December Calendar and Christmas Events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley
Every year (for the past 9 years!) Haute Happenings has put together a calendar of Christmas events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley to be sure no one misses out on the fun. We want you to have a holly, jolly Christmas, a festive holiday season, and a very happy New Year!
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December and Christmas Events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley
Thursday, December 15. Gingerbread House Construction Zone at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Create new, lifelong memories this holiday season. Grab your family and head to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum to decorate your own reusable gingerbread house!
Thursday, December 15. Holiday Movie Trivia at WaterTower Estates Winery.
Thursday, December 15. Trivia night for SHINE Foster Family Resources (read about SHINE here). Ugly Sweater Contest after trivia so wear your best/ugliest/funniest sweater for a chance to WIN All proceeds raised go to SHINE!!
December 16, 17, and 18. Christmas Belles at Community Theatre of Terre Haute. A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. It’s Christmas time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters—Frankie, Twink, and Honey Raye—are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. But things are not looking too promising.
December 16, 17, and 18. Rose-Hulman Drama Club: A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. With a modern twist, this RDC production will be one you won’t want to miss!
Friday, December 16. Downtown Sullivan Christmas. Join the Heart of Sullivan and many downtown businesses to celebrate the holiday season. This year, you can ride a horse drawn carriage, visit Santa, go ice skating, and so much more! There will be several activities happening at businesses all around the downtown. They will have activity BINGO cards available again this year. Families can complete activities and enter to win a prize. On Saturday at 7:30pm, they will close out the Christmas event with their first Christmas parade.
Saturday, December 17. Skate with The Grinch at Terre Haute Wigwam. Ticket includes admission, skate rental, all-you-can-eat pizza, meet & greet and photo opportunity with The Grinch.
Saturday, December 17. Austen Afternoon Tea with the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12 & Up: Are you intrigued by the romantic escapades of the Dashwood sisters or enamored with the aloof Mr. Darcy? Slip into your favorite day dress or waistcoat for an afternoon of tea, treats, and trivia with other fans of Jane Austen to celebrate her 247th birthday. Regency-era costumes are encouraged, but are not required. Trivia will include both the books and the film adaptations.
Saturday, December 17. “Last Call!” Market at Terre Haute Brewing Co. Grab your friends and come enjoy your last chance to shop local from 12 awesome artisans, makers and boutiques. There will also be live music from Midnight Motive as well as food trucks, tarot readings, and other fun festive activities! This event is open to all ages so gather up the whole family and come have a lovely night out!
Saturday, December 17. Kids’ Cooking Class: Christmas Dessert with Federal Coffee + Fine Foods. Mini-Chefs will be creating a Yule log cake aka or bûche de Noël, traditional Christmas cake shaped and decorated to look like a 3-D log. This “old school” dessert is made of tender chocolate sponge cake filled with mascarpone whipped cream and covered with whipped chocolate ganache! This dessert will no doubt impress your holidays guests, along with giving your family a new tradition for the holiday season. The hour-long class also includes hot chocolate and a Federal dessert! Join us Saturday, December 17, 9 to 10am. Space is limited, so book now! This class is geared to children 7 years-old and up.
Saturday, December 17. Game night at Little Bear Coffee Co. Introducing Little Bear Coffee & Boards Night. Gather your friends to enjoy a fun evening filled with coffee and board games!
Saturday, December 17. Wabashiki Night Ride. Bike the Wabashiki Trail with our Griffin Bike Park Manager and VCPRD Natural Resource Programmer on an adventurous 10-mile fundraising ride through the river bottoms. Hybrids and mountain bikes are recommended, helmets are required. Clear-lensed glasses suggested. Adult supervision is required for ages 13 and under. Bring a bike light or headlamp to light the trail. Snacks and water provided while supplies last.
Saturday, December 17. Meadows Christmas Gift Bazaar. Over 90 vendors all inside the atrium. Farmers Market inside too! Perfect last minute gift ideas and variety to choose from! Carolers to make an appearance and of course Santa will be there until 5.
Saturday, December 17. End-of-year Open House at the Eugene V. Debs Foundation. You’re invited! Join us at the Debs Museum for a festive open house on December 17th from 3:00-6:00 pm. Sip some hot cider, enjoy the tree in the parlor, and take a guided tour of the 1890 home of Eugene and Kate Debs. Our gift shop has options for every comrade on your list. 30-minute tours will be offered at 4 and 5 pm. We’ll provide light refreshments and plenty of cheer.
