Christmas at West Baden

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Christmas at French Lick Resort 

For a holiday experience that sparkles like no other, join us at French Lick Resort for our 50 Days of Lights Celebration! Each of our resort’s two grand hotels have rich histories dating back to the 1800s, and their elegant architecture comes to life even more when the holidays arrive. West Baden Springs Hotel is home to dazzling sights, from the glowing 40-foot Christmas tree in the atrium to the majestic dome that towers above it. French Lick Springs Hotel is also loaded with charming holiday displays such as a Santa’s village, reindeer barn and one of the Midwest’s largest real gingerbread houses created by our pastry chef! Take a relaxing stroll on trails between the hotels and around the resort grounds and see some of the half-million lights that add to the winter wonderland. Arrive ready for adventure at our historic property, and depart full of Christmas spirit! 

Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL 

Welcome aboard – our Christmas journey to the incredible West Baden Springs Hotel starts today! With coffee stops, lunch, and perhaps a Christmas game or two along the way, we will arrive in Bloomington/Normal for our first overnight. Dinner is served tonight at Baxter’s. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn

Day 2 – Bloomington to West Baden Springs, IN 

After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey to the Hoosier National Forest where nestled among the hills resides a classic American destination – French Lick Resort. Home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, three challenging golf courses, a Vegas-style casino & more! With excitement, we check into the West Baden Springs Hotel, our world famous home for the next three nights! We’ll be awestruck by this magnificent property! Considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, it was built in 1902 and is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Its atrium was the largest free span dome until the Houston Astrodome was built. There is no word to absolutely describe it but: AWESOME! And there’s no better way to enjoy this impressive dome as R&J guests than with atrium-view rooms! A guided walking tour late this afternoon is the perfect way to take in our beautiful surroundings. Our tour features the elegant atrium, restored lobby, lush gardens, and mineral springs pavilions. We will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel. The rest the evening is free to scout out this lavish resort or just relax on the veranda. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner 

Hotel: West Baden Springs Hotel (3 Nights in Atrium-view Rooms!) 

Day 3 – West Baden Springs 

We will start our morning off with breakfast at Café Sinclair’s, located in the hotel’s original dining room. Then we are off on a guided history tour of French Lick & West Baden, giving us a deeper appreciation for the rich history that’s unique to these two historic towns. Next we head to the Wilstem Ranch for two memorable experiences: a giraffe encounter and a grizzly bear encounter! During our giraffe encounter, we’ll learn about the world’s tallest mammal, as well as interact, feed, and take pictures with a giraffe. Then during our one-of-a-kind VIP & educational grizzly bear encounter, we’ll learn how to stay safe in bear country plus we’ll spend time with Jeff “the Bear Man” Watson, we’ll help prepare their breakfast, view them up close, and get some amazing photos! Lunch is served at French Lick Winery. Afterwards we visit Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, home to unparalleled chainsaw sculptures! We’ll enjoy a hand-carving demonstration and we’ll also go home with a special carved, wooden French Lick ornament! If you are looking for some unique Christmas gifts, Bear Hollow sells a nice variety. Next we experience the area’s rich history circa 1900-1930 during our walking tour of French Lick West Baden Museum. The Museum’s highlight is the world’s largest miniature Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus diorama! Our visit even includes a proper Afternoon Tea complete with Christmas cookies! Late this afternoon we have some leisure time. Perhaps you’ll want to hop on the trolley for a 1.5 mile ride to the impressive French Lick Springs Hotel. Tonight we’re guests for a dinner show at the Abbeydell Hall at the Legend of French Lick. An original musical production, “Christmas Treasures”, is full of crowd favorites with classics by Bing Crosby, the Carpenters, Amy Grant, and many more. This Branson-style variety show touches on the most important treasure of all: our Savior’s love & His miraculous birth. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4 – West Baden Springs 

After another wonderful breakfast at Café Sinclair’s, we go over to the French Lick Springs Hotel for a historic landmarks walking tour. This “Classic American Hotel” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits on 3,300 acres steeped in history and natural beauty. Having hosted political guests such as Presidents FDR & Ronald Reagan, it was once “THE” vacation spot for wealthy health-seekers and high rollers of the turn-of-the-20th-century. Next we have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind products and give back all at the same time. Envision Designs is a line of products produced at First Chance Center Industries through donations of discarded fabrics from local businesses in the Orange County area. All profits from the sales of Envision Designs products go to fund the programs and services at First Chance Center for individuals with disabilities. They have tons of Christmas themed inventory and designs! Then a step-on guide joins us for a tour of Orleans, Orange County’s oldest town, pointing out & discussing all the most historic spots and buildings. Lunch is on your own at Sprigler’s Farm Market & Deli, located in downtown Orleans. This afternoon we experience Daviess County Amish through an authentic tour with a step-on guide. We’ll visit an Amish home, variety store, and Wagler’s Quilt Shop. Our guide will explain the culture and history of the Amish and how they value simplicity, hard work, and the closeness of their families. An early dinner is served at Gasthof Amish Village, featuring a large & scrumptious buffet. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – West Baden Springs to Davenport, IA 

We’ll take in our magnificent surroundings as we enjoy our last breakfast at the West Baden Springs Hotel. Then we bid this dazzling hotel goodbye and travel to Davenport, IA where we’ll check into The Current Iowa by Marriott. Dinner is served at the hotel before we cross the river to the Circa 21 Playhouse for the magic of “Winter Wonderland.” In this heartwarming new musical, a dad’s wish to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas leads him and his family on a magical journey to another time where he learns that while remembering the past is important, the best way to hold on to tradition is to enjoy the Christmas present! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: The Current Iowa 

Day 6 – Davenport to Home 

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for home. We’ll reminisce about our grand Christmas journey to West Baden Springs. 

Included Meals: Breakfast