🍦 Your Monday Morning Scoop: Arctic Edition

Discover what's happening in Greenwood, Center Grove, Franklin, Bargersville, and beyond this week!

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Tony Adragna & Jess Adragna
December 15, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Happy Monday! After a snowy weekend with over 6 inches on the ground and temps dipping below zero, this week's forecast is serving up a dramatic twist—hello, mid-40s and even low 50s (with a side of rain, naturally). It’s the last week of school before winter break, holiday countdowns are in full swing, and Indiana weather is doing its best impression of a festive rollercoaster. Stay cozy, stay dry, and soak in all the seasonal magic (and chaos)!

In today’s South Side Scoop:

  • A friendly reminder that events can change, especially with winter weather—always double-check details before heading out!

  • The Greenwood Fire Department’s Toy Drive is still collecting new, unwrapped toys through December 20th to support local kids.

  • A full lineup of holiday events, from Santa visits and craft nights to trivia, concerts, and festive fun all week long!

Let’s get to it!

A MESSAGE FROM Grace Counseling Indy

✨ Now Accepting New Clients ✨

Grace Counseling is welcoming new clients for professional, faith-based counseling for individuals and couples, ages 12 and up.

💡 Our approach combines clinical expertise with Christian values to support you through anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or a deeper connection in your relationships, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.

📍 365 E. Main Street, Greenwood, IN 46143

📞 Call or Text: (317) 560-6058

DIGEST

A Friendly Reminder About Events

With this past weekend’s colder weather and winter conditions, we want to share a quick reminder that our newsletters are written and scheduled ahead of time. While we do our best to keep everything accurate, events can sometimes be canceled, postponed, or changed, especially due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Before heading out, we always recommend double-checking the event details on the venue’s website or social media pages to make sure everything is still on. Stay safe, stay warm, and thanks for understanding!

Greenwood Fire Department Toy Drive Still Accepting Donations

The Greenwood Fire Department is continuing its annual Toy Drive to help ensure local children have gifts to open this Christmas. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at all four Greenwood fire stations and at Aspen Creek Grill through Saturday, December 20th. The department reminds donors that toy weapons of any kind (including Nerf guns, swords, and bows) will not be accepted. Community members are encouraged to give what they can and help spread a little extra holiday cheer this season!

🍦The Scoop will always be free, but if it feels worth the price of an ice cream cone, I’d love your support. 👉 Support the Scoop here

A MESSAGE FROM Relatable

Is this the cutest heating pad ever?

If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, functional, and irresistibly nostalgic, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad deserves a top spot in your holiday roundup. This heating pad version of the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart heats up in the microwave to provide gentle, lasting relief from cramps, tension, and everyday aches.

Ideal for stocking stuffers, White Elephant parties, or anyone who appreciates a cozy pick-me-up with a playful twist. This warm, toasty “treat” is one holiday gift that’s sure to bring cheer!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Tuesday

Christmas Time at Chick-fil-A Greenwood

Put on your Christmas pajamas and join Santa Cow for breakfast, photos, and festive activities. Parents get a free hot or iced coffee (dine-in only).
Tuesday, December 16th | 9:30–10:30am | 155 Marlin Dr., Greenwood

Jingle Mingle at Otterbein Franklin

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with brunch, games, and presents from Santa & his elves at this senior community event. RSVP required: 317-736-1134.
Tuesday, December 16th | 10am–12pm | 1070 W. Jefferson St., Franklin

Gnome Painting Craft Class at Applebee’s Franklin

Join Sunflowers & Roses Craft Club for a festive gnome painting session. $30 per person or 2 for 1 if you bring a friend. Get your tickets here.
Tuesday, December 16th | 6–8pm | 700 N. Morton St., Franklin

Christmas Painting Class with Kira at El Pueblo

Paint a nativity scene step-by-step with KiraBillIllustration at El Pueblo Mexican Restaurant. Ages 12+, $22 per person (register on Etsy).
Tuesday, December 16th | 6–8pm | 1904 Northwood Plaza Dr., Franklin

Wednesday

Future-Proof Leadership: Mastering Change in the Dawn of AI

Join Leadership Johnson County at JCREMC for this dynamic workshop on adaptability and leadership in the age of AI. $59–$69 per person. Register here.
Wednesday, December 17th | 9am–12pm | 750 International Dr., Franklin

Silent Book Club at Main & Madison Cafe

BYOB (bring your own book!) and settle in for a cozy, no-pressure reading hour. Extended hours and nearby Wild Geese Bookshop make this the perfect midweek escape.
Wednesday, December 17th | 5–7pm | 100 N. Main St., Franklin

Holiday Lights Fun Run/Walk with The Runners Forum

Light up the night with a festive run or walk through Greenwood! Enjoy prizes, costume contests, and store discounts. Free to register.
Wednesday, December 17th | 6–8pm | 1001 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood

