What's Coming Soon?
Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area Dec. 15 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. Winter Camp at Camp Tycony starts December 23. Embark on the ultimate adventure! Register today for an unforgettable time filled with thrilling activities, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. This year, our Winter Camp provides a range of both indoor and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Outdoor activities include archery, hiking, sports, and gaga ball (campers must dress for the weather). Indoor activities are packed with fun activities such as Christmas crafts, board games, holiday games and much more. Register by clicking here.
Seasonal Volunteers Needed
The Kokomo Rescue Mission is searching for volunteers to assist with seasonal activities. Sign up to help wrap Christmas presents, deliver Thanksgiving meals, or deliver Christmas boxes. Sign-ups are accepted by visiting www.kokomorescuemission.org/volunteer
Toys for Tots Drop-Off
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union is serving as a drop-off partner with Toys for Tots. Stop by either Solidarity location and make a donation until early December. You can help spread holiday cheer with your donation of new, packaged toys. Know a family in need? Encourage them to apply for toys at www.heyor.ca/cHPsKs
City of Lights
The City of Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department presents the City of Lights Christmas light display, continuing nightly through Dec. 24. The display opens at dusk each evening, and Santa Claus will be on hand from 6-10 p.m. to greet guests at the end of the drive. This is a free event, but donations are accepted, which benefit the Y’s Men charity.
Christmas Lights of Greentown
The annual Christmas Lights of Greentown display takes place in the Pioneer Village of the Howard County 4H Fairgrounds, 610 E. Payton St., Greentown. The display will be open from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 25.
Lights in the Airpark
The Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., will present Lights in the Airpark through Jan. 5, 2025. The display will be open Thursdays-Sundays from 4:30-9:00 p.m. The park is closed Dec. 24-25; Visit www.grissomairmuseum.com/schedule-of-events for more information.
The Frozen Sandlot Returns
Ice skating at Kokomo Municipal Stadium returns as the City of Kokomo and Bridges Outreach present The Frozen Sandlot through Jan. 5, 2025. The venue will be open on select dates for public skating, and it is available to schedule private events and parties. This year, the Frozen Sandlot will be joined by the city’s new Wintertyme Village. Visit www.frozensandlot.com to find the schedule, purchase tickets, and complete the online waiver form. The Frozen Sandlot is located at 400 S. Union St.
Delivery Drivers Needed
The Kokomo Rescue Mission is searching for volunteer delivery drivers to help deliver the Red Ribbon Christmas Program gift boxes to those who qualify in Howard County. Delivery takes place Fri., Dec. 13, at 7:30 a.m. To be a driver, register online at www.kokomorescuemission.org/volunteer. Drivers will need at least one additional person to assist in delivery.
Santa’s Pool Party
Dive in and join the Kokomo Family YMCA for a Christmas celebration at Santa's Pool Party on Sun., Dec. 15, from 1-2:30 p.m., where families can make special memories and enjoy an afternoon of swimming in the heated pool while listening to festive holiday music. There will be a special photo opportunity with Santa Claus, allowing kids to share their Christmas wishes and capture a moment to cherish. And everyone will receive a special Christmas goody bag. Appropriate pool wear is required, including a bathing suit, towel, and a change of clothes. All pool rules apply. Children under age 12 or non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Admission to this fun-filled event is free for all YMCA members. For non-members, it’s only $5 per participant. Spots are limited. Register online by clicking here.
Jingle Bell Symphony
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will perform Jingle Bell Symphony: A Magical Holiday Journey on Sun., Dec. 15, from 3-5 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Hear beloved carols, sing along to festive medleys, and be enchanted by guest soloist J’lan Stewart. Plus, the lucky auction winner will get to conduct the orchestra as it performs a Harry Potter piece. Tickets are $25 and are available by visiting www.kokomosymphony.net or by calling 765-236-0251.
Holiday Stockings and Stories
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sun., Dec. 15, from 4-4:30 p.m. for a festive read-aloud, followed by a holiday stocking craft and activity. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Meditation Mondays
Experience change, growth, and vitality through meditation with Raine and Sage Healing Center, 901 S. Courtland Ave. Sessions take place every first and third Monday of the month from 10-10:45 a.m. and are free to all. The next session takes place on Mon., Dec. 16.
Holiday Magic: Romping Reindeer
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Dec. 16, to romp like reindeer with stories, songs, and a craft. Designed for children ages 2 and up, this event takes place from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Tzion Community Food Pantry
Congregation Yeshivat Tzion, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a community food pantry every other Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own boxes or bags to take home food. The next pantry takes place Tue., Dec. 17. For more information, call 765-438-6858.
Cookie Cottage Creations
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., will provide some holiday magic on Tue., Dec. 17, from 4-6 p.m., with a sweet cookie decorating adventure. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
Author Visit at KHCPL
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Dec. 18, as it welcomes New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Ruta Sepetys for a book discussion from 7-8 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Sepetys will discuss their works, including I Must Betray You, Between Shades of Gray, and Fountains of Silence. Join the wait list for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Field Live! Exhibition
The Field LIVE! Exhibition at the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery, 2300 S. Washington St., features student artwork that was highlighted in Field: A Journal of Arts and Sciences, Volume 9, edition for 2024. The exhibition will continue through Dec. 18. Visit kokomo.iu.edu/gallery for more information.
