Local Events

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prior to attending any events, please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions. Please review the state mask executive order. There are exemptions within the order, including that children under 2 years of age should not wear a face covering due to risk of suffocation, and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that precludes wearing a face covering is not required to do so. Since COVID-19 is still among us, there is a possibility that the events listed and places to go could be canceled, rescheduled or closed. Please confirm event status and listed details in case event details have changed since posting.

NOTE: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. Qualifications include the following: Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health-care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children) SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Apply here: https://www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/ access-pass.

MUSEUMS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3, 4, 11, 17 — 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Make new memories with a family favorite event, Breakfast with Santa! Start your experience seeing the jolly elf himself, in Jolly Days: Winter Wonderland. Enjoy the expertise of our photographers, or take your own photos. Fuel your day with a hot breakfast Create some holiday crafts that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Visit select exhibits and take a trip down our Yule Slide without all the holiday crowds. This morning’s magic will stick with you throughout the entire season. https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/event/365/2022-12-03

North Pole PJ Party Dec. 10, 2022 — 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Santa is out for the day, and the elves are ready to party with all new activities! Bring your favorite stuffed friend and wear your coziest PJs. Learn the secret to Mrs. Claus’ tasty treats by making a hot cocoa ornament, discover Andy the Zookeeper’s favorite winter wildlife while making a sweet garland for your outdoor friends, explore the latest in elf fashion while making a festive party hat, and so much more. This party will be as cool as the North Pole. https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/event/368/2022-12-10

Santa’s Workshop Dec. 17 and 18, 2022 — 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Santa’s elves need some help! Join us for this holiday program to build and decorate your own unique toy. Tinker together with a hammer and nails from our workshop to construct yourself a toy that is sure to be elf-approved. https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/event/369#times

Various Events Dec. 1-Dec. 31 Opens at 10 a.m.

3000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/ visit/calendar?date=01/08/2022

Sensory day at Newfields and the Lume Dec. 3 — 10 a.m.-11 a.m. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208 https://discovernewfields.org/ Join the Special Needs Living and special needs community on Dec. 3 at Newfields and the Lume for a special sensory day. They will open early to the special needs community.

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum Breakfast With Santa Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 — 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Breakfast With Santa is our annual holiday tradition. Gather as a family for a memorable experience and enjoy a special breakfast with an opportunity to visit with Santa. Santa will regale the room with lively tails of Christmas past before moving to a special stage where he can visit with each family’s youth individually. https://www.connerprairie.org/event/ breakfast-with-santa/2022-12-03/

A Merry Prairie Holiday Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22 — 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Join us for Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festival and make the season magical at A Merry Prairie Holiday. Across acres to explore, surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment. There is something for everyone to enjoy this year. Tickets are on sale now and get updated about the festival by texting MERRY to 55433 https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/ product/198

Explore the Arts: The Elves and the Shoemaker Dec. 17 — 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The beloved story is told in the slapstick comedic style of the traditional British pantomime, complete with the Shoemaker and his wife, and a villainous landlord who tries to secure the wife for himself by destroying her husband. The Good Fairy ensures that the Shoemaker has help from her friends, the Elves, as well as some audience participation to save the day and set things right. With a small cast playing all the characters (with a little help from some puppets), the happy Christmas morning ending is sure to send everyone out smiling. This event will take place at Lilly Theater. Explore the Arts events are included with General Admission. Click here to reserve your tickets! https://www.connerprairie.org/ purchase-tickets/

Sensory-Friendly Hours The second Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m. to noon, will be sensoryfriendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment. Check in with Guest Relations stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events Dec. 1-Dec. 31 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www.connerprairie.org/ events/list/

SPORTS

Indianapolis Colts Dec. 26, Los Angeles Chargers Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/

Indy Fuel Dec. 9, 14, 17, 23, 28, 30 Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 https://www.indyfuelhockey.com/ news/2022/5/fuel-announce-2022- 23-regular-season-schedule

FAMILY FUN

Indianapolis Zoo Christmas at the Zoo Nov. 19-Dec. 30 — 5-9 p.m. EXPERIENCE OUR BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION! Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 54th year, we’re adding beautiful new décor to enhance your holiday experience. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Under the Bicentennial Pavilion, you’ll discover Santa’s Village featuring:

Extra Opportunities to Visit Santa: Meet the Kris Kringle in Santa’s Study warmed by Peterman Brothers from 5 p.m. until close. Or escape to the tropics to see Vacation Santa from 3-9 p.m. at Flights of Fancy. With the help of his flamingo flock and some holiday magic, the Jolly Old Elf can be in two places at once to greet even more children this year. Visits with Santa continue through Dec. 23.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen: Free visits with Mrs. Claus through Dec. 23.

Santa’s Barn: See Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer through Dec. 23.

Polar Pathway: Have your camera ready to remember the moment you step inside the glittering tunnel and are surrounded in glowing lights! Look for the one-way entry through the tunnel this year.

