27 minute read
Things to Do in December
THINGS TO DO //
DECEMBER 2021
WED 01 Holiday Sounds Delight in the sounds of the season from school and community choirs, bands, ensembles and soloists as they perform holiday music daily in the museum’s Great Hall. Free with admission. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10 am-12:15 pm, indianamuseum.org *ONGOING
THURS 02 All About Owls Who, who, who wants to learn all about Indiana owls? You will dissect an owl pellet, looking for teeny tiny bones to discover what the owl ate for dinner! After the sun sets, we will take a short hike through the woods to hoot for an owl, weather permitting. $10. • Location: Monon Community Center, Time: 6-7 pm, carmelclayparks.com
First Thursday Night @ The Children’s Museum On the first Thursday of every month, it's just $6 admission per person! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 4-8 pm, childrensmuseum.org
THURS 02‒SUN 05 Butler
Ballet: The Nutcracker This student production of The Nutcracker includes spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery and pyrotechnical flash. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music is brought to life by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. • Location: Clowes Memorial Hall,
butlerartscenter.org
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. • Location: The Cat Theatre, 7:30-9:30 pm,
carmelplayers.org
FRI 03 Pajama-Rama Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear, pack up a blanket, and enjoy a fun program for toddlers and preschoolers. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 7-7:45 pm, hamiltoncounty.in.
gov FREE
Magical Mornings Visit Santa, ride the Snowfall Express, engage in interactive story times, and experience the new toddler area in Santa’s Front Yard. Magical Mornings feature fewer light shows, limited sounds and small crowd sizes to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for the littlest museum visitor and children with autism spectrum disorder. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 9-10 am, indianamuseum.org *SN
FRI 03‒SAT 04 The Nutcracker Student dancers will fill the stage with movement and color! This version of The Nutcracker follows the same overall storyline as the original, but with a uniquely different twist. • Location: Pike Performing Arts Center, Time: 3 & 7 pm,
gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org
SAT 04 Christmas Under the Stars Line the streets of Brownsburg for the annual night-time Christmas parade! • Location: Begins at Brown Elementary School, Time: 6 pm,
brownsburgparks.com
Cumberland Weihnachtsmarkt An annual event for families that celebrate the holidays and Cumberland's German heritage. Enjoy food, family entertainment, live music, visit with Santa, sip hot cocoa and cider, and see a light parade and town Christmas tree lighting. • Location: Old Town Cumberland, Time: 11 am-10 pm,
town.cumberland.in.us FREE
Holiday in the Arts District Experience the wonder of the holidays in Carmel with elves and reindeer, carolers, trolley rides, a visit from Santa, special activities and more surprises. • Location: Carmel Arts & Design District, Time: 2-5 pm, holidaysincarmel.com
Kid City Christmas This event will be filled with holiday fun, including a train ride through the Amphitheater Lighted Trail, hot cocoa and popcorn, holiday movies and a holiday craft to take home to remember the magic! • Location: Kid City at Greenwood Community Center, greenwood.
