This Southern Indiana Resort Is Perfect For A Festive Holiday Weekend Getaway — Why You’ll Love It
Christmas tree in the ornate lobby of the French Lick Resort, November 2021Photo credit: Laura Ray
The holidays are upon us and if you’re feeling like you need a weekend festive getaway to get you in the spirit, one of the Midwest’s most prestigious hotels has just the experience for you. French Lick Resort in southern Indiana has special holiday events for everyone in your family.
“French Lick Resort, the Midwest’s premier resort destination, encapsulates the meaning of Hoosier hospitality with its two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels: French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel,” stated the Director of Marketing at French Lick Resort, Lauren Jones. “Spanning a scenic 3,200 acres, the resort offers a relaxing environment for the entire family and people of all ages and interests. Its eye-catching landscape is especially enticing for visitors looking for a festive, winter getaway. French Lick Resort allows one to step away from everyday life and experience a big town resort with small town charm, all while creating special holiday memories.”
Holiday Experiences
The Polar Express
From November 11 through December 22, guests can relax on a round-trip excursion on the French Lick Scenic Railway. The ride includes hot chocolate and cookies, and you’ll walk away with a keepsake sleigh bell. The package includes a one-night stay at either French Lick Springs or West Baden Springs Hotel and one coach-class ticket to the Polar Express ride.
50 Days Of Lights
From November 12 through January 9, the 50 Days of Lights begins with two grand tree lighting ceremonies and the holiday spirit stretches into the new year. “More than half a million lights eliminate the resort, so it’s an experience worth adding to anyone’s winter travel bucket list,” said Jones.
In the event center, guests will find a Christmas village with traditional decorations, trees, and lights creating a winter wonderland.
There are also plenty of events for the kids including a winter wonderland kids party with contests, carnival games, an indoor snowball fight, and crafts; they can write a letter to Santa and drop it off in one of the holiday mailboxes or take it to the jolly old man himself when they get their photo taken with Santa. Christmas movies will play on several nights and kids can help Santa make toys at Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop.
Mrs. Claus will also be there to read Christmas stories and decorate cookies. There is also a “Build A Gingerbread Man” scavenger hunt daily in December. You’ll follow clues around the hotel to win a prize.
West Baden Springs Hotel atriumPhoto credit: Laura Ray
French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is home to two AAA four-diamond nationally historic hotels: French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel (also known as “The Eighth Wonder of the World”). West Baden is known for its beautiful 200-foot atrium, which served as the set for “So Cold the River,” the 2022 thriller around the region’s famed Pluto Water.
The resort also has three challenging golf courses and is the only place in the world where golfers can play courses from prolific designers Pete Dye, Donald Ross, and Tom Bendalow all at one location.
The French Lick Casino offers 24/7 gaming with classic reel slots and new interactive slots full of bonus features, table games, and sports books.
Health and wellness are a priority at two world-class spas with a legacy deeply rooted in the famous “miracle waters” of the area’s naturally occurring mineral springs that were said to cure any ailment.