A Very Merry Holiday Celebration at Franklin Meadows

Enjoy holiday fun with Santa, cocoa, cookies, and a tour of Franklin Meadows’ Memory Care neighborhood. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, December 17th | 6–8pm | 1285 W. Jefferson St., Franklin

Thursday

Bows, Boots & Beer with Sweat Shop at Barn at Bay Horse Inn

Line dance the night away at this country-Christmas party featuring a beginner-friendly dance lesson, drinks, and plenty of sparkly honky tonk fun. Boots encouraged! Get your tickets here.
Friday, December 18th | 6–9pm | 1468 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood

RESCHEDULED Santa Parade with White River Township South

Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on a firetruck escorted by the White River Township Fire Dept. and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Check out their Facebook here for the exact route details.
Thursday, December 17th | 6:30pm | Starts at 366 N. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood

Candlelight Christmas at Mad Hatter Shows Event Center

Enjoy a night of music, candlelight, and Christmas spirit with talented performers. Doors open at 6pm. Get your tickets here.
Thursday, December 18th | 7pm (Doors 6pm) | 916 E Main St., Greenwood

Franklin Community Band Performance at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Enjoy a festive evening of music as the Franklin Community Band performs holiday favorites. Refreshments will be served following the concert.
Friday, December 18th | 7–9pm | 1300 U.S. 31 S., Franklin

Ugly Sweater Party and Christmas Trivia at Professional Smoke

Throw on your ugliest holiday sweater and test your knowledge of classic Christmas movies in this fun, festive trivia night.
Friday, December 18th | 7–9pm | 76 S. State Road 135, Bargersville

🎤 Looking for karaoke nights, trivia, bingo, or fun weekly activities for the kids? Check out our full list of recurring events here!

📆 Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

Hosting an event on the southside? 👉 Send it our way! We review each event and feature the ones that our readers will love most.

This Weekend

  • Friday-Sunday, December 19th-21st: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at The Artcraft (ALMOST SOLD OUT)

  • Friday, December 19th:

    • Jumperoo Holiday Party at Urban Air

    • Paint til you Faint at uPaint Pottery (Open til Midnight)

    • Meet Santa at New Whiteland P.D.

    • Yule Ball Class at Greenwood Happy Haunts

    • Skate Social Night with RISE Recovery Coalition of Johnson County at Franklin Skate Club

  • Saturday, December 20th:

    • ACC Breakfast with Santa

    • Breakfast with Santa at New Hope

    • Free Pictures with Santa at Greenwood Happy Haunts

    • Broom Crafting Workshop at Greenwood Happy Haunts

    • Holiday Open House at the Museum

  • Sunday, December 21st:

    • Christmas Festival at Southport Pres

    • Paint and Sip at MashCraft

    • Hogwarts-inspired Winter Solstice at Oak & Amethyst

Happening Soon

  • Monday, December 22nd: Santa Claus at Antilogy

  • Monday-Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd: Muppet Christmas Carol at The Artcraft

  • Monday-Tuesday, December 22nd-23rd: Die Hard at The Artcraft

  • Saturday, December 27th: Trent Mabry at Mad Hatter Shows & Event Center

  • January Registration Open: 4-Week Country Line Dancing Lessons at The Sycamore

If you’d like more information about any of the upcoming events, don’t hesitate to send us an email—we’re happy to assist! Keep in mind that many of these events require a ticket, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

⛅️ WEATHER

Monday

25 🌡️ 17 | 🌤️ | 5% | 🌬️ SSW 10-20 MPH

Tuesday

38 🌡️ 34 | 🌤️ | 5% | 🌬️ SSW 10-15 MPH

Wednesday

46 🌡️ 37 | 🌥️ | 7% | 🌬️ SW 10-15 MPH

Thursday

52 🌡️ 17 | 🌧️ | 93% | 🌬️ SSW 20 MPH

*Disclaimer: This forecast was pulled from the weather app the night before and is subject to Indiana’s ever-changing moods—accuracy not guaranteed!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

  • Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza | Frank Dean’s Performance Stage | 5pm

  • The Corner Bar | Phil Pierle | 7pm

Wednesday

  • SIP Cocktails on Main | Amanda Webb | 630pm

  • The Corner Bar | Open Stage with Phil Pierle | 7pm

Thursday

  • Parkside Public House | Katie Jo Robinson | 6pm

  • The Corner Bar | Tommy Whiskers | 7pm

  • Tried & True | Jai Baker 3 | 8pm

  • Whit’s Inn | Pillow Talk | 7pm

🍒 THE CHERRY ON TOP

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🍦 Want to Support the Scoop?

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Thanks for being such an amazing part of this community!

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