in.gov
Paws and Claus Have a furry friend that's been (mostly) good all year? Make sure they meet Santa! Good doggies deserve Christmas presents, too. Bring your phone or camera to capture the moment! • Location: Garfield Park Burrello Family Center, Time: 1-4 pm, indyparks.org FREE
Live! Family Christmas Have a presidential holiday with the Harrisons! Bring your family for a festive Christmas tour of the Harrison family home. • Location: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Time: 10 am-3 pm, bhpsite.org
Meet Santa’s Reindeer Santa's reindeer arrive in Carmel, and they will be out every Saturday in December until the 18th on the Village Green. • Location: Clay Terrace in Carmel, Time: 11 am-2 pm, clayterrace.com FREE
Movies at Midtown: It’s a Wonderful Life Enjoy an outdoor movie shown on the big video screen in Midtown Plaza. • Location: Midtown Plaza Carmel, Times: Noon, 3, 5 & 7 pm, midtownplazacarmel.com
Peewinkle's Christmas Puppet Show This fun-filled, high-spirited holiday show is a perfect event for the whole family. Mozart and Ludmilla, the ritzy rodents, will host this variety show of holiday marionettes, music and audience participation. • Location: Theatre at the Fort, Time: 9:30 & 11:30 am, artsforlawrence.org
Santa’s Holiday Breakfast Enjoy a festive buffet breakfast with Santa amidst the holiday splendor of Celebration Crossing featuring holiday music, decorations and Santa’s helpers in the Great Hall. After breakfast, visit Santa in his house, explore Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn and take a ride on the new Snowfall Express. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 9-9:45 am,
indianamuseum.org
Story Castle Cinema: Yogi Bear Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
Westfield in Lights A kick off to the Holiday season, featuring pictures with Santa, Frosty the Snowman, vendors, live music & performances, caricature artists and more! • Location: Downtown Westfield, Time: 3-7 pm,
westfieldwelcome.com
Winter Wonderland Workshop Celebrate winter festivities with this hands-on, STEAM-inspired workshop for 4- to 6-year-olds. Step into a winter wonderland as kids design and engineer their own inedible cardboard gingerbread homes. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 11 am-12 pm, indianamuseum.org
SAT 04‒SUN 05 Breakfast
with Santa @ Conner Prairie Gather as a family for a special holiday meal and visit with Santa. Santa will regale the room with lively tales of Christmas past before moving to a special stage where he can visit with each family’s youth individually. Additional dates: Dec. 12, 18, 19. • Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 8:30 am-Noon,
connerprairie.org
SUN 05 Broad Ripple Lights Up Holiday Festival and Parade Enjoy holiday-themed activities for children, visits with Santa, live reindeer, musical entertainment, food trucks and Indianapolis’ only twilight parade down Broad Ripple Avenue and Westfield Boulevard. • Location: Downtown Broad Ripple, Time: 3 pm, broadrippleindy.org
Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Dash Thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Indianapolis! Runners and walkers alike are warmly invited to join this magical event. • Location: White River State Park, Time: 8:30 am,
santahustle.com
Latkes & Lights Join Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis for the 2nd annual Chanukah takeover of Newfields! Enjoy Chanukah Menorahs and Stars of David shining in the Lilly House windows, see a light show set to Ma’otzur and sample latkes and sufganiyot. • Location: Newfields, Time: 5-9 pm, discovernewfields.org
Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Palladium Kick off the holiday season with the Indiana Wind Symphony! Santa and Mrs. Claus will narrate ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and lead the audience in a singalong of holiday favorites. This one-act concert is fun for the whole family. • Location: The Palladium, Time: 2 pm,
thecenterpresents.org
TUES 07 Homeschool Tuesdays: Snowflake Science Learn all about crystal structures, molecules and fractals while we take a closer look at snowflakes and prepare for chilly winter weather. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10 am-Noon, indianamuseum.org
Small Wonders: Wintertime Fun Explore what makes winter so chilly with cool hands-on experiments and icy sensory stations, plus create your own snow-inspired artwork and more. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indiana
museum.org
Tot Tunes Incorporates songs and dance that will help get you ready for your busy day. Encourages the development of gross motor skills and language skills. For toddlers and preschoolers. Registration required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 9:30-10 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE
WED 08 Beastly Brunch Get an up-close look at Holliday Park’s animal ambassadors and experience a live feeding. Ages 2+. • Location: Holliday Park Nature Center, Time: 11-11:30 am, hollidaypark.org FREE
Tiny Science: Animal Tales Join a park naturalist from Hendricks County Parks for a story featuring an animal native to Indiana. A craft or activity follows the story. • Location: PlainfieldGuilford Township Public Library, Time: 10-10:30 am,
plainfieldlibrary.net FREE
THURS 09 English Country Dance Enjoy a lively evening of dancing for all skill levels. English Country Dance is a form of social folk dance which originated in Renaissance England, and was popular until the early 19th century. • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, gpacarts.org
