What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Dec. 3-Dec. 9 and beyond
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TODAY
Kokomo Symphony Christmas Concert
Looking for a way to warm up this winter? The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual Christmas concert on Sun., Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Join them for an evening of heartwarming melodies and holiday cheer, led by Maestro Jose Valencia. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets for college students are $5 with ID. Students in K-12 and young children are admitted free. For additional information, call 765-236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net .
Christmas Lights of Greentown
The Christmas Lights of Greentown annual lights display will take place at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 610 E. Payton St. Drive through the Christmas Lights of Greentown to see large light displays and archways. The display is open Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10 and Dec. 14-25, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. Enjoy a Christmas Village and hot chocolate in the Round Barn. Santa will be there on select nights.
MONDAY
New Baby Bunch
Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group meets Mon., Dec. 4, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.
Holiday Magic
Oh, no! Santa and his elves hid candy canes at KHCPL Russiaville, but the Grinch found out and plans to turn them green ... unless kids help stop him! Join the library, 305 Mesa Dr., on Mon., Dec. 4, from 10-10:30 a.m. for a Grinch candy cane hunt!
Recovery Café
Turning Point System of Care holds get-togethers at the Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Recovery Café is a safe, inclusive, and caring recovery community connecting people through love and purpose. Learn more and get connected by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VRfRRL
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Mon., Dec. 4, from 2-2:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Nurses in Recovery Support Group
Turning Point System of Care will hold a Nurses in Recovery Support Group each Monday at the Turning Point offices, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., from 7:15-8 p.m. This group is approved by the Indiana Professionals Recovery Program. For additional information, call 765-860-8365.
TUESDAY
Intro to Microsoft Office 365
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo will host an Intro to Microsoft Office 365 virtual class on Dec. 5-6 from 8 a.m. until noon each day. Classes are $125. For more information, contact Bonnie at Bdevers3@ivytech.edu .
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenge? Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. until noon to meet with a professional from 4C Health who can connect you to the services you need.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Dec. 5, from 10-11:30 a.m. to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required by calling 765-626-0813.
Teens’ Choice Book Club
Teens meet up once a month at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., to discuss a book with their peers. Each month will have a theme. The next meeting is Tue., Dec. 5, from 5-6 p.m. Teens will talk about what they liked about their book, what they didn't, and how it fits the theme.
Pajama Time
Get ready for a magical evening of warmth, coziness, and holiday cheer at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Pajama Time event on Tue., Dec. 5. Visit the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, between 6-7 p.m. for a heartwarming gathering for children of all ages, where they can don their comfiest pajamas and enjoy books.
WEDNESDAY
Legal Aid Clinic
Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 9 a.m. until noon on Wed., Dec. 6. No appointment needed.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., Dec. 6, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Crafty Card Creations
Get into the festive spirit by crafting heartfelt cards for family and friends! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Dec. 6, from 4-6 p.m. at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. for a holiday card making extravaganza for children ages 6-13. And, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., high schoolers and adults can try their hand at decorating some vintage holiday cards. Those interested in the session for high schoolers and adults should register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for amateur fiction writers on Wed., Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Write something to submit and critique. Adults who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend.
THURSDAY
Holiday Magic
Make some holiday decorations and listen to a holiday story at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 3056 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Dec. 7, from 10-10:30 a.m. This event is designed for ages 2 and up, but all ages are welcome.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Thu., Dec. 7, from 11-11:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Teen Art Group
Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Dec. 7, from 4-5 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Dec. 7, from 5:05-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Dec. 7, from 6-6:45 p.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Amazing World of Virtual Reality
STEM is part of virtual reality fun! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Dec. 7, from 6-7 p.m. to experience the amazing world of virtual reality at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. They also will have other STEM gadgets to play with! Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Curtain Call’s A Christmas Carol
Curtain Call Theatre for Children will present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 7-10 at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Limited, reserved seating is available. Presale tickets are $10, and $12 at the door. Reserve tickets by visiting www.kcctc.org. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thu., Dec. 7, Fri., Dec. 8, and Sat., Dec. 9. A matinee show takes place at 2 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 10.
FRIDAY
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., Dec. 8, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
Barbie Christmas Carol
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Fri., Dec. 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. to watch Barbie in a Christmas Carol. In this sweet movie, can three unusual spirits of Christmas teach a Barbie named Eden about the joy of giving during the holiday season?
