Every year, I plan to make the most of the holiday season. Now that I have a grandbaby, there's even more reason to visit Santa and get in the Christmas spirit. Thank you to the VisitEvansville.com website, here's your Evansville 2014 Christmas Bucket List:

*from VisitEvansville.com, Kathy Albin

Main Street Christmas Parade

November 23, 2014

The Christmas parade includes local bands from area high schools as well as floats, clowns, cars, dignitaries, other marching and performing groups, and of course, Santa. Judges, who will be located at the announcement stage located on the Buehler's IGA parking lot, will select "Best in Parade", "Best Marching Unit", "Best Float", "Best Vehicle Unit", and "Best Band."

Santa's Workshop

November 24, 2014

Santa’s Workshop will again be at the corner of Columbia and Main St., and will run 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Santa’s Workshop will feature many activities including: photos with Santa, live music, a petting zoo for the kids, crafts and much more. Visitors will also enjoy a “preview” of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, as selected displays will be illuminated to provide a “sneak peek” of that Easter Seals fundraising event which opens on Thanksgiving night.  The parking lot at Bosse field will be used for those wanting to bring lawn chairs or blankets to see the fireworks display directly following the parade beginning around 5:00.

Reitz Home Museum 35th Annual Victorian Christmas

*Always beautiful, the Reitz Home Museum is especially so during Victorian Christmas. 18 rooms sparkle under the expert hands of 18 different local designers to create an experience you won't forget! Candlelight tours available Dec 5th and 13th. Event runs November 16-January 4.

Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights - Garvin Park

As the holiday season arrives, Garvin Park transforms into into a winter wonderland of lights and holiday scenes.  Each year, the "magical mile" helps pay for thousands of physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions to children and adults with disabilities at the easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.; 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.

Santa Claus Land of Lights

Winter Carnival - Vanderburgh 4-H Center

Dazzling displays of Christmas lights, fully decorated Christmas trees and beautiful holiday decorations await at the Winter Carnival! Come visit Santa's workshop! and tell him your Christmas wishes. Santa's workshop is located in the SIAM building, which is in the center of the light display. Workshop hours are Friday and Saturday's 6 to 9 PM and Sundays 6 to 8 PM. This event is free to the public. Donations will be accepted. Winter Carnival runs Nov. 29 - Dec. 25, 2014.

Candy Cane Express - Victory Theater

December 6, 2014

This one hour FAMILY FRIENDLY show will combine all of your favorite Christmas songs. Featuring a 5-song medley from Disney's hit movie "Frozen" it is bound to put the whole family in the Christmas spirit! If everyone makes the "nice list" there is going to be a Santa appearance your kids won't want to miss!

Midwest Gingerbread House Competition - Old National Events Plaza

December 6, 2014

Teams from all over the midwest meet to compete and see who has the best gingerbread house skills in the land! Teams construct the homes on-sight so spectators have a chance to see the houses from start to finish! Entertainment, silent auction and a free kid's gingerbread workshop round out the day!

Peppermint Pops - Victory Theater

December 6 - 7, 2014

Your favorite Christmas carols and songs performed by soprano Lisa Vroman, The Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and the Evansville Children's Choir!

 

Dickens Christmas on Franklin Street

 

December 13, 2014

A new Evansvile tradition filled with old world charm! Watch as historic Franklin Street is transformed into a Dickens village for one day only! Fresh garland scents the air and Christmas carols everywhere! Live actors in Victorian garb create the mood of Dickens novel as you shop and sup on one of Evansville's oldest and most preserved street. And rumor has it there will be ice skating in the park! 1:00 pm -4:00 pm.

Emtrac Express - Evansville Museum Transportation Center (EMTRAC)

 

December 13 - 14, 2014

Visit the Evansville Museum Transportation Center for a holiday evening of magical memories! Guests will enjoy a special reading of The Polar Express in the train's club car and will be treated to hot cocoa and cookies in the train's dining car. A special gift and a visit with Santa will make this an evening to cherish for years to come.

Nutcracker - Victory Theatre

December 13 - 14, 2014

Evansville Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the treasured holiday tradition Nutcracker at Evansville's historic Victory Theatre. This full-length ballet is the area's only production with live music featuring the talents of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

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