Gingerbread House Workshop
Date: Friday, November 22 and Wednesday, December 4 (take home); Sunday, December 8 and Saturday, December 14 (in-person)
Time: 12:00-2:00 PM and 3:00-5:00 PM
Location: Indiana Memorial Union
Admission: $55.00 per house and $70.00 pre-built (take home); $75.00 for first house and $30.00 for each additional house
Decorate your very own gingerbread house with the Sugar & Spice pastry team, or take a piece of holiday magic home with you this year!
B-Town Turkey Trot
Date: Thursday, November 28
Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Switchyard Park
Admission: Registration $30.00 adults, Ages 10-22 $20.00, under 9 free
A 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning in Bloomington's B-Line Trail through Switchyard Park for neighbors, friends, and families to enjoy together! Register here.
Sparkle & POP
Date: Friday, November 29
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: FAR Gallery
Admission: $45.00 per ticket
Join Monopole for their second annual Sparkle & POP bubble and champagne tasting. Buy tickets here.
Canopy of Lights Open House at History Center
Date: Friday, November 29
Time: 5:00-9:00 PM
Location: Monroe County History Center
Admission: Free
Swing by the History Center for winter themed activities, music, and hot coco! Open before and after the lighting of the Bloomington Square.
Canopy of Lights
Date: Friday, November 29
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.
Drive Thru Holiday Light Display
Date: Friday, November 29-Sunday December 29 (recurring on Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds
Admission: $20.00/car, $40.00/small bus
A spectacular display of twinkling lights! Stay cozy in your car while enjoying the magic. Then stop at Santa's Village for some hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa!
Light Up the Night
Date: Thursday, December 5
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Indiana Memorial Union - Biddle Hotel & Conference Center
Admission: Free
Make your night more merry and bright during the annual lighting of the IMU's iconic outdoor candle. Enjoy ice skating, food, a winter market, and more!
Krampus Bazaar
Date: Sunday, December 8
Time: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: 2234 W. Industrial Park Dr.
Admission: Free
Dazzle yourself with hand-picked vendors sporting all sorts of wares during this Krampus-themed trade show. Bring the kids and let them get treats at booths, but beware - one of our Krampuses just may come out to deliver switchings!
Garlands and Greenery at the Wylie House
Date: Wednesday, December 11- Saturday, December 14 & Wednesday, December 18-Saturday, December 21
Time:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Wylie House
Admission: Free
The historic 1835 home is decorated for the 19th century holiday season and hourly tours include information about Wylie family holiday traditions. Tours are free.
Garlands and Greenery at the Wylie House Open House
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time:1:00-4:00 PM
Location: Wylie House
Admission: Free
Wylie House Museum welcomes the public to visit the 1835 historic home for holiday season music, refreshments, and children’s craft activities. Guided tours are paused during this time, but guests are encouraged to explore the museum. Docents will be present to answer questions.
Christmas Holiday Parade
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Temperance Street - Ellettsville
Admission: Free
Enjoy a Christmas Holiday Parade hosted by Chandler Funeral Home and Apostolic Church, starting by the old Village Inn and heading West on Temperance Street to Poplar Drive.
Holiday Shoppers Free Downtown Parking
Date: Thursday, December 19 at 5 p.m. through Tuesday, December 24
Location: All City Parking Garages and On-Street Parking Spaces
Admission: Free
To make local holiday shopping more convenient, the City of Bloomington offers free parking in all City public garages and on-street parking spaces on select dates this holiday season. Complimentary parking will be available at the Morton Street, Walnut Street, Fourth Street, and Trades District garages, as well as at on-street meters.
12th Annual First Day Trail Run and Walk
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Fairfax State Recreation Area
Admission: Registration
An untimed, non-competitive run/walk. Choose from a 3.7-mile, 2.9-mile, or 1.3-mile course – and don’t forget to tap the bell and ring in the new year as you cross the finish line!