Battle of the Christmas Cookies
Join Kokomo Urban Outreach on Fri., Dec. 8, for the Battle of the Christmas Cookies, a cooking competition for all ages. Businesses and individuals of all ages can enter their favorite Christmas cookie in the competition for prizes and bragging rights. And Santa will make an appearance, too. The battle will take place at Northside Village Church, 2419 N. Locke St., from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Each entry in the competition costs $10 and requires the preparation of three and a half dozen cookies, which will be available for purchase by the dozen and used for judging. Each baker can enter as many recipes as they’d like for the competition. To participate in the competition, visit https://www.kokomourbanoutreach.org/how-to-help-1 .
Library Blood Drive
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Fri., Dec. 8, from noon until 5 p.m. The blood drive will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register for your appointment here: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/9319445
Free Christmas at the Seiberling
Break out your ballet slippers and sugar plums and join Ivy Tech Community College in celebrating Christmas at the Seiberling from 4-8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 8. Courtesy of Ivy Tech, the festively decorated mansion at 1200 W. Sycamore St. will be open to the public without charge.
Sounds of the Season
Indiana University Kokomo’s Cougar Choir will present Sounds of the Season on Fri., Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. in Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Come and enjoy a festive blend of modern holiday hits and traditional carols from the Victorian Era. These events are free and open to the public.
SATURDAY
Taylor Township Candy Toss
The Taylor Township Fire and Rescue will return to the streets of Indian Heights and the neighborhoods of Taylor Township for its annual Candy Toss on Sat., Dec. 9. Beginning at 8 a.m., the Taylor Township fire truck will make its way through the community, featuring candy and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Mark your calendars and watch Taylor Township Fire Rescue’s Facebook page for updated information.
Habitat for Humanity Framing Day
Habitat for Humanity Kokomo invites the community to Framing Day 2023 for the newest partner family house at 1417 N. Wabash Ave. on Sat., Dec. 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Framing Day is the largest day in the build process, and many hands are needed on deck. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and wear closed toe shoes to help with manual labor. Each volunteer will be asked to sign a waiver. If you have one on file already for the 2023 year, you will not be asked to sign another. If you have your own tools that you would like to bring to volunteer, Habitat encourages you to label your items with your name. Habitat For Humanity Kokomo will provide food on Framing Day for volunteers. To volunteer or donate food for this day or any other build day in this process, please call the Habitat for Humanity at (765) 452-2185.
Polar Express
Join the Kokomo Howard County Library on Sat., Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. until noon, for a magical journey aboard the Polar Express! Hop on the trackless train, sip on delicious hot cocoa, then gather 'round for enchanting story time at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Reading with Pet Partners
Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Teen Holiday Party
Bring your friends to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Dec. 9, from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate the holiday season! We'll make a craft, play games, and nosh on snacks, while supplies last.
COMING SOON
A Night in Bethlehem
Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., is hosting A Night in Bethlehem on Sun., Dec. 10, from 5-6 p.m. Come to Bethlehem and register for the census! You may pay your taxes (with a free-will canned food donation if you are able, to help supply their modern-day food pantry) and then explore the city with interactive experiences while learning about Jesus! You will meet animals at the stable when talking to Mary and Joseph, learn about the magi's gifts for the newborn king, visit a scribe, paint, weave, sample food common for that time, and make a special treat at the bakery among other unique activities.
Holiday Magic: Gingerbread Fun
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Dec. 11, from 10-10:30 a.m. for Gingerbread Fun at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. This special story time includes songs and a gingerbread house craft! Designed for children ages 2 and up. All ages are welcome.
Holiday Restorative Yoga
Come celebrate the spirit of the season, open your heart, and take some time for self-care during the busy holidays. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will present Holiday Restorative Yoga on Tue., Dec. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville.
Cookies with Santa
Center Township of Howard County will present Cookies with Santa on Wed., Dec. 13, from 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and get a photo with Santa himself at the Center Township community room, 213 E. Jefferson St.
My Five Christmas Senses
Listen to, taste, touch, and see the holiday season using your senses with stories, songs, and a craft at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Dec. 14, from 10-10:30 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 2 and up.