Sunday, December 18. Drive-Thru Christmas Food Basket Giveaway with Terre Haute Foursquare Gospel Church.
Sunday, December 18 and Wednesday, December 21. Watch It’s a Wonderful Life on the Big Screen (AMC Terre Haute).
Sunday, December 18. Vintage Christmas House with Santa at White Pine Manor. Come see Santa in our Vintage Christmas House on Sunday, December 18th from 12pm-4pm. We will have a professional photographer on site taking photos for a $30 donation. Donations will be used to help food insecurity this Christmas. You may also bring a cell phone to take your exclusive glasshouse photo with Santa at no charge.
Wednesday, December 21. Safe Sitter class at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 11-15: Safe Sitter® is a single-day, nationally certified course that teaches teenagers safe and nurturing child care techniques, behavior management skills, and appropriate responses to medical emergencies in an interactive format. In a Safe Sitter® class, students learn through lively discussion, practice, and role-play about a variety of topics, including babysitting ethics and etiquette and the business aspects of babysitting. Lunch will be provided to participants. Parent permission slips and photo releases are required prior to the start of class. Visit the Youth Services Department at the Main Library to complete the forms or call CASY at 812.232.3952 to receive the forms.
Thursday, December 22. Teen Movie Night: Home Alone at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12-19: In their rush to make their flight to France, the McCallister family accidentally leaves behind their eight-year-old son Kevin, who’s sleeping in the attic. Not that Kevin minds: he can eat all the pizza he wants, jump on his parents’ bed, and make a mess of the house. When two burglars decide that his home is an easy target, it’s up to him and a collection of makeshift booby traps to ward them off.
Friday, December 23. Cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hulbert Happy Holidays. Weather dependent!
Saturday, December 24. Christmas Eve Run. Dress up in your festive holiday run attire and celebrate with friends! Join for a FREE group run starting at the Pie Co. around Maple Ave Park and back. Run/Walk as little or as much as you like. Stay after to celebrate the holidays with friendship and pie!
Saturday, December 24. Midnight Christmas Candlelight service at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Saturday, December 24. Children’s Christmas Musical at Maple Avenue United Methodist Church.
Monday, December 26. Last day of lights in Forest Park in BRAZIL, IN.
Wednesday, December 28. Manga Madness with the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12-19: Are you a fan of Kentaro Miura’s classic Berserk or a regular reader of Shonen Jump? Whether you prefer isekai, shoju, or battle manga, join Manga Madness to discuss your favorite series and learn what other manga fans are currently reading!
Wednesday, December 28. Bingo by the Books with the Vigo County Public Library. Gather with your friends and neighbors for refreshments and be ready to shout, “Bingo!” as you play traditional and non-traditional bingo games with the chance to win prizes. Bingo cards and number makers will be provided.
Saturday, December 31. New Year’s Eve Countdown for kids from 1pm-4pm at The Wigwam skate rink. Tickets include admission, skate rental, hats, horns, noisemakers, balloon drop, ice cream with toppings, kiddy cocktail.
Saturday, December 31.New Year’s Eve Skating Extravaganza at the Wigwam. Party includes balloon drop with prizes, fireworks celebration, and more!
As always, typos happen and event details change! Please confirm details with hosting organizations before finalizing your plans.
We are continually grateful to our featured sponsors. Their partnership helps to keep Haute Happenings free for readers like you! Please help us thank them by attending their events and supporting their businesses.
Our calendar of December Christmas events is just the beginning of the holiday fun! In our holiday guide homepage, we have meals with Santa, Santa pictures, holiday markets, holiday parades, holiday trains, and so much more!
Click HERE for the 2022 Guide to Christmas Events and Holiday Fun in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley!
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The fun has ended for these great events:
Thursday, December 1. Sensory-sensitive Santa experience at The Meadows.
Thursday, December 1. LEGO Lab at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 6–11: Challenge your child’s construction skills, teamwork abilities, and creativity at Lego® Lab! Every month, your child can attempt the monthly challenge’s theme or build their own designs. At the end of the evening, spend a few minutes touring everyone’s designs and learn how others solved problems in their own builds. Your child’s design will be part of a month-long display in Youth Services.
