Looking for things to do over the holidays in Kosciusko County with your visiting friends and family? Look no further! This guide has got you covered with some of the best activities and destinations to enjoy with your family and friends.
From local attractions to exciting events, we’ve got everything you need. So, let’s dive in and explore all that Kosciusko County has to offer!
Free Digital Passports
If you’re seeking to fully immerse yourself in the adventures the county offers, you should consider participating in the Engage Kosciusko Digital Passports. Regardless of whether you’re a visitor or a resident, these passports offer a wide range of activities and experiences suitable for all.
Public Art Trail Challenge Passport
Our local communities are rich with arts and culture experiences and filled with sculptures and murals for you to discover. We have created the Kosciusko County Public Art Trail Challenge to encourage visitors and residents to explore the area and see for themselves the explosion of creativity in our communities. Head outside with your friends, family, and pets, and be inspired by the sculptures and murals scattered throughout the area. Plus, with this challenge, you can learn the unique stories and meaning behind each work.
It’s free to sign up and if you check-in at at least 5 public art locations, you will win a free pair of sunglasses! Max of 3 sunglasses per pass. If you visit all 31 locations, you will be entered into our grand prize drawing which is a $100 gift card to the Village at Winona. This drawing will be held March 31st, 2024.
Trail Blazer Challenge Passport
Kosciusko County is home to 11 nature sites, each with trails for you to explore with your friends, families, pets, or on your own. We created The Kosciusko County Trailblazer Challenge Pass to challenge locals
and visitors to visit all 11 nature sites. Get some fresh air and have snowy holiday photoshoot on on these trails.
It’s free to sign up and if you check in at at least 5 nature sites you win your choice of a Kosciusko County Trailblazer Challenge tumbler or fidget spinner.
Festive Holiday Events
If you have friends and family visiting and they are looking for something to do, a good place to start is to check our events page. This page provides specific information about events happening across the county. It includes important details, such as the events’ dates and times.
Some upcoming festive events in Kosciusko County during the holiday season.
Central Park Holiday Light Display – This amazing display of over 250,000 twinkling lights filling Central Park in Warsaw will be lit each evening from dusk to midnight, starting December 1st and ending December 31st. This holiday display has become a family tradition for many locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Kosciusko County.
Light Up The Night – Celebrate the first lighting of the Central Park Holiday Light Display! This event will be held outdoors in Central Park on December 1st, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Children will receive glow necklaces and goody bags, while supplies last.
Annual Christmas Tree Lightings – The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation is hosting its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 1st at 5;30 at Ruddell Pavilion in Syracuse.
“A Christmas Carol” at The Wagon Wheel Theatre – Relax in Wagon Wheel’s Theatre in the round, where you will never be more than 10 rows from the center stage. Enjoy a classic, professional performance of “A Christmas Carol” this season with your family and friends in this unique theatre. The show starts on December 1st and goes until December 17th. Check Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts showtimes and buy tickets here.
Candelaria Leesburg – The town of Leesburg will illuminate the streets for the annual Candelaria and Christmas party on December 10th, the event will go from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Downtown Christmas Celebration – Bring the family to Downtown Warsaw on December 15th for some holiday spirit. The event will go on from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Miller Sunset Pavilion Ice Skating Rink
The Miller Sunset Pavilion Ice Skating Rink is not only an ice rink in the winter months but a year-round venue hosting different community events from concerts and jazz festivals to art fairs and seasonal farmers markets. It opens for ice skating on November 29th.
Breakfast Trail Passport
Wake up to the breakfast you’ve been dreaming of at these eggs-cellent breakfast locations while earning the chance to win $100 Kosciusko Cash. Here are some popular locations on this passport.
Coffee Depot
At Coffee Depot you will enjoy a delicious breakfast, and lunch with locally roasted coffee. Local residents who visit the shop regularly often comment on how kind the staff are and how delicious the food is.
Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe & Coffee Bar
Enjoy fresh eggs from their farm across the street. Enjoy fresh-to-order breakfast and lunch in the café along with baked goods, drinks, and gifts from their gift shop.
Maria’s House of Pancakes
A family-friendly atmosphere offering a variety of breakfasts including french toast, waffles, old-fashioned pancakes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, omelets, and crepes.
