By the Kokomo Post Staff

Updated: December 2024

Don’t get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season without enjoying all of the awesome things Kokomo has to offer during the holiday season. From new to old traditions, family fun, adult fun and more, we have a list of Kokomo Christmas Bucket List events we’re hoping you check off this year!

Christmas at the Seiberling

It’s nearly impossible to miss the Seiberling Mansion dripping in lights when driving by on winter nights, but what if we told you the inside is even more impressive than the outside?

Note—Admission is FREE during evening hours in December from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays for the first three weeks of December.

This year's free admission dates are:
Dec. 5 - sponsored by the City of Kokomo
Dec. 6 - sponsored by Howard County.
Dec. 12 - sponsored by First Farmers Bank & Trust.
Dec. 13 - sponsored by Ivy Tech.
Dec. 19 - sponsored by Community First Bank.
Dec. 20 - sponsored by Howard County.

Christmas at the Seiberling Candlelight Tour- 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday Dec. 21. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, 5 and under are free.

Visit the mansion on this special evening to admire the seasonal décor during a self-guided, low-lighting tour. House lights are extinguished or lowered to provide optimal viewing of holiday lights sponsored by Duke Energy.

The Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo.

City of Lights at Highland Park

The tradition lives on at Highland Park! Now through the end of the holiday season, you can load up your car with the whole family, turn up your favorite holiday jams and drive through the park to see the light display! And, as always, at the end of the display you can expect Santa Claus himself with candy canes in hand to pass out!

Highland park is located at 900 W. Defenbaugh St.

Ice Skating at the Frozen Sandlot

During the winter months, we say goodbye to the turf and hello to ice as the baseball stadium transforms into the Frozen Sandlot!

What’s cooler than ice skating at a baseball field? Well, if you ask us… nothing! You can learn more and get ticket information by clicking here.

The Frozen Sandlot is located at 400 S. Union St., Kokomo

Photos with Santa

You better not pout, I’m telling you why… Santa is waiting for you at the Markland Mall! You can stop by the Markland Mall now for a picture with Santa or you can reserve a spot online by clicking here.

The Markland Mall is located at 1114 S. Seventeenth St., Kokomo

Greentown Lions Club Christmas Lights Display

While this one isn’t in Kokomo, it’s just a short drive away! Are you missing the grand displays that were once at We Care Park? Get a little bit of nostalgia at the Greentown Lions Club Christmas Light display. They have purchased several iconic We Care Park displays and lights that you are sure to recognize, decorated buildings from the 4-H Fair’s Pioneer Village and more!

The display is open from 6-9 p.m. Thursday through Sundays from Dec. 5 to Dec. 15. And daily from Dec. 19 through Dec. 25.

Greentown Lions Club Christmas Lights are located at 790 N. Meridian St., Greentown.

Letters to Santa at The Kokomo Post

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Kokomo, Wells & Sons Custom Constructs, and The Hobson Kokomo have teamed up with The Kokomo Post to help make this the holliest, jolliest Christmas ever.

Just fill out the online form — and the Elves will magically whisk your Christmas list to St. Nick himself, all the way at the North Pole.

Be sure to tune in on Dec. 24 for a LIVE video with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus talking directly to your little ones!

Click here to send your list to Santa: www.thekokomopost.com/santa

Breakfast with Reindeer

Experience Christmas magic at Breakfast with Reindeer on Dec. 14 or 21. Guests can enjoy snowglobe making, "reindeer" riding, and more festive fun. Parents can attend free of charge. Registration is available at www.wranglerandfriends.com/registration.

Holiday Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, Kokomo Country Club, 1801 Country Club Dr, Kokomo

Experience the magic of the holidays with one of Indiana’s largest Christmas light displays on a private, luxurious horse-drawn carriage ride. Starting Nov. 29, enjoy a 45-minute journey through Highland Park’s stunning holiday lights, beginning at Kokomo Country Club.

Each ride is private and perfect for family or friends, accommodating up to 6 adults and 3–5 children. At just $75 for your group! Make your reservation early—spots fill quickly! For availability or to book, visit www.crownhavencenter.com and click “Book Now” under Carriage Ride Information.

Willis Christmas Light Show in Russiaville

When you’re driving around Kokomo and surrounding areas checking out all of the Christmas light displays, be sure to add this one to your list! The Willis Christmas light show in Russiaville offers an experience like none other! Your family is sure to enjoy this impressive display with animated talking lightbulb characters, Disney-themed performances, fun music and more! The show lasts about 20 minutes, so park your car, crank the heat and enjoy the show! For more information and directions click here.

Kokomo Christmas Parade

Celebrate the season at the Kokomo Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Watch lighted floats, hear Christmas carols, and see Santa Claus in this cherished annual event.

Make sure to come for the early festivities at 4 p.m. including train rides for children, vendors, a petting zoo, Christmas characters to meet, kid’s bingo with prizes and more!

Lights in the Airpark

Head to the Grissom Air Museum in Peru to see the Lights in the Airpark. The display runs Thursday through Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 5. They are closed Christmas Eve and Day. Visit www.grissomairmuseum.com/schedule-of-events for more information.

Christmas Market and Activities

Explore local crafts and holiday goods at Kokomo’s Christmas Market.
Unleash creativity with seasonal projects at Painting Fired Arts.
Cut open a geode or use a mining sluice at Unique Creations by Joe in the Markland Mall.
Take a bead-making class or a foil glass class at Kokomo Opalescent Glass.

Jingle Bell Symphony: A Magical Holiday Journey

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, experience the festive joy of the Jingle Bell Symphony at Grace United Methodist Church.

Get ready to jingle to the most magical event of the season; Cherished holiday classics come to life in a symphonic spectacle like never before. More details here.

‘A Christmas Carol’ by Curtain Call Studio

7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 12-14
2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

Experience the timeless tale of redemption with A Christmas Carol, brought to life by Curtain Call Theatre for Children. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from a miserly recluse to a man transformed by the true spirit of Christmas. With heartwarming performances and a classic story, this production is perfect for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Sounds of the Season, presented by the IU Kokomo Department of Performing Arts

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium

Celebrate the holiday season with a beautiful evening of music at Sounds of the Season. Featuring the IU Kokomo Cougar Choir, Flute Choir, and Band, this festive concert showcases Christmas carols and winter melodies from around the globe.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the IU Kokomo website.

Breakfast Buffet with the Grinch Elite Banquet & Conference Center

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Elite Banquet & Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St., Kokomo

Enjoy a whimsical breakfast with everyone’s favorite holiday troublemaker! The Breakfast Buffet with the Grinch offers a delicious spread of food alongside the hilarious antics of the Mean One himself. Don’t miss the chance to capture the memories with photo packages available for purchase.

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.

There you have it, Kokomo: Our Kokomo Christmas Bucket list! Have you checked off some of these things already? What are your favorite things to do in Kokomo during the holiday season? Let us know if we missed something!

Kokomo Christmas Bucket List