Corydon Capitol, Culbertson Mansion, Lanier Mansion offer family-friendly events
This holiday season, visitors are invited to join in the many festive traditions happening throughout the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system. This includes the three historic sites in southeast Indiana: Corydon Capitol, Culbertson Mansion and Lanier Mansion.
The beauty and magic of the season begin at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. Lights will shine bright as part of Main Street Corydon’s annual Light Up Corydon event on Nov. 28. As the sun sets, the glow of holiday lights will surround the Capitol Building. Families can enjoy free visits and photos with Santa in addition to other festivities happening throughout town.
Additionally, the Governor’s Mansion will be featured among 10 locations for Main Street Corydon’s annual Corydon Holiday Homes Tour. This takes place from noon-4:45 p.m. on Dec. 13. Visitors can take a step back in time and explore the stately, federal-style mansion of former Indiana Gov. William Hendricks as it would have been decorated for the holidays in the early 1800s. Live music supported by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation will enhance the festive atmosphere. Tickets for the Corydon Holiday Homes Tour are $25 per person.
Also happening at the Governor’s Mansion, Victorian-era ghost tales will come to life during Specters Across Indiana from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 13. Adults can join in the longstanding holiday tradition and hear stories of ghostly appearances in the Hoosier State. They will also learn how ghost stories have impacted how Christmas is celebrated today. Tickets are $10 per person.
The holiday happenings continue at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site in Madison. This location will be hosting the 43rd annual Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. Dates include Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. Times include 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and 3-9 p.m. on Saturdays. Visitors can see the “crown jewel” of Madison’s Historic District decorated for the holidays. The warm glow of candlelight will fill the mansion as visitors experience special evening tours. Plus, 11 other historic locations will be open to tour attendees. Tickets are $35 for adults and $5 for children.
The wintertime merriment concludes at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site in New Albany. During the Holiday Open House from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 6, guests can explore the beautifully decorated Culbertson Mansion while they sip a cup of hot cider, sample holiday treats and listen to festive live music supported by the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the Friends of Culbertson Mansion. Afterwards from 6-8 p.m., the visitors can join the Friends of Culbertson Mansion for an evening of ghost stories shared around a fireplace during Spirits of Christmas: Victorian Ghost Stories. As part of this beloved holiday pastime, attendees can also enjoy hot chocolate and piece of the traditional Twelfth Cake. Tickets are $15 per person.
Adding a touch of mystery to the season, the historic site will also host its Holiday Murder Mystery from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 12-13. Guests are invited to play detective and unravel the clues in this holiday whodunit themed around the Culbertson family Christmas dinner party. Tickets are $40 per person.
Finally, as the creators of the Kentuckiana area’s longest-running haunted house, the Friends of Culbertson Mansion return to spread holiday fear during Krampusnacht. From 7-11 p.m. on Dec. 19-20, visitors will encounter Krampus, a terrifying folkloric creature, and his minions during a horrifying, holly-jolly haunt. Tickets are $20 per person.
Most holiday happenings at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites require advance registration, and members will receive a 25% discount on admission for most events.
