Brown County Holiday Happenings
Brown County is a great place to spend time during the Holiday Season. We have the charm of a small community, and yet we offer shopping, entertainment, recreation, and dining that rival the big cities. You can share traditions, escape into nature, or find new ways to experience the holidays.
Be sure to check out the magazine’ s advertisements and calendar when you plan your visits to Brown County. Here are some highlights you might consider.
SHOPPING
It is fun to look for gifts in our little local shops. Yes, it is more convenient to have items shipped to your door( if they can find your house and deliver the right item), but it is a lot more gratifying to pick out something in person— something you can touch and feel.
There are boutiques with colorful clothes; jewelry stores; specialty shops selling spices, cheese, olive oil, fudge, and other candies; plus, gift stores featuring collectibles and items from all over the world.
Popular spots for kids of all ages are the toy store in the big blue Victorian building on the main drag, the toy train store in Antique Alley, and the rock shop on the north end of town.
Potters, jewelers, painters, woodworkers, sculptors, and other crafters sell their wares in galleries and shops. The Seasons Holiday Art and Craft Show, held Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 24 and 25 at the Seasons Conference Center, features juried works by area artisans.
Sleepy Cat Studio, located at 4687 Yellowwood Road, Nashville, is having an open house on Dec. 9 from 11:00 to 3:00 featuring five local artists. ENTERTAINMENT
The Brown County Playhouse and the Brown County Music Center, have lined up a variety of acts for Nov. and Dec. The Playhouse is presenting“ A Christmas Story” during the month of Dec., adapted by Philip Grecian and performed by Theatre Brown County.
FITNESS
Hard Truth Distilling Co. will hold its inaugural Flannel 5K on Nov. 4, featuring three extreme trail races: 5k, 10K, solo runs, plus a four-person 20K relay.
The 6th Hilly Half Marathon will take place on Nov. 18, and the 22nd Reindeer Romp will take place on Dec. 2, both brought to you by the Brown County YMCA and held at the Brown County State Park.
Advance registration is recommended.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 24
The Brown County History Center kicks off the Christmas Season in downtown Nashville. Festivities begin at 5:00 and the tree is lit at 6:00. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there for the kids. Cookies, hot chocolate, and tea will be served.
SANTA TRAIN DEC. 1
Santa Claus arrives by train in Helmsburg around 8:30 pm. Kids line up to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus on the train
and see characters from favorite movies and cartoons.
CHILDREN’ S FUND AUCTION DEC. 1
The Brown County Inn will host the 46th Children’ s Fund Auction, raising money to buy clothes for local children in need. It features donated art, crafts, antiques, merchant items, food, gift certificates, and tickets for activities like Holiday World, or Cincinnati Reds games.
Auction starts at 6:00. For more info 812-320-2601. CHRISTKINDL MARKET DEC. 2
The market will be held from 10:00-6:00 at Coachlight Square. Vendors sell a variety of goods and food. Talent is provided by Breana Faith, The Hungry Five, Die Fledermausch, Polkamotion, and carols with Kara Barnard and Chuck Wills. Brown County Winery, Bear Wallow Distillery, and Country Heritage Winery will offer drinks.
STUFF A STOCKING DEC. 2
From 11:00 – 5:00 Children follow a map of merchants all over town to gather goodies in their Christmas stocking provided by the Brown Co. Community Foundation. Tickets may be purchased at browncountygives. org or at 209 N. Van Buren St. This
event sells out fast. More at 812-988-4882.
HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE DEC. 2
Starting at 6:00 a parade of vehicles, floats, animals, and groups of people decorated with lights will travel through Nashville. Toy Drive is for the Salvation Army.
AMPLIFY NASHVILLE DEC. 2
The Brown County Music Center will host this music festival featuring five local / regional bands. Show starts at
7:30. Doors open at 6:30. Read more about it on page 64.
LIGHTS OVER BEAN BLOSSOM
“ A Drive Thru Christmas Lights Show” is happening Nov. 24, 25, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 14 – 16, 21 – 23 from 6:00-9:00 at the Bill Monroe Music Park, 5163 N. State Rd. 135. Tickets are available at the gate for $ 25 per car and online in advance at BillMonroeMusicPark. com for $ 20. •
Nov./ Dec. 2023 • Our Brown County 43