Supper with Santa and Friends Join Santa and friends at this family-friendly buffet. Visit with Santa, play in Santa’s Front Yard, and enjoy a ride on the new Snowfall Express train to see and hear the sights and sounds of a winter wonderland. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 5:30-8 pm, indianamuseum.org
Winter Wonderland Workshop Celebrate winter festivities with this hands-on, STEAM-inspired workshop for 4- to 6-year-olds. Step into a winter wonderland as kids design and engineer their own inedible cardboard gingerbread homes. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 11 am-12 pm, indianamuseum.org
SUN, DECEMBER 05
SANTA HUSTLE 5K, HALF MARATHON & KIDS DASH AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK
Christmas Irving Berlin’s classic Christmas film brought to life with a dazzling score featuring well-known standards. • Location: Westfield Playhouse,
westfieldplayhouse.org
FRI 10 A Beef & Boards Christmas An array of all your holiday favorites! With a beat-boxing, rapping Santa Claus and a Rudolph that actually flies onto the stage, guests are treated to something special each night throughout the holiday season. • Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, beefandboards.com *ONGOING
FRI 10‒SUN 12 Indiana Ballet
Conservatory: The Nutcracker Join Indiana Ballet Conservatory and experience The Nutcracker, an iconic holiday classic. • Location: Murat Theatre at Old National Center, indyballet.org
FRI 10‒SUN 19 Nutcracker with a Twist Follow the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, with a twist! Set to both the original Tchaikovsky score and Duke Ellington’s jazzy suite, you’ll enjoy tapping soldiers, whirling snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy along with Charleston’s, flappers, and of course, jazz! • Location: The Cat Theatre, balletinitiative.org
SAT 11 Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is a big fan of Greenwood. Every year, the jolly gift-giver makes time for an appearance. Children 1 year and under are free. • Location: Greenwood Community Center, Time: 9 am, greenwood.in.gov
Breakfast with the Grinch This program includes breakfast, take-home craft, pictures with the Grinch and ice skating. • Location: Connection Pointe Church, Time: 10 am-Noon,
brownsburgparks.org
Christkindl Village Featuring a taste of Christkindl, including German food, kids ornament making, St. Nick, and both indoor dining and drive-through meals. • Location: Downtown Knights of Columbus, kofc437.com
Cookies with Claus Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa, story time, crafts and more! • Location: Clay Terrace, Time: 11 am-2 pm, clay
terrace.com FREE
Holidays Around the World Enjoy holiday-themed arts and crafts, live music, performances and more, as we celebrate holidays from around the globe. Create crafts that explore these worldwide holidays, and view a variety of performances in this melting pot of a holiday event. • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 10 am-1 pm, indyparks.org FREE
Story Castle Cinema: Chronicles of Narnia Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the
Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
Peanut Butter & Jam: Holiday Cabaret on Strings A fast-paced, entertaining cabaret of hand-crafted marionettes. Children and adults will delight in the hilarious antics of the Melchior Marionettes and the skill of the puppeteers and they sing along with holiday favorites. • Location: The Center for the Performing Arts, Time: 10:30-11:15 am, thecenterpresents.org
Sensory-friendly Visit with Santa Visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Santa welcomes people to visit with him and tell him their Christmas wishes — but at your own pace and comfort level. Fidget toys will be available on the table as well as cookies to decorate and enjoy! • Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 2:30-4:30 pm,
connerprairie.org *SN
SAT, DECEMBER 11
COOKIES WITH CLAUS AT CLAY TERRACE SUN, DECEMBER 12
DIY GINGERBREAD HOUSES AT NOBLESVILLE LIBRARY
SUN 12 A Baroque Christmas Rediscover your favorite Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra holiday tradition as the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah returns with choir and soloists. • Location: Indiana Landmarks Center, Time: 3 pm,
icomusic.org
DIY Gingerbread Houses Families will work together to build and decorate cardboard 'gingerbread' houses. This will be a fun seasonal STEAM project for the whole family. Grownups must be present to operate hot glue guns. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 2-4 pm, hepl.lib.in.us FREE
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland Enjoy visits with Santa, “ice skate” in your socks, explore the Ice Castle and much more. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org *ONGOING
MON 13 Holiday Classical Concert at the Library All ages are invited for a chamber ensemble music performance by members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra featuring favorite holiday classics and carols. • Location: College Avenue Branch Library, Time: 6-7 pm, indypl.org FREE
Messy Munchkins Listen to a story, then squish and smush your way into the benefits of messy play. Dress for mess! Ages 2-5. Registration required. • Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.
