The holiday season is here, and there is no shortage of fun in Bloomington. Here are a variety of festive activities happening this month, ranging from winter markets to holiday parties.
Drive Thru Holiday Light Display (6-10 p.m. Nov. 29–Dec. 29)
See a beautiful display of holiday lights at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Afterward, check out Santa’s Village for sweet treats and a visit with Santa.
The fairgrounds are located at 5700 W. Airport Road. Entry is $20 per car.
Chimes of Christmas (2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7)
The Singing Hoosiers are celebrating their 75th anniversary at their annual holiday concert Dec. 7. The event will be at the IU Auditorium and feature performances from the Singing Hoosiers and special guests from the IU Jacobs School of Music.
The concert will be at the IU Auditorium at 1211 E. Seventh St. Student tickets start at $17, regular tickets start at $22.
Krampus Bazaar (noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 8)
Visit this Krampus-themed trade show, inspired by the folk figure said to punish children during Christmas, and see hand-picked holiday vendors selling all types of Krampus merchandise.
The Krampus Bazaar will take place at Bloomington Brewing Co. at 2234 W. Industrial Park Dr. Entry is free.
Gingerbread House Workshop (noon to 2 p.m., 3-5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 14)
Come create the sweet home of your dreams in the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall. The IMU will offer the opportunity to come and make your very own gingerbread house or buy a kit to make one at home.
The IMU is located at 900 E. Seventh St. It costs $75 to make the first house and $30 for every additional house. Take-home kits cost $90 for the first house, and $45 per additional house.
Holidays Around the World (11 a.m.–3 p.m. Dec. 9)
IU Student Government will celebrate a wide range of holidays at Ballantine Hall. Learn about Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Diwali traditions and enjoy holiday treats like hot chocolate and jelly donuts.
Ballantine Hall is located at 1020 E. Kirkwood Ave. The event is free to attend.
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration (6 p.m. Dec. 10)
Come and join the African American Dance Company and the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center for Pre-Kwanzaa festivities. Watch performances from the AADC and learn about the importance of the holiday.
The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center can be found at 275 N. Eagleson Ave. The event is free to attend.
The Kickb(l)ack: Home for the Holidays (6-9 p.m. Dec 11)
The George Taliaferro Sport Association and Black Men Evolve IU will partner with the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center to celebrate the holiday season with cookie decorating, ugly sweater contests, holiday karaoke and more.
The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is located at 275 N. Eagleson Ave. The event is free to attend.
Garlands and Greenery: Traditions Tours (10 a.m. Dec 11, 14, 18 and 21)
Visit the Wylie House Museum, built in 1835, to see 19th century holiday decorations. Guided tours of the home are conducted hourly.
The Wylie House can be found at 307 E. Second St. Tours are free.
Winter Dance Concert (2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14)
The IU Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance will welcome guests to the Reconstructed/Reframed Winter Dance Concert at Ruth N. Halls Theatre. The dance concert honors legendary performers and presents past faculty work with new perspectives.
The Ruth N. Halls Theatre is at 275 N. Eagleson Ave. Student and child tickets are $15, adult tickets are $25.
Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale (10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dec. 15)
Head over to Congregation Beth Shalom and shop from over 24 vendors selling everything ranging from handmade art, baked goods and homemade challah.
Congregation Beth Shalom can be found on 3750 E. Third St.