Pajama Storytime
Dress the kids in their PJs and come celebrate the holidays with stories, singing, and a craft! Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s, main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Dec. 14, from 6-7 p.m. No registration is required, however, supplies are limited to the first 50 participants.
Winterfest
The Town of Greentown will hold its first Winterfest on Fri., Dec. 15, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The event will include a Santa Trail and the lighting of Greentown’s Giving Tree. Kids can meet Santa and receive goodies. They can write Santa a letter and mail it at the special North Pole mailbox. The tree lighting takes place at 6:45 p.m. Ornaments for the tree are $5 each and can be placed in honor of a family or in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the ornaments will be given to Eastern Schools to help local families at Christmas. Maps for the Santa Trail will be available soon.
Finding Nemo Jr. Auditions
Curtain Call Theatre for Children will hold auditions for its winter play, Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr., on Sat., Dec. 16, at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Auditions will be open to children ages 8-18. Sign-ups and what/how to prepare for auditions will be released at a later date. Performance dates are March 15-16, 2024, at Havens Auditorium. For additional information, visit www.kcctc.org.
Holiday Hope Adoption Event
The Kokomo Humane Society is partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation for an Empty the Shelter Holiday Hope Adoption Event, which runs through Dec. 17. Adoption fees are reduced to $50 for dogs and $20 for cats during the event. To view adoptable dogs, visit https://kokomohumane.org/adopt-a-dog/. To view adoptable cats, visit https://kokomohumane.org/adopt-a-cat/. To schedule an adoption appointment, fill out our adoption application here: https://form.jotform.com/211295814242048. Once it is approved, you will be contacted to set up an appointment. For additional information, email adoption@kokomohumane.org.
Camp Tycony Winter Camp
The Kokomo Family YMCA Winter Camp at Camp Tycony starts Dec. 20. 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 the YMCA Winter Camp provides a range of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for everyone to enjoy. Outdoor activities include archery, hiking, sports, visiting Sandy Beach, and exploring Deadman's Hill. Indoor activities are packed with fun activities such as Christmas crafts, board games, and many more. The camp runs Dec. 20-29 (no camp on Dec. 25) from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The cost is $30 per day for YMCA members and $35 per day for non-members. Don't miss out! Register here: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?category_ids=CAT27
Lights in the Airpark
The Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., Peru, will host its Lights in the Airpark Christmas lights display each Thursday-Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m. continuing through Dec. 31. The park will be closed on Dec. 24-25. Admission is $9 for adults and children ages 12 and up. Children ages 6-11 are admitted for $8. Kids 5 and under attend for free. Visit indoor museum and lights display in the airpark for one price. There will be a free take-home craft for kids. Visit www.grissomairmuseum.com for additional information.
City of Lights Christmas Lights Display
The City of Kokomo’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Y’s Men will host the annual City of Lights Christmas light display through Dec. 31 in Highland Park. Walk or drive through the lights display, which opens nightly at dusk. Santa Claus will visit each evening at the end of the drive from 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 24. Admission to the lights display is free, but donations to the YMCA are accepted at the end of the drive.
Christmas at the Seiberling
The Howard County Historical Society will hold its Christmas at the Seiberling Opening Night Lighting Ceremony at the Seiberling Mansion and Howard County Museum, 1200 W. Sycamore St. Regular visitation hours will take place Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. as well as on select evenings through the end of the year. Closed on Dec. 24-25. Visit www.howardcountymuseum.org for more information.
Frozen Sandlot
The Frozen Sandlot will open for the season on select days through Jan. 7, 2024. This outdoor ice-skating rink will take place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. The Frozen Sandlot is operated by Bridges Outreach, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit its programming for area students. For a full schedule of open skating times, prices, and information, visit www.frozensandlot.com.
Greentown Softball 2024
The Greentown Girls Softball League will start its Spring 2024 season with registration opening on Jan. 7, 2024, for girls seeking to join 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and middle school teams. Registration will close Feb. 3, 2024. To register, visit www.greentownsoftball.com . Open gyms for middle school softball players begin on Jan. 6, 2024, and on Jan. 13, 2024, for 6U-12U players. The auxiliary gym and indoor batting cages will be available each Saturday through March 2, 2024, with times to be announced.