in.us FREE
A Merry Prairie Holiday Glittering lights, thoughtful storytellers and warm fires will transport you from your day-to-day into the stories of yesterday and the traditions of tomorrow. • Location: Conner Prairie, connerprairie.org *ONGOING
TUES 14 Jungle Tales: Train Tales A holiday train-themed program! Little ones will listen to a story, do a craft and enjoy Conservatory Crossing with a scavenger hunt. Registration required. $5. Ages 2-5. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, Time: 10-11 am,
garfieldgardensconservatory.org
Snowflake Pajama Party Explore Celebration Crossing, ride the new Snowfall Express train, participate in hands-on holiday activities, and get a special photo moment with Santa – all while wearing your PJs during this night filled with wonder. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 6-8 pm,
indianamuseum.org
Christmas at the Zoo Watch the Zoo transform at sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky. Pose with your family and friends near one of the many holiday displays, visit Santa’s Village and more. • Location: Indianapolis Zoo, indianapoliszoo.com *ONGOING WED 15 Festival of Carols Indy’s family holiday tradition for kids from one to 92. Featuring world-renowned soprano, Angela Brown, and accompanied by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, performing favorites such as “Joy to the World” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” • Location: Warren Performing Arts Center, Time: 7 pm, indy
choir.org
Nature Preschool Explorers: Deer in December The deer become easier to see during the winter at Cool Creek Park. Why is that? What are they doing? Bundle up and we’ll look for signs of them. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
Toddler Time: Winter Investigation Brrr! Discover why winter is so cold through icy sensory stations, making your own snow-inspired art creation and enjoying a cool story. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indianamuseum.org
THURS 16 Fiddler's Holiday Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins presents a unique program featuring guitar, bass and accordion, performing special arrangements from the popular “Fiddler” musical, plus holiday favorites. • Location: Madam Walker Legacy Center, Time: 7:30-9 pm,
madamwalkerlegacycenter.com
Meet a Reindeer with Silly Safaris You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen... but have you ever seen an actual reindeer?! Enjoy a short story and then meet a reindeer with Silly Safaris! Geared for ages 5 & up. • Location: Virtual, Time: 6:30-7:15 pm, indypl.org FREE
FRI 17 Family Art Night: Clay Holiday Trees Bring your grandpa, daughter, cousin or best friend to this family oriented art night! We’ll provide the project and materials; you bring the creativity! • Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 5:30-7:30 pm, gpacarts.org
Friday Night Campfire: Hibernation Experience a fun night around the campfire and participate in a guided night hike! Roasting sticks and s'mores provided. $6; ages 2+. • Location: Holliday Park Nature Center, Time: 6:30-8 pm, indyparks.org
Gingerbread Houses Bring the family and get into the holiday spirit! Listen to holly jolly tunes while creating your very own gingerbread house. $7; ages 4 and up. • Location: Garfield Park Burrello Family Center, Time: 5:30-6:30 pm,
indyparks.org
FRI 17‒SAT 18 The Nutcracker Be transported to the land of the Sugarplum Fairies, during this youth performance of the classic holiday tale! • Location: Youth Inspirations Theatre, yitindy.org
FRI 17‒SUN 19 Nutcracker
Sweets For kids who might have a shorter attention span, Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents a 1-hour version of The Nutcracker. Recommended for children ages 4 and older. • Location: Toby Theatre at Newfields, indyballet.org
SAT 18 Cereal Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol Combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie! Cereal is included with tickets and coffee for tired parents is available for purchase at Coat Check Coffee. • Location: Athenaeum, Time: 9:30 am, athenaeumfoundation.org
Christmas Celebration @ Riverside Park Stop by and visit Santa before he returns to the North Pole. He will be checking his list to see who has been naughty and nice. • Location: Riverside Park, Time: 11 am-1 pm, indyparks.org FREE
A “Frozen” Breakfast Get your family in the holiday spirit with Elsa and Olaf! This program includes breakfast, take-home craft, pictures with Elsa and Olaf and ice skating. • Location: Connection Pointe Church, Time: 10 am-Noon,
brownsburgparks.org
Story Castle Cinema: Norm of the North Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
Teddy Bear Toss @ Indy Fuel The fur flies for a good cause during one of the most exciting nights of the hockey season! Bring a new stuffed animal and get ready to throw it onto the ice after the Fuel scores their first goal. Every fuzzy friend will be collected and donated to the WRTV Toy Drive benefiting children around Central Indiana. • Location: Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Time: 7 pm,
indyfuelhockey.com
SAT 18‒SUN 19 Ballet Theatre
of Carmel: The Nutcracker This family-friendly production of the holiday classic has plenty of pre- and post-show activities that will get everyone into the holiday spirit! • Location: STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, ballettheatreofcarmel.
