Rockport, Indiana: Christmas Program

Located at the beautiful Spencer County Courthouse, THIS is how to usher in Christmas!

Rockport Annual Christmas Program

Our program said “local talent” and, if you are anything like me, you may have cringed slightly at that statement. However–I was completely blown away by the musical prowess of the people who live in this tiny Indiana town.

Located inside the basement of the courthouse, this is an awesome space. Once used as a meeting place for teachers back in the 1920′s, it is in its original condition, vintage chairs, stage, and all!

Now it’s main purpose is to hold the annual Rockport Christmas Program two days out of the year.

Christmas in Rockport, Indiana

Coat and tie means that everyone looks great and just adds to that whole festive feeling. Well, except for us–we spent the afternoon exploring Rockport’s great outdoors and probably looked a little worse for the wear!

For the Saturday night performance, you can catch the Spencer County Community Band playing in the beautiful courthouse. While you would think it would sound horrible (all those echoing sounds), I have heard it is a surprisingly wonderful space to hear music!

Santa also takes tickets. We had to switch to Sunday’s Matinee so we missed out on the Santa part unfortunately.

Rockport is Rockin’

Rockport, Indiana Christmas Program

You know what I hope? I hope that after seeing this article, that you’ll plan on purchasing tickets in advance–and get them to put on more than just two shows.

Talent this amazing needs to be shared–and two days aren’t enough! I didn’t expect to be completely awed by vocal performers and musicians!

But hubs and I weren’t the only ones in awe–our kids thoroughly enjoyed it! Make it a Christmas tradition in your family, too.

See more Rockport, Indiana images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Watch the talent at the 6th Annual Rockport Christmas Program on YouTube or below!

Spencer County Courthouse
200 Main Street
Rockport, Indiana 47635

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A very special thank you to Melissa Wilkinson, Executive Director of Spencer County Tourism, for providing us tickets for this event. A special thank you to the wonderful folks at the Christmas Program for their hospitality! Opinions, as always, remain mine and mine alone.

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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Hendricks County Courthouse Christmas

Centered around the spacious Hendricks County Courthouse Square, it was absolutely magical.

Christmas on The Square in Danville

White lights were strung from the elegant Hendricks County Courthouse to the various businesses across the street. On the lawn sat an unlit Christmas tree.

Now, this is really cute and something I hadn’t seen a small Indiana town do before–they had a giant light switch next to the unlit tree in the “Off” position.

One lucky kid would get to meet Santa and help him flick the switch.

In a flash, all the lights turned on and bathed the Square in Christmas cheer! We ooh-ed and aah-ed with the rest of ‘em.

Things to Do Around Danville Square

Danville, Indiana Ice Skating

But that wasn’t all! There was also free ice skating–shoe rental was just $1. You could bring your own and skate away!

It wasn’t actual ice. Composed of interlocking hard plastic-like pieces, I’ve heard it is what hockey players practice on.

Kid #1 had so much fun–even though he spent more time falling than actually skating!

Even so, I don’t think he stopped smiling for a minute (and he was out there for more than half an hour)!

More to See and Do

Danville, Indiana Christmas Live Nativity

Inside the beautiful Hendricks County Courthouse were “Reindeer Games.”

These were just different skill games that, once completed, enabled little ones to trade in a ticket for a prize.

Kid #2, however, favored the live Nativity above all the rest.

More than the people, this one also had chickens, lambs, a donkey, and even a camel! He was so excited about that–and kept saying, “Horse!” This is where he wanted to hang out while big brother was ice skating!

Hendricks County Does Christmas

Except for Santa Claus, Indiana, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the halls decked quite so merrily. There’s a lot to love in this great small town!

You’ll have to watch my Small Town Holiday Gift Guide for Danville additions!

See Hendricks County Holly Days and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Christmas on the Square
Danville, Indiana 46122

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Your Holiday Gift Guide to Indiana Small Business!

Divided by counties and towns, this ginormous list can let you see at a glance the small Indiana towns I’ve already been–and what is right in your backyard. It will be updated throughout the holiday season.

Simply click on the Indiana business name to get an idea of what you in for! Easy, peasy.

Support Local Business

But it doesn’t end at mom and pop shops! You’ll also find lodging and restaurants. Whether you’re thinking about gift certificates, mini-getaways, or just need a place to put or meet the in-laws, you’ve got options.

Spend more time with each other and less fighting crowds. Remember the meaning for the season and support local whenever you can!

Click the “button” below to view, save, and print a copy of little Indiana’s GINORMOUS holiday guide! Let them know you found them on little Indiana.

You can also find the BIG Holiday Guide on Scribd, a document storing resource, if the link above does not work for you.

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Story Time with Santa Claus at Santa's Lodge in Santa Claus, Indiana

At Santa’s Lodge in Santa Claus, Indiana, bumping into Santa is the norm.

For Kid #1, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus was the highlight of their Santa-themed programs during the month of December in this great Indiana town.

Santa’s Lodge Story time in Santa Claus, Indiana

It was just cute. Kids all gathered in their snuggly pajamas with the youngest members of the group running in circles because they were so excited.

