things to do in Hamilton County, Indiana this weekend:

1. Be a part of a local tradition and visit Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville. Take a wagon ride, pick out a Christmas tree, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse (only a few days left!)- Saturday, November 21 – Monday, December 21.

2. Experience the beauty and peacefulness of winter during the Snowflakes and Silent Nights Exhibit at Cool Creek Park in Westfield – Friday, December 18 – Sunday, December 20.

3. Travel back to Christmas Eve of 1836, where you can take a candle lit tour of Conner Prairie and watch as residents prepare for their holiday celebrations – Friday, December 18 – Saturday, December 19.

4. Help to create (and then enjoy) a holiday meal at Kiss Z Cook in Carmel – Friday, December 18.

5. Celebrate the holidays by helping Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Department and the National Audubon Society conduct its annual Christmas Bird Count – Saturday, December 19.

6. Take your family to design your very own Gingerbread House at the Simply Sweet Shoppe in Carmel – Saturday, December 19.

7. Watch as the sights and sounds of holiday’s past come to life at Conner Prairie during the Holiday on the Prairie event – Saturday, December 19.

8. Get into the spirit of the season and help decorate a Christmas Tree at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Cicero – Saturday, December 19.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra Performing Live

1. Be a part of a local tradition and visit Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville. Take a wagon ride, pick out a Christmas tree, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse - Saturday, November 21 – Monday, December 21.

2. Shop ’til you drop during the holiday sale at the Main Street Shoppe in Westfield – Friday, December 11 – Sunday, December 13.

3. Eat a delicious (and unforgettable) “Big Ugly Burger” from Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in Carmel.  If you are able to finish your last bite – be sure to have your picture taken and posted on the wall!

4. Santa Sightings!  Don’t miss a chance to visit with Santa as he stops by Noblesville, Carmel & Fishers – Saturday, December 12.

5. Spend Saturday in the Carmel Arts & Design District.  Start the day during the 2nd Saturday’s Holiday themed event, then enjoy an evening Gallery Walk – Saturday, December 12.

6. See the Museum of Miniature Houses in a whole new light & take the Candlelight Evening Tour – Saturday, December 12.

7. Enjoy a good meal at one of our local Indiana dining spots and then see the Carmel Symphony Orchestra perform traditional holiday favorites live – Saturday, December 12.

8. Join in on the seasonal celebrations during “Holiday Happenings” at the Cool Creek Nature Center- visit with Santa, dance to festive music, listen to stories. – Sunday, December 13.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Reynolds Light Display

My favorite part of the holiday season is the pretty holiday decorations.  I love seeing a tree lit up and decorated with garland.  I love seeing holly, mistletoe and Santa’s Village.  As I drive my toddler son around the county (he also loves the lights), we have discovered a few neat places that are worthy of a visit.

Reynolds Farm Equipment, 126th & 37, Fishers – Every year they light up the entire block with their village of lights.  See animals climb in 2 by 2 into Noah’s Arc, see a boy warm up next to a fire, see a large, but friendly, monster hang the star on top of the tree.  Turn your radio station to 107.9 and enjoy the holiday music as you slowly drive through the lights.

Clay Terrace Outdoor Mall, 146th & Meridian, Carmel- Take the family for dinner and holiday shopping, then before heading back to the car, stop by to visit with Santa (and to give him your wish list) in his home.

Carmel Arts & Design District, Main Street & Rangeline Road – To really enjoy the magic of this town square, be sure to stroll through the art galleries, shop in the boutique stores, dine at a great local eateries, and enjoy the twinkling trees and festive window displays.

Noblesville Square, 10th & Conner Street – Another great downtown to experience during the season is Noblesville Historic Square.  Stop into Noble Coffee & Tea to warm up with a cup of hot coffee, and to stop in the Faux Flower & Gift Shop for beautiful decorations and great gift ideas.

Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm, SR 38 & 37, Noblesville – One of my favorite local traditions is Country Christmas.  Until December 21, your family can take a wagon ride to pick out (and cut down) your prefect Christmas tree.  Once you return, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse for fresh garland and wreaths.

Snow Flakes & Silent Nights Exhibit at Cool Creek Nature Center, US 31 & 151st Street, Westfield – Visit this exhibit to explore the beauty and peace of winter.  Learn about animal tracks, the uniqueness of snowflakes or simply relax during a walk in the park.

Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie

1. Be a part of a local tradition and visit Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville. Take a wagon ride, pick out a Christmas tree, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse - Saturday, November 21 – Monday, December 21.

2. Celebrate the season during Noblesville’s First Friday event, themed “Holidays in Downtown.” While on the Square, stop by the Noblesville Main Street tent to buy tickets for the Home Tour and see 3 beautifully decorated Victorian Era Homes – Friday, December 4.

3. Enjoy a Holiday Home Tour in Carmel – Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 5.

4. Visit Conner Prairie for a Candlelit Tour of Prairietown or to explore the Gingerbread Village – Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 5; Gingerbread Village is a daily event that lasts through January 3, 2010.

5. Shop for holiday gifts at the 3rd Annual Holiday Farmers Market in Noblesville – Saturday, December 5.

6.  Stop by the quaint town of Arcadia to celebrate “Christmas on Main Street” – Saturday, December 5.

7.  Watch the Holly Jolly Christmas Parade in Atlanta & stay after it ends for music, cider, shopping and a chili cook off – Saturday, December 5.