Cookie Cottage Creations
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will provide some holiday magic at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Fri., Dec. 20, from 4-5 p.m., with a special story time, songs and a gingerbread house craft. This event is designed for children ages 6-11.
Winter Solstice Caroling
The winter solstice is a significant natural event that has influenced culture for centuries. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., Dec. 20, from 6-8 p.m. for a bonfire, live music, crafts, and caroling as they celebrate the winter solstice. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place Sat., Dec. 21, at 5 p.m. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E. Vaile Ave. behind the Kmart Plaza.
Comet Command Pep Band Alumni Night
Dust off that Christmas sweater and come out to Eastern High School on Sat., Dec. 21, for the Comet Command Pep Band Alumni Night. Call time for participants is 5 p.m. The game starts at 7 p.m. Play some classic songs for the basketball crowd while enjoying delicious food and participating in a sweater contest. For more information, email Andrew.sloniker@eastern.k12.in.us
Christmas Cabaret
Amanda Duncan presents a Christmas Cabaret dinner and show at Rhine Hall on Sat., Dec. 21. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner follows at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $65. VIP tickets are $70. Come dressed to impress! Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue is located at 507 N. Union St.
Ball Out Returns to Carver
Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., will host the second annual Father & Son Ball Out Event, on Sun., Dec. 22. This event is presented by The Penny Way, a regional basketball camp provider. The event runs from 5-7 p.m., but doors open at 4 p.m. The Ball Out Event will feature a jersey and sneaker theme and a red carpet laid out for photo shoots. There will be food, guest speakers, a father-son shoot around, raffles, and prizes, all designed to promote bonding between fathers and sons. The event is free to those who attend, but registration is required by visiting https://www.thepennyway.com/ballout-ball-registration
Turning Point Christmas Party
Are you busy Mon., Dec. 23? Turning Point System of Care’s Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., will host its annual Christmas party that afternoon, from 1-4 p.m. Join them for an appearance from Santa Claus, an ugly sweater contest, food, and a family celebration. Wear your festive attire and get ready for a jolly good time.
YMCA Winter Camp
No school, no problem! Registration for Winter Camp at YMCA Camp Tycony is now open! Winter Camp will run on Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30, and Jan. 2-3, 2025. Winter Camp will be “snow” much fun for everyone! Your camper will have the opportunity to participate in various outdoor activities (weather-permitting), indoor activities, and extra-special Christmas-themed activities. You won't want to miss this! To register, visit https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
New Year’s Bash
Join Rhine Hall Entertainment and Events in celebrating one year in operation as well as the arrival of a new year! Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St., will hold a New Year’s Bash on Tue., Dec. 31. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and dinner will be served as 8:30 p.m. At 9 p.m. Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel will be joined by the United States Blues Band for a concert to welcome 2025. Tickets are available now at the pre-sale price of $85 each. Admission includes party favors, a champagne toast, and a photo booth. Visit www.rhinehallevents.com/event-details-registration/new-years-eve-bash to purchase tickets.
Homestead Exemptions
Now is the time to file the homestead exemption on your property! If you purchased or refinanced a home in 2024, or if you added or removed anyone from the deed to your home via quit claim, you will need to file for a homestead exemption to your property taxes. An exemption is valid only for your primary residence. File your mortgage and/or homestead exemptions at the Howard County Auditor’s Office, 220 N. Main St., Room 222, by Dec. 31, 2024.
Homeschool Hangout
Homeschoolers are welcome to come to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Jan. 8, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to visit and socialize while engaging in fun STEM games and activities. This event is for children ages 3-13.
Homeschool Hangout
Homeschoolers are welcome to come to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Feb. 5, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to visit and socialize while engaging in fun STEM games and activities. This event is for children ages 3-13.
Single Mingle Meet a Friend
Widows' Purse Corp is seeking volunteers for its first quarter fundraiser, Single Mingle Meet a Friend, taking place Fri., Feb. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue 507 N. Union St. Widows’ Purse is seeking courageous individuals willing to auction their skills at the event. If you are a man skilled in fixing cars and house-related issues, knows how to “do manly stuff,” is really good at telling jokes, and is a delight to spend time with, we want to hear from you! If you are a woman who cooks “better than momma,” easily passes the white-glove cleaning inspection, or does laundry like no other, we want to hear from you! We want men and women who would be courageous to offer your skills! We want to auction YOU! Are you brave enough? If you possess exceptional talents or attributes, we encourage you to participate. Interested individuals should contact Widows’ Purse by emailing widowspurse1@gmail.com or by calling 765-271-4911 for further information and screening, prioritizing safety. This opportunity may lead to meaningful connections or friendships.
Marty Myers Legacy Conference
Professional Firefighters of Kokomo Local 396 will hold the inaugural Marty Myers Legacy Conference on Sat., Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road. Join them for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and networking. Bobby Eckert of Eckert Fire Tactics with present Urban Engine Operations from 8 a.m. until noon. Robert James of Capitol Fire Training LLC will present Urban Forcible Entry from 1-5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Marty Myers Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $60 and can be obtained by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marty-meyers-legacy-conference-tickets-1044324190767?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3f9yLBfjiKH9XzKqycu1lZkxLnXkPj6y3_IqDs4YexDgfBgVzeBk7yNWg_aem_397_QGYcx_TC__QNC472Jg