Thursday, December 1. Holiday Market behind the courthouse. Local vendors, food trucks, holiday light displays, and SANTA!
Thursday, December 1. Candy Cane Hunt in Deming Park. Stick around after the hunt for the opening ceremony of Christmas in the Park.
Thursday, December 1. “A Look a the Past” at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2. Puppy Pals Live in Terre Haute. Coming to Terre Haute IN by popular demand is family favorite Puppy Pals Comedic Stunt Dog Show from America’s Got Talent!
Friday, December 2. 12 Points Tree Lighting. Santa will be ready to meet with children (of all ages). Dancers from Nancy Sauer’s School of Theatrical Dance will perform. Students from Ouabache Elementary School will sing holiday songs. Mayor Bennett will officially light the tree at 7:00
Friday, December 2. FREE photos with Santa at Dentistry Just for Kids + TK Orthodontics. Join for a fun day to get your picture taken with Santa!
Friday, December 2. Live music with harpist Emily Fife at the Vigo County Public Library.
Friday, December 2. Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club 7th grade “Peppermint Dreams” dance.
Featured event!
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Miracle on 7th Street. IGLOOS (new in 2022!), vendor market, gingerbread house decorating, carolers and music, and lighted parade!
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. District 6 Christmas. Enter a heated greenhouse, lit up with Christmas lights, adorned with Christmas decor, filled with local vendors offering their best products (which make perfect Christmas gifts)!
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Candy Canes on Main in CASEY, IL. Lighted parade, concert, elfie-selfie scavenger hunt, bedtime story and gifts from Santa, Pancake breakfast with Santa, the Elf Trolley, photos with the Grinch and Max, and MORE!
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Fowler Park Christmas Walk. Join the VCPRD for our annual Christmas Walk. Walk our Pioneer Village by Candlelight as our Volunteers exhibit holiday traditions from the early 1800s. There will be children’s activities, live music, historical cabins & covered bridge, demonstrations, pioneer skills presentations, musical performers, and much more!
Friday, December 2-Monday, December 5. Shop the Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at the Vigo County Public Library. Thousands of items will be available, including books, puzzles, movies, music, gift items, and more! The Friday Night sale is for Members Only and membership will be available at the door. The Saturday, Sunday and Monday sale is open to the public with free admission. Proceeds raised at the monthly book sales help provide funding for Library programs and services.
December 2, 9, and 16. Ready to Read Storytime at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 0–5: Whether you’re looking to bond with your little one, meet new friends, or prepare for their first day at Kindergarten, you can capture your child’s imagination at Ready to Read Storytime. At Ready to Read Storytime, your child will learn new words and sounds, practice good listening and social skills, and develop fine motor skills with music, dance, and songs.
Saturday, December 3. Breakfast with Santa at the Vigo County YMCA. Adults $2 and children $1.
Saturday, December 3. Winter Workshop: Perler Bead Ornaments with the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12-19: Design a pixel-style ornament with Perler Beads! Use a pegboard to arrange colorful beads into a decorative shape and heat them up with an iron. The beads will melt into a solid piece of plastic you can hang on your tree or in a window. Choose a pre-existing pattern or create your own design!
Saturday, December 3. Pictures with Santa and your PET at Terre Haute Petland!
Saturday, December 3. Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club “Snow Globe” 6th grade dance.
Saturday, December 3. 2nd annual Christmas Bazaar with the German Oberlandler Club of Terre Haute.
Saturday, December 3. Santa at the Icehouse in CLOVERDALE, IN. Santa will be at the Icehouse ready for you to take a picture and tell him your wishes.
Saturday, December 3. Holiday Craft Bazaar at Wabash Activity Center.
Saturday, December 3. Breakfast with Santa at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. We invite you to join us for our second annual Breakfast with Santa. This event is open to children and family of all ages. Invite your friends, invite your neighbors, invite your family! This even is sure to be one you will look forward to year after year.
Saturday, December 3. Christmas in the Park Reindeer Romp. This race includes a 5K run/walk option for adults and youth; a 3K run/walk option for youth who are 8th grade and under; and 1/2 mile Reindeer Romp for youth who are 8 years old and under. The Reindeer Romp will start at 9:50 a.m. with the 5K and 3K starting after that.