8.  Dance the night away to your favorites songs from the 80s, 90s and today performed live at Fionn MacCool’s in Fishers – Saturday, December 5.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Shopping at Clay Terrace Mall in Carmel

1. Be a part of a local tradition and visit Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville. Take a wagon ride, pick out a Christmas tree, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse - Saturday, November 21 – Monday, December 21.

2. Give thanks with family and friends during the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel – Thursday, November 26.

3. Look for good “Black Friday” shopping sales at Clay Terrace Outdoor Mall in Carmel or Hamilton Town Center Outdoor Mall in Noblesville  - Friday, November 27.

4. Kick off the holiday season at the annual Noblesville Lighting Ceremony – Friday, November 27.

4. Enjoy a live theatre production of Christmas Belles at the Belfry Theatre in Noblesville - Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29.

5. Celebrate the illumination of the Arcadia Christmas Tree – Saturday, November 28.

6. Want to mail a letter to Santa?  Beginning Saturday, the Fishers Parks Department will collect letters to be sent to the North Pole - Saturday, November 28 – Monday, December 14.

7. Gather in Noblesville for the 30th Annual Holiday Parade – Sunday, November 29.

8. After the parade, stay in Noblesville and spot Santa as he visits the Historic Square – Sunday, November 29.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Cooking class at Kiss Z Cook - photo from KissZCook.com

If you are already planning a weekend getaway to Hamilton County’s 8 Great Towns or want to take a last minute Indiana vacation, here are 8 Great Things to do in Hamilton County, Indiana this weekend:

1. The newest Twilight movie, New Moon, opens this weekend – watch it from the comfort of the brand new Hamilton County 16 IMAX theatre in Hamilton Town Center.  After the movie, stay in the area for a good dinner and holiday shopping.

2. Take the “Kicked Up Thanksgiving” cooking class from Kiss Z Cook in Carmel to learn a few new ways to prepare traditional Thanksgiving favorites  - Friday, November 20.

3. Leave the comfort of the world you know… and learn what it was like to be a fugitive slave on the Underground Railroad during “Follow the North Star” at Conner Prairie - Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 21.

4. Enjoy a live theatre production of Christmas Belles at the Belfry Theatre in Noblesville - Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 22.

5. Be a part of a local tradition and visit Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville. Take a wagon ride, pick out a Christmas tree, sip warm cider and visit the greenhouse - Saturday, November 21 – Monday, December 21.

6. Browse through the aisles of the Simpler Thyme Primitive Show at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.  Holiday gifts, antiques and more will be available – Saturday, November 21.

7. Stop by Carmel’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in the Arts & Design District  - Saturday, November 21.

8. Listen to the music played by local high school students while they perform at Ben & Ari’s – stay for fun arcade games and pizza! – Saturday, November 21.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Enjoy your holiday weekend escape!

Country Christmas at Stonycreek Farm November 21 – December 21 – Be a part of a local tradition and take a hayride to the field to choose, and cut, your own Christmas tree. Sip hot cider while you browse through the gift shop featuring custom made wreaths and other unique items.

Country Christmas

Fishers Tree Lighting December 3 – Watch as the Fishers Christmas Tree is lit up with beautiful sparkling lights.

Holiday Extravaganza December 3 – Do a little holiday shopping from a wide selection of fine food, wines and gifts at delicious prices, just in time for the holidays.  Stay to sample and save on more than 70 specialty wines and dozens of fine spirits and microbrews from around the world while savoring a sumptuous selection of hors d’ oeuvres.

Holiday Home Tour December 4-5 - Enjoy delicious food from Serendipity Tea Room, followed with a visit to homes from both the 19th century and today – all which are furnished with fine antique collections.

Conner Prairie by Candlelight December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 – Journey back to Christmas Eve in 1836 for a candlelit stroll through Prairietown.  Watch as the residents prepare for their own holiday, and learn what makes each celebration special and unique.

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

First Friday’s – Holiday’s in Downtown Noblesville December 4 – Celebrate the season with carolers, roasting chestnuts, shopping, hot cocoa and carriage rides.

Christmas on Main Street December 5 - Spend a day in the quaint downtown of Arcadia and enjoy music, food, arts & crafts – and a visit from Santa!

Town of Cicero Christmas Parade December 5 – Visit the small town of Cicero and see their Christmas parade, be sure to stay until the end and meet Santa.

Santa Sightings in Hamilton County

Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Celebrate the Holiday’s” December 12 - Listen as the Carmel Symphony Orchestra brings life to many traditional holiday songs including O Holy Night and Let It Snow.

Second Saturday’s & Holiday in the Arts District December 12 - Spend an entire day celebrating the holiday’s in the Carmel Arts & Design District.  Start with music, art, Santa and promotional sales at local retail shops.  In the evening enjoy a gallery walk, a candlelit walk through the Museum of Miniature Houses, carolers and more.

Carolers in the Arts & Design District

Holiday on the Prairie at Conner Prairie December 19 – The sights and sounds of holidays past come to life with family activities both indoors and outdoors.  Stroll through a wonderland of remarkable gingerbread creations, visit with a Victorian-era Santa Claus, play with 19th-century toys and explore Discovery Station. Then bundle up and stroll through Prairietown, where residents are preparing for the holidays ahead.

New Year’s Eve at The Mansion at Oak Hill December 31 – Ring in the New Year with hors d’oeuvres, an elegant dinner, dancing and live music.

New Year’s Eve Party at the Fishers Conference Center December 31 – Countdown to midnight and then safely retreat back to your hotel room.  Enjoy a package that offers an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn or Hotel Indigo, free drinks all night, music, food and fun!