Taco Trail Passport
For a taste of local flavor, head to one of the many family-owned restaurants in the area. Make every day Taco Tuesday with the Taco Trail Passport. Enjoy a variety of tacos and Mexican cuisine at restaurants throughout Kosciusko County. Savor not only tacos but also your favorites such as enchiladas, quesabirrias, fajitas, gorditas, and tortas.
Check out our Taco Trail Passport and sign up for exclusive offers from various restaurants from Kosciusko County. Here are some of the popular locations on the trail.
Patino’s Mexican Food
Patino’s Mexican Food serves burritos, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tamales, chimichangas, salsa, cheese dips, guacamole, and more of your Mexican favorites. Enjoy a casual dining environment featuring authentic Mexican food.
Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant
For all your Mexican favorites, visit Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant & Grill in Syracuse. Enjoy burritos, tacos, margaritas, chips, salsa and more classic dishes in this relaxed Mexican restaurant environment.
Javis El Faro Mexican Bar & Grill
Javis El Faro Mexican Bar and Grill is located in Milford and offers authentic Mexican and seafood bar and grill with South of the border style. Enjoy classic Mexican cuisine such as burritos, tacos, chips, salsa, drinks, and more.
Sipping Trail Passport
Kosciusko County offers a diverse range of drinking options that are sure to satisfy any palate. If you’re a wine lover, head to Winona Lake Canal to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine while taking in the stunning views of the lake.
For whiskey enthusiasts, there’s a classic interior of wood and leather to sample from over 1,300 types of whiskey. And if you prefer beer, you can enjoy local craft beer in a beautifully renovated mill. With such a wide variety of options, Kosciusko County is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and memorable drinking experience.
Sign up for the Sipping Trail Passport for exclusive offers.
Anthology Whiskey Room
Located in the St. Regis Club in downtown Warsaw, the aptly named Anthology Whiskey Room could deliver almost as many labels as its name suggests. Numbering over 1,000 choices in its stock, Anthology may boast one of the largest numbers of whiskeys to sample in the Midwest.
Tippy Creek Winery
Tippy Creek Winery is Kosciusko County’s first winery. All of their wine is blended and bottled on-site. Sip wine on the couches beside the beautiful fireplace in their large retail area. Choose from over 14 wines and a selection ranging from sweet to dry.
HopLore Brewing Co.
HopLore Brewing Co. is Kosciusko County’s award-winning brewery. HopLore, offers beer brewed with skillful craftmanship. Their location in Leesburg is renovated old mill with plenty of character and they also offer an amazing food menu here. Their Market Street location in Warsaw is both a production facility and a tasting room. Stop in for one of their renowned beers accompanied by locally sourced food.
Shopping Local Hand-Made Items
Kosciusko County is home to an extremely talented range of craftsmen and entrepreneurs who have built their businesses here. The artistry is astonishing, and it provides the ideal hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gift you’ve been searching for.
My Unique Wooden Toys in Silver Lake, sells traditional and Amish-made furniture, puzzles, and games, each designated to encourage a child’s imagination.
Whetstone Woodenware offers handmade wooden spoons, ladles, and bowls. breadboard, trenches, mixing paddles, and many other types of Woodenware have been made by craftsmen and used by cooks and bakers for hundreds of years.
Kelsea Designs offers vintage, repurposed furniture, and home decor. They also offer one-of-a-kind lighting options, classy antiques, and other primitive, country-style items, this is a fantastic shop to explore.
Letterwood Paper Co. is a greetings and gift studio committed to producing fine-quality products that joyfully impact customers, and foster communities and relationships with one another.
Jerky Shop offers a warm and welcoming environment as well as a mouth-watering jerky. Their jerky is made fresh every day without nitrates and gluten. Try their crazy flavors called “flavors of the week”, to keep it new and exciting.
Warsaw Cut Glass offers pitchers, platters, and bowls, all in gleaming hand-cut crystal with a history dating back to 1911 when the Warsaw Cut Glass Company opened in this community.
Pottery Bayou allows customers to create their own unique masterpieces in a creative, fun atmosphere. Come alone or with a group and create personalized gifts.
Kosciusko County Visitor Guide
Our guide has got you covered with a large selection of local attractions, festive events, outdoor activities, and dining and shopping options. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! From exploring the Engage Kosciusko Digital Passports to savoring delicious dining experiences, we guarantee that your family and friends will have an unforgettable holiday season in our county. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and friends. Come and discover all that Kosciusko County has to offer this holiday season. Happy Holidays!