org
The Nutcracker Suite Dancers of various ages will perform a shortened version of “The Nutcracker Suite.” Come celebrate the holiday season with this timeless Christmas classic. • Location: Theatre at the Fort, artsforlawrence.org SUN 19 Lilly Lake Lantern Walk Join park naturalists for a nighttime walk! This program has two parts. One involves getting creative at home and building a lantern with stuff you have around the house; the other involves getting outside for an evening walk around Lilly Lake. • Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 5-7 pm,
indyparks.com
A Magical Cirque Christmas Experience the enchantment of Christmas with an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. • Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, Time: 7 pm, butlerartscenter.org
Sensory-friendly Sundays @ Conner Prairie The third Sunday of every month, exhibit components that make noise will be turned off. All quiet spaces can be utilized and staff trained in Sensory Friendly Practices will be on hand in case anyone needs assistance. • Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 10 am-Noon, connerprairie.org
FREE *SN
MON 20 Family Bingo Night Kids, bring your parents or grandparents for an inter-generational fun night with classic bingo games! • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 6-7 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
Magic of Lights A dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Noblesville’s favorite holiday tradition. • Location: Ruoff Music Center, magicoflights.com *ONGOING
TUES 21 Books & Boots Grab your hiking boots and head to Eagle Creek Park! Activities including storytime and outdoor adventure. Come dressed for the weather and the outdoors. Ages 5-10. Free with park admission • Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 1011:30 am, indyparks.org
Celebrate Winter! It's the first day of winter and shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice! Stop by the Children's Department and have a cup of hot cocoa and some cookies to celebrate longer days ahead. We'll be reading a different winter picture book every half hour. • Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 5-7 pm,
wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
THURS 23 After School Play Date: Kid’s Coding Club Kids ages 8 and older and teens can join the Learning Curve online to learn about the Scratch programming language and work on a coding project. The emphasis will be on working on different long-term Scratch projects, whether by oneself or with a partner and socializing with other attendees. • Location: Virtual, Time: 4:30-5:15 pm, indypl.org FREE
Handel’s Messiah One of the greatest stories ever told performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. • Location: The Palladium, Time: 7:30 pm, thecenterpresents.org
THURS 24 Christmas Eve Luminaries Back by popular demand! Enjoy an evening luminary walk starting at the entrance of Falls Park off Pendleton Avenue and continue through the park to the viaduct at the Park Office. • Location: Falls Park in Pendleton, Time: 4-7 pm,
fallspark.org FREE
Christmas Nights of Lights See over 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition. • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, christmasnightsoflights.com *ONGOING
TUES, DECEMBER 21
CELEBRATE WINTER! AT WESTFIELD WASHINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
FRI 25 Movies at Midtown: A Christmas Carol Enjoy an outdoor movie shown on the big video screen in Midtown Plaza. • Location: Midtown Plaza Carmel, Times: Noon, 3, 5 & 7 pm, midtownplazacarmel.com
MON 27 Animals of the North with Silly Safaris Join Silly Safaris as they visit with some animal guests from way up north. This arctic adventure will be heaps of fun. • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 11 am-Noon,
hamiltoncounty.in.gov FREE
Festival of Trees Featuring a winter wonderland of 50 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, indianahistory.org
*ONGOING FAMILY NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE INDIANA STATE MUSEUM
TUES 28 Reptiles with Rex Morrell Rex will be bringing some of his largest and most charismatic reptiles to share with the audience! • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 11 am-Noon, hamiltoncounty.in.gov FREE
Totally Kids Trivia Wake up your brain and reflexes and join Learning Curve Activity Guides online who will provide codes to players so they can use their devices to answer questions about science, technology, art, books, movies and more. • Location: Virtual, Time: 6:30-7:30 pm, indypl.
