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We want to take you behind the scenes, to give you insider information you won't find anywhere else. This is where we pull Bloomington's hip happenings together with recommendations from our team, first-hand accounts from project producers, and guest blogs by local gurus.  The Backstage Blog helps you stay in front of it all.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Holiday Happenings in Bloomington

Categories: Indiana University, General, Family Fun, Events, Festivals

Looking for all things holly & jolly in Bloomington this holiday season? We've rounded up every holiday-themed event, from the merry & bright to Canopy of Lights.

Canopy of Lights Santa

Artisan Guilds of Bloomington Holiday Show

Date: Friday, November 4 & Saturday, November 5
Time: 4:00-9:00 pm Friday; 9:00 am-5:00pm Saturday 
Location: Monroe County Convention Center
Admission: Free

Over 70 artists from Bloomington’s favorite guilds, Local Clay Potters’ Guild, Bloomington Spinners & Weavers Guild, and Indiana Glass Guild, unite for three shows under one roof.
 

Smithville Holiday Bazaar

Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Old Smithville School
Admission: Free

Enjoy a holiday bazaar featuring handmade items, baked goods, arts & crafts, and more.
 

Bloomington Handmade Market

Date: Saturday, November 12 & Sunday, November 13
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Convention Center
Admission: Free

Browse handmade items from over 60 artists at the Bloomington Handmade Market! 
 

Christmas Fair

Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 2:00-6:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds
Admission: Free

Enjoy crafts, fair food, live music, and an appearance from Santa at the Christmas Fair!
 

Harvest Market

Date: Friday, November 18 & Saturday, November 19
Time: 4:00-8:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am-4:00 pm Saturday
Location: Whippoorwill Hill
Admission: $5.00 per person

Enjoy the annual Harvest Market, comprised of artisanal, boutique, and farmers' goods!
 

Bloomington Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the Season

Date: Friday, November 25
Time: 5:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Admission: Adults $25, Students $12, Kids 18 & under $5

Join the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra before or after the Canopy of Lights for a magical, memorable holiday program featuring seasonal favorites, an audience sing-along, special guests, and so much more! 
 

Canopy of Lights

Date: Friday, November 25
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Monroe County Courthouse Square
Admission: Free

Experience one of Bloomington's most magical traditions as Santa flips the switch to transform the downtown area into a sparkling, winter wonderland, displaying thousands of lights on and around the Monroe County Courthouse Square.
 

Bloomington Holiday Market

Date: Saturday, November 26
Time: 10:00am-3:00 pm
Location: Showers Showers Plaza & City Hall Parking Lot
Admission: Free

Enjoy the 20th annual Bloomington Holiday Market featuring 50+ farm vendors, food & beverage artisans, and local/regional artists.
 

Shop Small Saturday

Date: Saturday, November 26
Time: All day
Location: Downtown Bloomington
Admission: Free

Support small businesses during Shop Small Saturday in Bloomington!
 

The Nutcracker

Date: Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, December 4
Time: Various times
Location: Musical Arts Center
Admission: $21.00-$42.00 per ticket

Enjoy the magical story of Clara, performed by the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Light Up The Night

Date: Thursday, December 1
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: IMU Circle Drive & Robel Plaza
Admission: Free

Make your night more merry and bright during the annual lighting of the IMU's iconic outdoor candle - plus ice skating, a winter market, and more!

Stinesville Christmas Bazaar

Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Stinesville Community Center (formerly Stinesville Elementary School)
Admission: Free

Handmade items, commercial vendors, and flea market vendors will be on-site at this Christmas shopping event. Santa will be making a special visit from 12:00-2:00 pm; children are encouraged to get their picture taken and receive a special treat.

Chimes of Christmas

Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Location: IU Auditorium
Admission: $13.00-$32.00 per ticket

Celebrate the holiday season with the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers when they return to IU Auditorium for the jolliest family-friendly event of the year, Chimes of Christmas.

Garlands and Greenery at The Wylie House

Date: Wednesday, December 7 - Saturday, December 10
Time: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Location: Wylie House
Admission: Free

Take a step back in time at the Wylie House. Decorated for the holidays in festive greenery, guided tours will be available, and learn how the holidays were generally celebrated in19th-century Bloomington.  

Santa on Sale Street

Date: Saturday, December 10
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Location: Sale Street - Ellettsville
Admission: Free

Welcome Santa to Sale Street as he arrives on a fire truck. Free photo with Santa, send a letter to Santa and enjoy many more activities.

Bloomington Chamber Singers Present Britton's Ceremony of Carols

Date: Sunday, December 11
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: St. Mark's United Methodist Church
Admission: Free

Enjoy a musical depiction of St. Nicolas' life, faith, miracles, and enduring legacy.
 

Constellation Stage & Screen Presents Elf

Date: Thursday, December 15 through Saturday, December 31
Time: Various times
Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Admission: $20.00-$52.00 per ticket

Enjoy Constellation Stage & Screen's production of Elf!
 

Winter Wild Animals

Date: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18
Time: times vary
Location: WonderLab Museum
Admission: $5.00 per member, $19.00 per non-member

Meet real, live wild animals at WonderLab's WonderGarden during Winter Wild Animals.
 

Straight No Chaser Holiday Concert

Date: Friday, December 16
Time: 8:00-10:00 pm
Location: IU Auditorium
Admission: $33.00-$72.00 per ticket

A cappella sensation Straight No Chaser is coming home to IU Auditorium once again, bringing with them a live show packed with pop hits, holiday favorites, and plenty of laughs along the way.

 

Looking for New Year's Eve events in Bloomington? Check out this blog.

 

 

Alyssa Davis

Alyssa Davis

Alyssa is the Digital Content Coordinator at Visit Bloomington. She's also a proud Indiana University alumna, Millennial cat lady, and Formula 1 enthusiast. 

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