Every holiday season, Madison transforms into "Merry Madison," not only as a delightful holiday destination but as the very feeling of the season, where the warmth and joy of the holidays fill every street and shop. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, Madison invites visitors to explore vibrant streets, charming shops, historic sites, and an enchanting atmosphere that make this National Historic Landmark District a perfect seasonal escape.
Holiday Highlights:
Witness history come alive with a unique candlelight tour through beautifully preserved private homes and historic sites. Back-to-back weekends from November 29 to December 7, Madison opens doors to six stunning homes and 6 historic sites decorated with holiday splendor. Stroll through Madison's heritage while enjoying seasonal music and festivities.
- Holly Jolly Trolley
Hop on for a delightful trolley ride through Madison's festive downtown! Guests can relax and enjoy the charm of the season. This hop-on-hop-off experience is perfect for taking in decorated storefronts, glowing lights, a cheerful holiday atmosphere, and holiday shopping - happening on the same days as the Nights before Christmas home tour.
- A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade & Celebration
On December 7, downtown Madison bursts into holiday cheer as the annual Christmas parade brings Santa, giant balloons, and spirited floats through town, starting at 11AM. Afterward, Broadway Fountain & Street comes alive with local vendors, kids’ crafts, hot chocolate, and a special appearance by Santa and his reindeer.
- A Christmas Carol Reading & Seasonal Performances
Storyteller Bob Hartsaw brings Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” to life in a reading fit for kids ages 3 to 103 at Gallery 115. For music lovers, the Louisville Brass returns with a free holiday concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on December 5, while the Madison Community Band delivers festive tunes on December 14 at Clifty Inn.
- Lights, Shopping, and Unique Festivities
Throughout the season, Madison’s streets twinkle with holiday lights from Bicentennial Park’s enchanting displays to Broadway Fountain's Light Up Madison event on November 29. Shoppers can indulge in unique holiday finds all season long, Small Business Saturday, and The Merry Marketplace to name a few.
- Festival of Trees, Hosts of Angels, and Rudy's Garden at Lanthier Winery & Distillery
Celebrate the season surrounded by over 850 Christmas trees, angelic displays, and the glowing charm of Rudy's Garden. This free, family-friendly event is open daily from November 29 through Christmas Eve, offering a magical setting for visitors of all ages.
- Santa Sightings
Madison welcomes Santa in a variety of settings—from the cozy Santa Cottage on Main Street to the Caroling with Santa event to seeing the big guy light up Madison with the Mayor. Children can also drop off letters in Santa’s mailbox at City Hall and receive a personal reply from Santa himself.
To make it easy to join in all of the festivities and see Santa’s schedule, every event has been compiled in the annual ‘Merry Madison & More Holiday Events Brochure’, available to view or download online.
This holiday season, Madison, Indiana, invites families, friends, and travelers to celebrate in a truly enchanting setting. With festive trolley rides, historic tours, Santa sightings and holiday shopping, “Merry Madison” offers a memorable experience for everyone. For more information go to www.VisitMadison.org or call 812-265-2956.
The second annual Christmas Magic In Salem will be Saturday, December 7, 1—7 p.m., at the Salem Public Square and Purlee Plaza. Everyone will be sure to catch the holiday spirit with a day filled with shopping in Historic Downtown Salem, treat bags and hot chocolate for children, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, wagon rides and much more.
The event is sponsored by the Washington County Tourism organization and the City of Salem. Organizers include Nina Motsinger, Bonita Purlee, Susan Lloyd and Justin Green, mayor of Salem.
Businesses around the square will be open, and many will offer specials, entertainment or treats. Several restaurants are in short walking distance of all the festivities.
New this year is the addition of numerous vendors that will be set up in two different locations.
At #52 Public Square, located in the middle of the southwest side of the square, will be the following vendors: Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 821 Woodworks, RAD Candle Co., Dandee’s Faces, Becca’s Can Do Creations, Rugs by Mary Jane Hamilton, Creatively Unique, Shepherd’s Bluff, Wood Zinser Crafts, Hunter Ridge Winery and Bracelets Key Chains.
Vendors will also be located at Purlee Plaza, the parking area at the corner of Market and High streets, right across from Salem City Hall. Those vendors include Alexander Custom Creations, Grays Bake House, Flower Power Bakery, Roots & Wings by KH and Christmas Ornaments by Tina.
The public is invited—get in the holiday spirit, enjoy fun and fellowship and get a jump on your gift shopping!
Join the IU Southeast Theatre Department for The Spitfire Grill, a musical of hope, community, and rebirth, playing at the Robinson Theater in the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center November 22-24.
The Spitfire Grill tells the story of Percy, a troubled young woman seeking a fresh start in a small Wisconsin town. Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff with music and book by James Valq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, the story explores the healing power of community, forgiveness, and hope. Through folk-inspired music, Percy’s journey brings new life to a town long burdened with longing and regret, reminding us of the joy found in human kindness.
The Spitfire Grill is suitable for most theatergoers over the age of 13. Featuring a beautiful story of hope and redemption, The Spitfire Grill includes some adult language, mild alcohol use and themes of prison and war. The show also includes adult themes of sexual assault, abuse, and murder.