org FREE
WED 29 Books & Boots Grab your hiking boots and head to Eagle Creek Park! Activities including storytime and outdoor adventure. Come dressed for the weather and the outdoors. Ages 5-10. Free with park admission. • Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 10-11:30 am,
indyparks.org
Owls of Indiana Join Take Flight Wildlife Education when they visit with live owls. These owls can be found in our state, and with the right habitat, might even be in your neighborhood! • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 11 am-Noon,
hamiltoncounty.in.gov FREE
THURS 30 After School Play Date: Block Party Calling all kid builders – you’re invited to the Block Party! Gather your LEGOs, Duplos, K’nex or anything you enjoy building with and join Learning Curve Activity Guides for a chance to show off your creations and build something new every week. • Location: Virtual, Time: 4:30-5:15 pm, indypl.org FREE
Indiana WILD! Learn about animals by seeing them in person! • Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 11 am-Noon, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
FREE
FRI 31 Countdown to Noon Celebrate the final day of 2021 with activities, live music, and countdowns at noon and 1 p.m. that will allow families to experience the excitement of a countdown at a reasonable hour for the youngsters! • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 10 am, childrensmuseum.org
Family New Year’s Eve Start off the 2022 festivities with glittering tattoos, music, a dance party and more. Strike a pose at one of the photo ops, visit activity stations in the galleries, experience a science show, and make sure to ride the brand-new Snowfall Express train. End the night with a balloon drop and confetti celebration at 8 p.m. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 6-9 pm, indianamuseum.org
Magical Mornings Visit Santa, ride the Snowfall Express, engage in interactive story times, and experience the new toddler area in Santa’s Front Yard. Magical Mornings feature fewer light shows, limited sounds and small crowd sizes to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for the littlest museum visitor and children with autism spectrum disorder. • Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 9-10 am, indianamuseum.org *SN
ONGOING EVENTS
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration Dec. 3-23. Your favorite holiday music is brought to life by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, with Broadway-style showstoppers, the famous tap-dancing Santas and more. • Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre,
indianapolissymphony.org
Elf the Musical Dec. 3-24. Based on the cherished 2003 movie, Elf the Musical is a modern-day holiday classic that is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. • Location: The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts, civictheatre.org
Reindeer Ride Through Dec. 23. Celebrate the season and help Santa deliver all the presents on time during this hour and fifteen minute festive ride. Sing carols, enjoy a cookie and cocoa and see Santa himself! The train is festively decked out in Christmas lights. Adult beverages available for purchase on board. • Location: Nickel Plate Express, Time: 3, 5:30 & 7 pm,
nickelplateexpress.com
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland Through Dec. 24. Enjoy visits with Santa, “ice skate” in your socks, explore the Ice Castle and much more. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 26. A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with the IRT as they joyfully reimagine and tenderly bring this annual holiday treasure to new life. • Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre,
irtlive.com
L.S. Ayres Tea Room Through Jan. 2, 2022. The Tea Room is open for lunch during the holiday season! Treat friends and family to a decadent and nostalgic lunch buffet, where you can indulge in favorites including chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts and more. • Location: Indiana State Museum,
indianamuseum.org
MacAllister Machinery Gift of Lights Through Jan. 2, 2022. Drive through and see beautiful holiday displays. You just might catch a sneak peek of Santa! Last car through at 9:45pm. $30 per vehicle. • Location: Marion County Fairgrounds, marioncountyfair.org
Magic of Lights Through Jan. 2, 2022. A dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Noblesville’s favorite holiday tradition. • Location: Ruoff Music Center, magicoflights.com
Winterlights Through Jan. 2, 2022. Experience the wonder of over a million and a half lights glittering in The Garden at Newfields this holiday season. • Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, discovernewfields.org
Jingle Rails Through January 17, 2022. Get into the holiday spirit as you view nine working model trains that wind through a stunning miniature landscape. New this year: a miniature version of San Francisco! • Location: Eiteljorg Museum, eiteljorg.org
