If you bought your first bag of Christmas candy before Halloween and keep your holiday decorations up until Valentine’s Day … you’re our kind of people.
We go big for the holidays throughout our annual 50 Days of Lights celebration. And since it’s the season for giving, we have two bonus days. Our holiday lights and decorations stay for 52 days from November 16 through January 6.
That means there’s a total of 7 weekends this season where you can experience our holiday magic. Keep reading for a weekend itinerary to illuminate your holiday travels, and click here for specific dates, times and info about all holiday programming.
Friday
- Because antsy children just can’t wait to give their wish list to Santa Claus, make this your first stop after you arrive and check in to your room. You’ll find Santa just off the French Lick Springs Hotel lobby at Spring No. 8, which gets transformed from a restaurant to a winter wonderland at the holidays.
Santa’s open for business starting at 5:30 p.m., and the early birds tend to beat the crowds. (But don’t worry, St. Nick is here until 8:00 on Fridays and Saturdays from November 29 to December 21.) The best weekend to visit? Thanksgiving weekend usually has the lightest traffic. Oh, and be sure to bring your phone or camera to snap that perfect shot.
Nearby at French Lick Springs Hotel, you can stop by Pluto’s Pizzeria for a New York style pie, or head to family-friendly Power Plant Bar & Grill for comfort food — maybe chili and grilled cheese, or a hulking Indiana Breaded Pork Tenderloin. Either would hit the spot after a long day of travel.
- The rest of the night? Choose your own adventure.
If time allows, catch a Christmas movie at 7 p.m. in the Habig Room (above the French Lick Springs Hotel lobby). You can also wind down the evening at the hot tub/indoor pool (open until midnight at both hotels) or with a round of bowling (until 11:00 at French Lick Springs Hotel.) Whatever you do, at some point during your stay be sure to catch the holiday light show projected onto the French Lick Springs Hotel exterior until 9:00 every night.
Saturday
- It’s hibernation season, so no need to get started too early. Sleep in and grab coffee or a bite to eat at the French Lick Mercantile or Xanadu Coffee & Creamery at West Baden Springs Hotel. Then embark on some light-seeing and take an indoor/outdoor stroll. You could spend the whole day oooohing and ahhhhing at all the festive trees, lights and decorations across property. Be sure to make it to the upper level of the Event Center to see the holiday village and larger-than-life gingerbread house. This is also a good time to write and drop off a letter to Santa Claus — he’ll send a reply to your home address!
- At lunchtime, take the free resort shuttle to West Baden Springs Hotel and dine under the dome at Ballard’s in the Atrium. (And for Mom and Dad, seasonal cocktails: try the Spiced Apple Margarita or Cranberry Rum Punch in November, or the Pomegranate Jingle Bells or Touch of Gingerbread Cookie in December.)
- Saturday afternoons bring tons of fun activities the kids can do with Mrs. Claus: story time at 1:00 and 3:00, and cookie decorating at 4:00. Depending on the weekend you visit, there’s other holiday fun including ornament decorating, gingerbread house building, and special musical performances.
- There’s nothing quite like a wintertime carriage ride, snuggled together under a blanket with wintry air on your face and magical scenery all around you. Whether you prefer a ride in daylight or after sunset, it’s always a good idea to book before your stay to get your preferred time.
- Close the day by making the 10-minute drive to Wilstem Wildlife Park for their Winter Light Show. This drive-through experience in your personal vehicle includes all your traditional Christmas favorites, a safari set, reindeer, dinosaurs and Santa himself.
- If you're with the whole family, let the grandparents do their thing and get the kiddos to bed while Mom and Dad head down and catch a late dinner at Sinclair's Restaurant or 1875: The Steakhouse. (Just make sure to call ahead, because it's not only the most wonderful time of the year, it's also the busiest).
Sunday
- Get up and rolling with a mid-morning breakfast at The Grand Colonnade Restaurant or Café Sinclair’s. (Even if you’re normally not a breakfast person, it’s worth the splurge.)
- Even if you’re headed back home today, you can hang around a bit after the 11:00 check-out and squeeze in a few more adventures. Did you know our horse and pony rides, archery and sporting clays ranges, Valley Links Course and pickleball courts are open year-round? If the weather forecast looks favorable before your trip, make plans for an outdoor activity.
- The perfect way to warm up after spending time outdoors? Afternoon Tea service. Plan for it on Sundays in December (it’s every Saturday throughout the rest of the year). Piping hot tea of your choice, sweet treats and savory sandwiches — no better way to cap an epic holiday weekend at French Lick Resort.
