The early setting of the sun and drop in temperatures signals the coming of holidays and their traditions.
Favorite traditions returned this past weekend in Brown County, making for days full of celebration and fun.
The Indiana Rail Road Santa Train arrived to Helmsburg the evening of Dec. 3, where a large crowd had gathered in anticipation of the arrival of the man with the bag.
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted guests in the cabin of the train, where Santa asked what they wanted for Christmas.
Outside of the train, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, nutcrackers, elves and even Batman mingled with the crowd, posing for photos and giving out hugs.
The entire weekend, visitors to downtown Nashville could stroll through Coachlight Square, where holiday spirit was plentiful at the second annual Christkindl Market.
Vendors had booths with handmade goods like jewelry, knitted hats and gloves, pottery, candles and baked goods.
Local nonprofit Do Something Inc. sold bratwursts and Hard Truth Hills, Brown County Winery and Bear Wallow Distillery had mulled wines and cocktails.
The stage was full of entertainment from local musicians, Indiana University’s a cappella group Another Round and even polka lessons on Saturday, Dec. 3.
There was also cookie decorating, with cookies from Crumbl — the signature flavor being the Cookie of the North Pole.
The event would not have been complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus, who sat in front of the Brown County Visitors Center and welcomed guests of all ages.
The Brown County Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) sponsored the second annual market, along with the Light Parade and the Toy Drive, which began after the sun went down on Dec. 3.
Floats donned with twinkly lights and decorations made their way down Jefferson and Van Buren Streets.
The Light Parade started in 2011, founded by local business owner Ted Hayes. The past two years it has been sponsored by the BCCC.
The Democrat was onsite for festivities and captured moments of the holiday bustle.