Holiday Window Walk Through Jan. 31, 2022. Artists from the Harrison Center will transform the center’s artist studio basement windows into distinctive window display vignettes. This is a free and unique way for neighbors and passersby to engage with and enjoy the works of local artists throughout the holiday season. • Location: Harrison Center, harrison
center.org
Indy Winter Farmers Market Through April 2022. Get your farm fix in the off-season with local produce and goods during the winter months. Visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to maple syrup. Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Location: The Amp at 16 Tech, indywinterfarmersmarket.org
Christmas Nights of Lights Through Jan. 2, 2022. See over 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition. • Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds,
christmasnightsoflights.com
Festival of Trees Through Jan. 8, 2022. Featuring a winter wonderland of 50 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. • Location: Indiana Historical Society, indiana
history.org
Carmel Christkindlmarkt Through Dec. 23. Featuring a delightful blend of German holiday food, drinks, gifts, decorations, special performances and ice skating. • Location: 10 Carter Green in Carmel, carmelchristkindlmarkt.com
Christmas at the Zoo Through Dec. 30. Watch the Zoo transform at sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky. Pose with your family and friends near one of the many holiday displays, visit Santa’s Village and more. • Location: Indianapolis Zoo, indianapolis
zoo.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas Through Dec. 18. The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. •Location: The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts,
thecenterpresents.org
A Merry Prairie Holiday Through Dec. 22. Glittering lights, thoughtful storytellers and warm fires will transport you from your day-to-day into the stories of yesterday and the traditions of tomorrow. • Location: Conner Prairie,
connerprairie.org
A Beef & Boards Christmas Through Dec. 23. An array of all your holiday favorites! With a beat-boxing, rapping Santa Claus and a Rudolph that actually flies onto the stage, guests are treated to something special each night throughout the holiday season. • Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, beefandboards.com
Disney on Ice presents Mickey and Friends Jan. 9- 23, 2022. Grab your mouse ears and get ready for a party as Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends skates into Indianapolis for ten fun-filled performances at Gainbridge Field- house from January 19- 23, 2022. Produced by Feld Entertain- ment Inc., your favorite Disney stories come to life in this produc- tion that will inspire families to make memories they will treasure forever! • Location: Bainbridge Fieldhouse, DisneyOnIce.com
MAGIC OF LIGHTS AT RUOFF MUSIC CENTER
Carmel Winter Market Through March 2022. Find the best in Indiana grown and/or produced foods for your family. Look for the bunnies on the building! Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-Noon. • Location: The Wire Factory,
carmelfarmersmarket.com
The Christmas Quest Through Jan. 2, 2022. Jolly old St. Nick wasn’t always old! This show will focus on key questions, including how did St. Nick become Santa in the first place? Through an epic quest to the North Pole, the audience will follow along with his trials and tests in order to gain the magic powers needed to bring joy to all the children of the world. Free with museum admission. • Location: The Children’s Museum Lilly Theatre,
childrensmuseum.org
Conservatory Crossing Through Jan. 2, 2022. Enjoy a winter wonderland! See the Conservatory decked out in its holiday best with a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights. • Location: Garfield Park Conservatory,
garfieldgardensconservatory.org
You Are There 1920: Celebrate
Indianapolis! Through April 2, 2022. Guests can step back in time to a re-created scene where costumed museum theater actors portray characters who worked on the city’s centennial pageant, planning outfits for 2,000 performers. Visitors can explore a variety of topics with exhibit actors, such as Native Americans and Indian removal, the first pioneers, city development and expansion, local businesses and more. • Location: Indiana History Center,
indianahistory.org
Women: Contemporary Art from the Eiteljorg Collection Through Jan. 18, 2022. This exhibit explores the work of visionary women artists who shaped and changed the ways people think about contemporary art. • Location: Eiteljorg Museum, eiteljorg.org
The Lume Indianapolis Through May 22, 2022. Step into a digital world of art with The Lume Indianapolis. Explore the combination of great art and cutting-edge technology at its finest with floor to ceiling projections of some of the most famous paintings in the world. As the largest exhibition experience in Newfields’ 137-year history, guests will be able to walk through nearly 30,000 square feet of immersive galleries and take in breathtaking masterpieces as you explore a new multi-sensory digital world. • Location: Newfields, discovernewfields.org
PLEASE NOTE WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.
