Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – The French Lick Resort’s Season of Lights kicked off earlier this month at the Resort’s two historic hotels. The West Baden Springs Hotel was filled with visitors taking in the animated light show and live music. This Saturday, more visitors will pour into Orange County for the lighting ceremony at the French Lick Springs Hotel.
These two events bring thousands of visitors to French Lick and West Baden Springs. With thousands of Christmas lights, a life-sized gingerbread house, 45-foot tall tree and Christmas village, the two historic hotels are a feast for the senses.
The Polar Express train ride also drives visitors to the county, with an estimated 60,000 people expected to ride the trains this season. With all of that, it’s no wonder the French Lick Resort is in the running to be named Best Hotel for the Holidays, a ranking of the top hotels that bring the holiday cheer by USA Today. Public voting ends Dec. 1.
Timeless French Lick, Orange County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, is seeing a spike in visitor inquiries.
“Season of Lights and the Polar Express continue to be tremendous drivers for us,” said Joe Lannan, executive director of Timeless French Lick. “This year we’ve seen increased inquiries, higher weekend demand, and a lot of families making multi-day trips. Beyond the hotels, our local shops and restaurants feel that surge immediately – it’s a season that really boosts the entire county.”
“Guests are looking for more than a single event – they want a full weekend of memories,” said Makenzie VanHoy, Brand Strategy manager. “From light shows to local shops to cozy cafés, our small-town holiday atmosphere is becoming part of many families’ annual traditions. It’s wonderful to see.”
The influx of visitors boosts business at local restaurants, shops and other attractions as guests come to soak up the Season of Lights.
French Licks and Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, owned by Jason and Cindy Emmons, see a big jump in customer traffic during Season of Lights and Polar Express.
“With so many families in town this time of year, we make sure we are as festive as possible,” said Amy Dybsetter, French Licks and Bear Hollow Manager.
A large and very green wood carved Grinch is a favorite photo op for visitors, she said.
The businesses are a short walk from the French Lick Hotel. Dybsetter said hotel guests can stop in for ice cream, choose from a variety of coffees and Lotus energy drinks or sit down and order a pizza and breadsticks.
“We try to incorporate our specials and our environment with what’s happening at the hotels,” she said. “We definitely see a lot of traffic from that. We’re very grateful to Season of Lights and Polar Express because they bring in a lot of traffic here over the holidays.”
Orange County draws 1.2 million visitors a year, making tourism a top industry for the county. Throughout the year, the Resort’s golf courses, spas, concerts, gaming and restaurants offer something for every kind of visitor. Christmas, though, is like no other time of year in French Lick and West Baden.
“We’re ready for it and we love it,” Dybsetter said. “Seeing all the kids in their matching pajamas. It really is one of the best times of the year.”
“The annual Season of Lights at French Lick Resort transforms both hotels, and everything in between, into a magical holiday wonderland, attracting guests of all ages to be awed by the elegance or be in touch with their inner child by participating in an array of themed events,” said Kristal Painter, COO of Discover Southern Indiana. “It’s no wonder they have been nominated for USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Hotel for the Holidays!”
