What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Dec. 24-30 and beyond
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TODAY
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Here's Hope Church, 725 E. Center Road, will host “The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” on Sun., Dec. 24, from 5-6 p.m. Nine short Bible readings, paired with the singing of Christmas carols is a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Join the church for this special event. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with cookies and hot cocoa available. Free admission. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols started in 1880 England and shares the story of Jesus’ birth through the broader setting of God’s plan of redemption. Here's Hope Church's version features new adaptations of hymns, carols, and songs, while the Scripture readings and prayers remain unchanged.
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.
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.
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.
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 through Dec. 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
TUESDAY
Library Game Night
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Dec. 26, from 4-6 p.m., for an evening of laughter, strategy, and friendship at its Library Game Night at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. Bring your family and friends for a fantastic time, filled with exciting board games and endless fun! This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
WEDNESDAY
Dough-tastic Creations
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Dec. 27, from 4-6 p.m., for a hands-on adventure in play dough crafting, where you can mold, shape, and explore endless possibilities. Let your artistic talents shine in a fun and colorful environment at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-13.
THURSDAY
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. 28, from 4-5 p.m.
Bricktopia: Adventures in Legoland
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., Dec. 28, from 4-6 p.m. for a world of colorful bricks as they embark on exciting adventures in LEGO Land. Unleash your inner architect, and let your imagination run wild in this fun-filled, hands-on experience at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-13.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Dec. 28, 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.
New Year’s Wishes
Get ready to ring in the new year with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. Make confetti poppers to ring in the New Year with a burst of joy. Create personalized boxes of wishes, filled with dreams and resolutions. Then, let your creativity soar with wand streamer crafts. This holiday craft event for children ages 6-11 will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., Dec. 28, from 6-7 p.m., and at the main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sun., Dec. 31, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Camp Tycony Winter Camp
The Kokomo Family YMCA Winter Camp at Camp Tycony is underway! 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
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. 29, 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.
COMING SOON
Club Kokomo NYE Points Race
Club Kokomo Road Runners will hold its New Year’s Eve Reminiscing 5K on Sun., Dec. 31. The race course will go through Highland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods, starting at 2 p.m. Visit https://www.clubkokomoroadrunners.com/ck-nye-reminiscing-5k for additional information.
Rhine Hall NYE
Rhine Hall, Kokomo's newest event venue, will host a New Year's Eve dinner and concert, featuring Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio and Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel. Located at 507 N. Union St., the event begins at 7 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m., and comedian Dan West will perform. At 8:30 p.m., Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel takes the stage, followed by Duke Tumatoe at 10 p.m. Tickets are $80 each and include concert admission, a barbeque dinner, party favors and snacks at the tables, and a toast at midnight. Cash bar. Must be 21 or older to attend. A party bus is available for travel to and from the event. For tickets, call 765-860-3758.
The Party: A New Year’s Eve 2023 Gala
The Party: A New Year’s Eve 2023 Gala benefiting the Gilead House will take place on Sun., Dec. 31, at The Hobson, 110 N. Washington St. This Black Tie Formal Event is presented by Fortune Companies and Sun King Brewery. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a four-course dinner, drinks, music, dancing, and a silent auction. For tickets, call 765-459-7646 or contact Anne at hello@thehobsonkokomo.com.
Preschool Drag Race
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as little speedsters rev up their tricycles and non-motorized toys for a day of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. The Preschool Drag Race will take place on Wed., Jan. 3, from 10-10:45 a.m., and on Thu., Jan. 4, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
The Amazing World of Virtual Reality
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it explores the virtual world. STEM is part of virtual reality fun! We'll also have other STEM gadgets to play with! This event takes place on Thu., Jan. 4, from 6-7 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. Register by calling any KHCPL location.
Lunch and Learn
Join the Kokomo Family YMCA for a lunch and learn seminar on Friday, Jan. 5, as Justin Van Zuiden, Fraud Manager with Community First Bank of Indiana, reviews the best ways to combat financial fraud and identity theft. Justin will discuss common fraud scams and schemes along with giving security tips for prevention and peace of mind. Learn what steps to take if you think you have been a victim of identity theft or fraud. A free lunch will be provided to the first 60 who register for this 40-minute Lunch and Learn. Reservations are required. Registration ends 1/2/24. Register HERE: https://www.ecommunity.com/events/2024/first-friday-lunch-and-learn-january?fbclid=IwAR0zMSyAo5gOP9rcWVvxt35gtutqj-4dm2wbzfiknn4bQxfoWzfWOUtTe2I
Glow in the New Year
Make the start of a new year memorable with a combination of glowing lights, colors, and interactive activities at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. Take part in a Family Story Time Glow Party at the library’s South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., Jan. 6, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This event is designed for children from 3-11.
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.
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.
Monday Fun Day
Children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers will explore early literacy, math, and science activities and a variety of hands-on skill centers, which develop kindergarten readiness at Monday Fun Day. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold this event on Mon., Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. until noon at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. This event is designed from children ages 3-5.
Here Comes the Sun
Learn more about the biggest star of our solar system with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. On Wed., Jan. 10, from 6-7 p.m., the library will observe a Countdown to Darkness at its South branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Create a suncatcher and make your very own sun clock! This event is designed for children ages 6-11. To register for this event, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events or call any KHCPL location.
Winter Perler Wonderland
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in crafting your own pixel art masterpieces using colorful beads, and bring the magic of the season to life, one bead at a time! This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Jan 11, from 4-6 p.m. and is designed for children ages 6-13.
Cricut and Scrapbook Night
Are you a scrapbooker? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at creating something with the Cricut? Morgan from the Digital Den will help you create cool shapes with the Cricut! Join Morgan on Fri., Jan. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Kokomo CEO Sign-Ups
Are you a high school student who wants life experience, connections, and real-world knowledge that will drive your future success? Check out Kokomo CEO! The application to join the Class of 2025 is open now until Jan. 12, 2024. Visit www.kokomoceo.com for more information and to start the application.
Valentine Assembly Line
This heartwarming community initiative is designed to bring joy and love to seniors in our community during the Valentine's season. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Jan. 13, from 1-3 p.m. at its South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, for this Craft Corner Service Project.
Tyranny of Dragons Mega Dungeon
Five chromatic dragons have discovered a way to summon the evil dragon goddess Tiamat. It's up to your guild to stop them by entering the dragon lair and taking them out before they end the world. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Jan. 13, from 2-8 p.m. for an evening of Dungeons and Dragons action! This event takes place at the library’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St., and registration is required. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or call any KHCPL location.
Civic Theatre Takes on Shakespeare
Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” All 37 plays in 97 minutes. The show will feature general admission, as well as on-stage seating for an intimate and hilarious theatrical experience. This performance will take place at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium, 2600 S. Washington St., on Friday, Jan. 19, and Sat., Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 765-454-8800 or visit www.kokomocivictheatre.org.
Doing the Dream
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo presents Doing the Dream 2024, featuring Dr. Monique Couvson, on Thu., Jan. 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Ivy Tech’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St. Tickets $60 per person and are available by calling 765-252-5501.