Before the story began, kids lined up for more pictures with Santa and the Mrs., this time in the handsome sleigh in the lobby of Santa’s Lodge.

With the Christmas tree as the backdrop, you can imagine how cute these pictures turned out!

Up Close and Personal with The Big Guy

Here’s a little Indiana tip for you: don’t feel like you have to rush down there ten minutes before 7:30. Every kid gets their picture taken with Santa and, unlike the mall, they aren’t rushed right through (parents are ensured a good shot!).

If you have little ones who really don’t do well waiting then you might want to head in a bit later. There were a lot of kids to get through.

Our toddler couldn’t make it through the waiting game and hubs had to give up and return to the room for bedtime. But Kid #1? Absolutely loved it! The cookies and milk at the end are a nice touch.

Find Santa’s Lodge images and other pictures in Santa Claus, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Relive our story time with Santa by watching the video Santa Claus, Indiana: Story Time with Santa Claus in Santa’s Lodge on YouTube or below.

Santa’s Lodge
91 W. Christmas Blvd.
Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
812.937.1902

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Thanks to the Spencer County Visitors Bureau for our complimentary stay. My opinions remain mine and mine alone (as always).

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! little Indiana advertising.

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Santa! Santa at St. Nick's Restaurant in Santa's Lodge in Santa Claus, Indiana

Looking back, why wouldn’t he think that?

Santa in Santa Claus, Indiana

We had dinner with Santa, we had story time with Santa, and would you believe we even had breakfast with the guy?

Mrs. Claus has to be lonely. little Indiana and family saw Santa so many times over the course of our stay at Santa’s Lodge in this small Indiana town, Kid #1 couldn’t believe it!

Breakfast with Santa took place at St. Nick’s Restaurant located off the lobby and downstairs at Santa’s Lodge.

We got a table by the window with a view of the spacious deck and the lake. It must be nice to sit out there in warmer weather!

St. Nick’s Restaurant

Breakfast with Santa at St. Nick's Restaurant in Santa Claus, Indiana

I would, again, recommend changing up the times you normally eat so you can beat the crowd. We arrived at St. Nick’s restaurant slightly before 10 AM and had to wait for another table to finish up so we could have the baby seat.

That said, 10 AM was great! The place had pretty much cleared out, the buffet was still fresh, and we just about had Santa (and the buffet) all to ourselves.

The Breakfast with Santa buffet is definitely kid friendly: french toast sticks, pancakes, hash browns, and a few other choices. Both kids enjoyed it–and the baby really liked having another Christmas tree to ogle!

Find more St. Nick’s Restaurant images and other pictures in Santa Claus, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

St. Nick’s Restaurant
91 W. Christmas Blvd.
Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
812.937.4359

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Special thanks to Spencer County Visitor’s Bureau for the complimentary stay. My opinions remain mine and mine alone (as always).

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! little Indiana advertising.

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Santa at Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

This was the first themed attraction in the United States and in a small Indiana town no less. Now–it’s back!

Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

The candy castle opened in 1935 but everything changed during World War I when peoples’ focus shifted. By 1950 the man behind the Castle (who was still trying to keep it going), Milton Harris, passed away.

Santa’s Candy Castle changed hands a few times until 1970 when it sat vacant and once even used as a home until it’s grand re-opening in 2006!

Here’s a bit of advice for you: if the parking lot is full of cars–don’t go! Instead, come back later when it’s not so busy. Trust me. There’s so much to do in the area it’s easy to fit it in (and it’s a great place for snacks)!

People seem to come in droves so if you time it right, you will have easy browsing, no fighting over computers, and maybe even catch a little one on one time with Santa (he’ll read a book to your child). We went, left, and returned later. Much better!

Inside Santa’s Candy Castle

Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

I was picturing wall to wall candy and began preparing for battle with the kid but it’s not! Shelves lined with books hug the circular walls at Santa’s Candy Castle except for one–which is reserved for Santa’s comfy chair.

In the center of the main circular room is a table with computers. For several bucks (nothing outrageous, I promise) you can let your kid chat directly to Santa.

There’s a little quiz for your child to answer that pertains to his good behavior or lack thereof. Yes, our son lied on all of them, but at least we know that he knows what he is supposed to do!

They get the satisfaction of knowing that they are on The Good List and receive The Good List Certificate. At the candy counter where you check out (which the owner happened to be manning) they even announce your child’s achievement. Kid #1 thought he was pretty big stuff.

Snack’s at Santa’s Candy Castle

Candy! Santa's Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana

There is a lot of plain packaged yummy things at the counter! Kid #1 wanted the white chocolate covered pretzels (which were delicious), hubs wanted hot chocolate, and I ordered what they are known for: Frozen Hot Chocolate.

If you can drink 64 ounces in an hour your name goes on the wall.

If I had tasted it before we got in the car I so could have won! It is probably one of the best drinks I have ever had. Absolutely fantastic–even on a cold, snowy day.

See more Santa’s Candy Castle images and other pictures in Santa Claus, Indiana on my Flickr photostream. 

Santa’s Candy Castle
15499 North State Road 245
Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
812.544.3900

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! little Indiana advertising.

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