Saturday, December 3. Pancakes with Santa at Maryland Community Church. MCC 12 Points is hosting a huge party for the community called “Pancakes with Santa” on Saturday, December 3 , 2022 from 10am to noon. The goal of the party is to invite family, friends and neighbors to come enjoy a spectacular free pancake breakfast, kid-friendly activities and pictures with Santa!
Saturday, December 3. Skate with Woody and Buzz at the Toys for Tots Toy Drive at The Wigwam. Skate with Woody & Buzz for FREE! It is easy–all you need to do is bring in a new unwrapped toy and your admission & skate rental is Free on Saturday and your admission, skate rental, and all you can eat pizza is Free.
Saturday, December 3. Joyful Holidays with Caroline Goodwin and the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. This beloved annual tradition embraces the season with Christmas classics and enchanting discoveries! Plan now to let the music of the season weave another magical memory for you and your family. Caroline Goodwin dazzled last year in her cameo appearance with the THSO. This year she takes the stage as our featured Guest Artist. Including holiday favorites Sleigh Ride, Hanukkah Medley, Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, an audience singalong & more!
Saturday, December 3. JASONVILLE Home for the Holidays. Donut dash, vendor market, candy cane hunt, tree lighting, lighted parade, free hot chocolate, and Christmas carols.
Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. Mouse House. Tickets are $2 per person and include craft, reindeer bar, cookie decorating, bounce house, and a visit with Mrs. Mouse! Secret buying room gifts, food, and bakery items available for an additional cost.
Sunday, December 4. Cookie Decorating Class with WaterTower Estates Winery.
Sunday, December 4. Let’s Paint with Muse Art. Join for pizza and painting at Greek’s Pizzeria.
Sunday, December 4. Visit Little Bear Coffee Co to get pictures taken with the Grinch and then head over to The Moonlight Theater for a FREE showing of How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Please bring in a canned good donation for the Free Life Community Church Food Pantry.
Tuesday, December 6. CANVA 101 with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Want to streamline your design process while keeping your brand consistent? Learn how to use CANVA to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, other visual content and learn how to schedule your social posts directly through Canva! This event is free to attend!
Wednesday, December 7. The Swingles: Together for the Holidays at Hatfield Hall. With their trademark vocal dexterity, The Swingles leap from genre to genre, reinventing jazz, classical, folk, pop and world music from their ever-growing repertoire of arrangements alongside a rich vein of new original material. The group’s secret ingredient is the ability of the seven singers, soloists, songwriters and storytellers to combine as one seamlessly blended and timeless sound. Tickets start at $30.00.
Thursday, December 8. Cookie Decorating Class at WaterTower Estates Winery. Become the hostess with the mostest this holiday season! Learn how to step up your cookie decorating skills and impress all your friends & family!
Thursday, December 8. United Way Celebration Open House. Mark your calendars and plan to join us as we congratulate our Executive Director Richard Payonk and Community Impact Director Mark Johnson for their work with United Way before their end-of-year retirements. You can also welcome the new leadership team of Abby Desboro and Danielle Isbell as they begin their journey as Co-Executive Directors at the beginning of the year.
Friday, December 9. Grinch Night Out with Terre Haute North cheer team. Please sign up your K-5 kiddos to come learn some THN chants and a dance that they will perform at the boys varsity half time with the cheerleaders on December 16, 2022 . We will also have fun activities such as cookie decorating and watching the How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the gym ( so you are more than welcome to bring a blanket and pillow).There will also be pizza provided for the children to eat. We will also be having a practice/ run through to go over the dance and chants on Wednesday December 14 from 5:30-7:00. Parents/Guardians can use this as a Christmas shopping night!
Friday, December 9. Haute for the Holidays comedy night at Terre Haute Brewing Company. Bring a gift for Toys for Tots to get a complimentary pint. No cover charge.
December 9, 10, and 11. Christmas Belles at Community Theatre of Terre Haute. A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. It’s Christmas time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters—Frankie, Twink, and Honey Raye—are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. But things are not looking too promising.
Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 11. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with the Parke Players in Rockville.
Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 11. Country Christmas at Alvey’s Acres in MARSHALL, IL. Local vendors selling handmade/homemade items, FREE Santa pictures, hot chocolate bar, sweet treats, and a greenhouse filled with house plants and holiday planters.