Performance Schedule:
Evening shows at 7:00 p.m. on November 22 and 23
Matinee show at 2:30 p.m. on November 24
Tickets:
$15 for adults
$10 for students with valid ID
Tickets can be purchased online at oglecenter.com/tickets. All seating is general admission.
Director: Jessica de la Rosa
Musical Director: Christina L. Booker
THE SPITFIRE GRILL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.
Washington County 4-H is hosting a Carnival Of Fun this Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30--7:30 p.m., at the 4-H Building at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 118 Fair St, Salem. The carnival is free to the public and will feature plenty of food and games.
The event is family friendly and is focused on students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 who would like to become more knowlegeable about 4-H. Potential 4-H members, as well as current members, are encouraged to join in the fun.
A number of "stations" will be set up, each featuring different foods and activities--such as the Popcorn Trivia station. Weather permitting, a bounce house will also be available.
A "Cake Walk" will be featured. Proceeds from this event will help fund county 4-H projects.
Families from throughout the county are encouraged to participate and experience the fun, food and fellowship while learning more about 4-H.
Get ready to be enchanted by the magic of the holiday season as you step back in time for the Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. This beloved annual event celebrates its 42nd anniversary and will take place on back-to-back weekends: November 29th & 30th and December 6th & 7th, 2024.
This year's tour features a captivating blend of six private homes, meticulously decorated for the holidays, alongside five historic sites showcasing Madison's rich heritage. Discover a bonus site and indulge at three hospitality locations offering refreshments and restrooms.
Private Homes:
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Taylor Home (1014 W. Main Street)
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Bladen Home (625 W. 2nd Street)
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Ohlendorf Home (416 W. 2nd Street)
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Bellamy Home (409 E. 3rd Street)
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Hoffstadt-Chambers Home (521 W. Main Street)
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Richwood on the River (Across the Bridge: 1233 Highway 36, Milton, KY)
Bonus Site:
• Alcorn Sage, Swartz, Magrath Historic Law Office (1 W. 6th Street) Historic Sites:
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Madison Railroad Station (615 W. 1st Street)
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Lanier Mansion State Historic Site (601 W. 1st Street)
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Shrewsbury-Windle House (301 W. 1st Street)
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Masonic Schofield House (217 W. 2nd Street)
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Christ Episcopal Church (506 Mulberry Street)
Hospitality Sites:
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Olde Tyme Marketplace (801 W. Main St.)
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Lumber Mill Antique Mall (721 W. First St.)
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The Pearl Plate (214 E. Main St.)
Terri Suiter, Night’s home tour coordinator, shares her excitement: "This cherished Madison Christmas tradition offers residents a chance to showcase their homes and allows visitors a glimpse into the city's vibrant history. It's a truly magical experience for everyone."
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Plan Your Visit:
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Dates: November 29th & 30th and December 6th & 7th, 2024.
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Hours: Fridays 5-9 pm, Saturdays 3-9 pm.
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Tickets: Purchase online at www.NightsbeforeChristmas.com
o Advance tickets: $25 through October 31st, 2024.
o After: $35 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-12).
o Online orders incur a handling fee per ticket. All tickets are WILL CALL: 601 W. 1st Street.-
Candlelit Tale Series: Follow @NightsbeforeChristmas on Facebook for a weekly series exploring the tour sites!
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NEW! Holly Jolly Trolley – Hop-on Hop-off Trolley rides around downtown Merry Madison. These trolley rides align with the same nights as the tour both weekends. Available to all. Stay tuned for more information at https://visitmadison.org/explore/tours/madisontrolley/
Indulge in the Great Cookie Caper!
A tradition during the home tour, the Great Cookie Caper returns this year at the Tour Headquarters (Visitors Center - 601 W. First St.). Enjoy a delectable assortment of homemade cookies and sweet treats, all baked with love by local bakers and for a good cause. All proceeds from the Cookie Caper will benefit the Jefferson County Southpaws 4-H Club. The Club is led by a dedicated team of volunteers for over 30 years, engages around 25 kids in activities such as dog therapy visits to nursing homes and libraries, and recently placed first in the Drill Team competition at the Indiana State Fair.
From its inception; the Cookie Caper in conjunction with the Nights tour has raised over $47,000. Past beneficiaries include Lide White Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the Jefferson County Animal Shelter, the Sunshine Fund for Huntington’s Disease, the Jefferson County Youth Shelter, Salvation Army of Madison, SEI Voices for children, Ruth Haven, Girls’ Inc. of Jefferson County, Hargan Matthews Park and The Women’s Giving Circle. The Cookie Caper is on the same nights as the tour, both weekends, Fridays 4-7pm and Saturdays 1-7pm (while supply lasts each day). Don't miss out on this festive event and help make a difference!
Find all things Merry Madison at www.VistiMadison.org, the 2024 Holiday Events Brochure will be available on or around November 1st.
To learn more about the homes and historic sites on the tour or purchase tickets go to
www.NightsbeforeChristmas.com
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