It won’t be long before our winter wonderland is fully illuminated.
The holidays always come early here, and we’re already busy decking the halls for our Season of Lights kicking off November 15. While you’re making that holiday list, put “Visit French Lick Resort” at the top and check out these 12 experiences this season.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Bring the family for our two grand tree lighting ceremonies on back-to-back weekends: November 15 at West Baden Springs Hotel, and November 22 at French Lick Springs Hotel. Watch the hotels’ towering trees light up for the first time, enjoy holiday music, a visit from Santa and children’s activities at both ceremonies.
If you need something to get in the spirit a little earlier, this is the perfect way to catch that holiday magic.
A Holiday Concert with Lady A
French Lick is one of the final stops on Lady A's first-ever Christmas tour, and this magical night of music will feature new holiday-inspired songs and classic Lady A hits. Mark your calendar for this December 19th concert with a 7-time Grammy-winning act.
Carriage Rides
The holidays can be hectic.
Your own private carriage ride is a cool, crisp breath of fresh air.
Carriage rides continue through the holiday season and are a great way to see the resort lit up after dark. Bring an extra blanket and snuggle extra tight.
Holiday Dinner Buffet
Back by popular demand is a holiday feast to celebrate with family and friends.
For the first time in 10 years, The Grand Colonnade Restaurant will be serving up a dinner buffet full of holiday favorites on Friday, December 19. Fill your plate (and go back for seconds and thirds) with carved meats, festive sides and tempting desserts, with a kids’ menu also available. The buffet is open to resort guests as well as the public, so everyone is welcome at this holiday table.
Go Light-Seeing
From dozens of Christmas trees to a half-million holiday lights resort-wide, our winter wonderland is loaded with spectacular photo ops. (Maybe even that Christmas card photo.) Our holiday lights, trees and decorations stay through the first weekend in January, so even if you don’t make it before Christmas, you can hang on to the holiday magic a little longer.
Gingerbread Houses of Every Size
Bring the family December 6 or 13 and craft your own gingerbread house from a variety of sweet treats. Afterward, visit the upper level of the Event Center to see the hotel’s famous gingerbread house display, made from more than 700 pounds of real gingerbread and candy confections.
Polar Express
Located right next door to French Lick Springs Hotel, the French Lick Scenic Railway offers a Polar Express ride that has become one of winter’s hottest tickets. If you haven’t booked your ride to the North Pole yet, overnight packages are still available for select dates.
Light Shows Every Night
When it gets dark, head outside to view the spectacular animated light show projected onto the façade of French Lick Springs Hotel every night. You’ll oooh and ahhh at these spectacular wintry scenes.
Meet Santa Claus Meet & Greet
Finish those wish lists and find Santa at Spring No. 8 restaurant, just off the lobby at French Lick Springs Hotel. St. Nick will be there select dates from November 28 through December 20. Bring a phone or camera to snap your holiday memories.
Write a Letter to Santa
Fill it out, drop it in one of the holiday mailboxes, and have a reply sent from Santa himself to your house in time for Christmas.
More Fun for the Kids
Make a stuffed buddy at Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop, have breakfast with Rudolph at The Grand Colonnade Restaurant, or try story time and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, or watch a holiday movie at the indoor pool. The kids can also burn off that energy at the Christmas Carnival (daily from December 20-27) with bounce houses, games and more.
Thanksgiving & New Year’s
French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel both serve up impressive Thanksgiving buffets — perfect for reuniting without the hassle of cooking and cleanup.
And for New Year’s Eve plans? It’s party time (times two) with unique celebrations at both hotels.
At French Lick Springs Hotel’s “Disco Dreams” party, treat yourselves to a buffet dinner then rock into 2026 with a band and a Champagne toast. Or, enjoy the serenity of New Year’s Eve under the dome at West Baden Springs Hotel with live music, late-night snacks and dessert, and a special toast at midnight.