Saturday, December 10. Hot Cocoa with Santa at Macksville Coffee Co. Come out and enjoy a warm cup of Hot Cocoa while you tell Santa what you want for Christmas!
Saturday, December 10. Merry Grinchmas Party with Northview High School. “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!” The Northview Guard presents this children’s event on Saturday, December 10th at 1:00pm. All the Whos down in Whoville are waiting with Grinchy games, crafts and snacks! Cost is $7 per person and is perfect for children of all ages. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Beginning December 1 tickets can be purchased from any member of the Northview Guard or online.
Saturday, December 10. Breakfast with Santa at the CLOVERDALE American Legion Post 281. Annual Breakfast with Santa! Come and enjoy with your community our greatest assets our families! Enjoya FREE picture with Santa, crafts with boys scouts, books and a small gift for kids under 12.
Saturday, December 10. Breakfast with Santa at the Clay County YMCA. Come enjoy breakfast with Santa. Children will be able to visit with Santa, get their picture taken, create and drop off their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox.
Saturday, December 10. Breakfast with Santa: A Reach Children’s Therapy Clinic Fundraiser. Join us for Breakfast with Santa at the Zorah Shrine on December 10, 2022! We have two time options available, 9:00am & 10:30am. Register by Dec. 5th to ensure a picture with Santa and that the book has your child’s name inside!
Saturday, December 10. Christmas Fun at the Woods. Enjoy a festive afternoon with the Sisters of Providence and friends. Delight in the miniature Christmas village and collection of nativities including our hand-carved nativity scene. Come visit Santa at the North Pole Zone and meet our jolly alpacas! There will be activities, crafts, cookie decorating, wagon rides, a sing-a-long and face painting. Be prepared to take a lot of pictures. $7 per person. Children 3 and under are free.
Saturday, December 10. A Wildflower Christmas at The Red Barn. Come and shop with over 80 vendors, enjoy yummy food, decorate cupcakes with the Sugar Box, face painting, pictures with Santa and so much more!
Saturday, December 10. Holiday Market at Illumination Wellness. Come see us on December 10th and/or December 17th for a Special Holiday Market featuring wellness vendors, healing hub practitioners offering mini-sessions, craft tables, drink specials & so much more.
Saturday, December 10. Santa Claus is coming to CLINTON, IN. We are excited to announce upcoming arrival of Santa in Clinton! Plans are underway for the Clinton Christmas Parade and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Clinton Community Center. The fire truck will be escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus from the fire house at 332 Mulberry Street to Riverfront Park on Saturday December 10th at 5:00PM.
Saturday, December 10.Breakfast with Santa at Villas of Holly Brook. Santa Claus is a big fan of The Villas of Holly Brook. This event is free! Come enjoy breakfast and pictures with The Big Guy himself! We would be happy to help kick off your family holiday spirit! Breakfast will include donuts, pastries, and beverages.
Saturday, December 10. Lunch and skating with Santa at The Wigwam. Tickets include admission, skate rental, lunch buffet, soda or juice, visit with Santa, and photo opportunity.
Saturday, December 10. Parade of Lights with the MARTINSVILLE, IL Fire Protection District.
Saturday, December 10. Daughter’s Winter Jubilee at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Dads (grandpas, uncles, brothers, stepdads, you get the idea) and daughters will enjoy winter themed experiments, photos, tasty treats, and activities to celebrate the holiday season. Perfect for girl’s ages 3-12!
Sunday, December 11. Elf on a Shelf Skate at the Wigwam. Meet our Lifesized Roller Elf on a Shelf! Join us for Meyhem and Mischief and be sure to bring your Elf on a Shelf. Buy your tickets online and Save $8 includes admisssion, skate rental, and all you can eat pizza. Tickets at the Door $8 plus $3 Skate rental also includes admission and all you can eat pizza.
Sunday, December 11. Rose Holiday Pops Concert. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s time for the Rose Holiday Pops Concert! Join the Rose-Hulman concert band, choir, symphony, and jazz ensemble as they perform your favorite holiday classics to kick off the season! You won’t want to miss this annual favorite! This event is FREE and open to the public!
Sunday, December 11. Special Needs Day with Santa in BRAZIL, IN.
Monday, December 12. Christmas lights parade in West Vigo.
