Looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit? Then look no further than these three charming activities:

 

 

1. Acres of lights

Morris Park flicks to life with 1.3 miles of Christmas bulbs the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Celebration of Lights also packs in 320 displays. It’s a glimmering landscape the kids will want to see every night, and so you can— at least, until the final Sunday in December.

 

 

 

2. Feast of the 7 Fishes Festival and cooking school

Get a taste of “Italy in Appalachia” during the authentic Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival.

A parade, authentic cuisine, Christmas music, and dancers keep things merry all Saturday long. You can also browse vendors’ booths for homemade goods, Italian sweets, art, hot sausage and pasta. There’s a vigil mass at St. Peter the Fisherman Church, too, in honor of the Italian Catholic heritage.

You can even learn how to cook your own 7-course Italian Christmas feast. At Festival Cucina, a 7 Fishes festival highlight, you’ll learn some old-world recipes. Along with instruction, you’ll get to sample each dish and indulge in a glass of vino, too. It kicks off the festivities on the night before the street fair Dec. 9.

Find out for yourself why the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival was named a Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Event for December.

 

 

3. “Iceless” Ice Skating

Ice skating has to be winter’s most timeless activity. Palatine Park opens its synthetic ice skating rink December 10th following the Christmas Parade. Bring your own skates or use those provided – either way it’s free.

 

What’s your favorite Marion County holiday event?