Penguin Encounter: Get up close to these winter-ready birds from 6-8 p.m. (animal and weather dependent).

Tinsel Tavern: Enjoy holiday-themed cocktails featuring Hotel Tango spirits. https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/ events/christmas-at-the-zoo/

Various events are scheduled daily Check the calendar for events. https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/visit/

daily-schedule/ 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-630-2001 HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thur., and 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sun. and holidays

The Studio Movie Grill 3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, I N 46268 317-315-8113 Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times. https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/ movie/special-needs-screenings

INDIANA STATE FAIR GROUNDS Christmas Night Of Lights Nov. 11, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023 State Fair Grounds, use entrance at Gate 12 — located on 42nd Street Christmas Nights of Lights is returning to Indianapolis for the 2022 season! Come 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 with us.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED No cash or credit will be accepted at the ticket booth. With the new reservation system, wait times should be under an hour.

TICKET EXCHANGES With limited tickets available each night, there are NO REFUNDS. Exchanges for a different night or time slot based on availability. Exchanges can only be made five days prior to your original ticket date. https://www.indianastatefair.com/ events/2022/christmas-nights-of-lights To exchange your tickets, please call 317-593-4046.

The Umbrella Center Parents’ Night Out! Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m. THE UMBRELLA CENTER IN GARFIELD PARK! 1061 E. SOUTHERN AVE. *Registration Required* A night of childcare just in time for holiday shopping, holiday parties or a night of silence at home. $5 per participating child. Free to current, past, or waitlisted clients. Once you’re part of the Umbrella family, you’re always family.

THE ARTS

Beef and Boards It’s A Wonderful Life Nov. 25-Dec. 23 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664 https://www.beefandboards.com/ Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir Dec. 16, 17, and 18 Second Presbyterian Church 7700 North Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260

Angels Sing: Gloria — Dec. 16, 2022, at 7 p.m. featuring Indy Voice 1, Indy Voice 2, and Master Chorale

Celebrate the Season: Gloria — Dec. 17, 2022, at 3 p.m. featuring the Neighborhood Choir Academy, Foundations Choir, Preparatory Choirs, Jubilate Choir, Beginning Level Choirs, and Master Chorale

Angels Sing: Gloria — Dec. 17, 2022, at 7 p.m. featuring Indy Voice 1, Indy Voice 2, and Master Chorale

Sounds of the Season: Gloria — Dec. 18, 2022, at 4 p.m. featuring Chamber, Lyric, Kantorei, Indy Voice 1, Indy Voice 2, and the Alumni Choir https://icchoir.org/tickets/

Jubilate Choir Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 p.m. The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. The Jubilate Choir singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, partsinging, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble. Though the choir has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the ICC. Singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically

to the current members of the choir. Director: Lauren Southard Start Date: Sept. 22, 2021 For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org. https://icchoir.org/special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235 indy@gigisplayhouse.org

EVENTS

Autism Community Connection Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Place TBD Our annual Breakfast with Santa will have a delicious breakfast of pancakes, pastries, fruits, and more to enjoy. We will have “reindeer” games, holiday crafts, carriage rides, and meet with Santa Claus! Lots of fun for everyone in the family. https://autismcc-in.org/ breakfast-with-santa/

Fortune Academy Indianapolis Hosts Fundraising Shoe Drive Every Tuesday from Oct. 11, 2022, until Dec. 9 5626 Lawton Loop E Drive, Indianapolis, IN MEDIA CONTACT: Lydia Chastain — Marketing Director Fortune Academy Phone: 317-474-7588 Email: Lchastain@thefortuneacademy.org The public is invited to participate in a shoe drive to raise funds for Fortune Academy. Donations of gently worn, used and new shoes will be accepted. The amount of money raised is determined by the total weight of the shoes collected. All donated shoes will be redistributed to microenterprise partners through Funds2Orgs, a for-profit social enterprise, and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start their own businesses. In the US alone, over 600 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds that willcreate health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating your gently worn, used and new shoes to the (NAME OF SHOE DRIVE/CHARITY), your shoes are given a second chance to make a difference.

Jingle Bell Run Indy Dec. 10, Time: 8:30 a.m. Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, I N 46038 Venue Phone: 317-776-6000 Wear your favorite holiday costume and spread good cheer for a great cause. We’re raising awareness and funds to support arthritis research for better treatments and a cure. We’re also helping the Arthritis Foundation develop tools, resources and opportunities to connect with each other. Together, we’re committed to conquering arthritis for good. Please join us! Help keep the tradition going strong by jingling with your family and friends at the Arthritis Foundation’s 35th annual Jingle Bell Run Indy! Virtual, 5K, and 10K timed and untimed options available. For more information, email smessner@arthritis.org https://events.arthritis.org/index. cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=1409 Registration closes on Dec. 9, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Magic of Lights Nov. 18, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023 Ruoff Music Center 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville, IN 4606 A magical drive-through holiday experience. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. Pile everyone into the car and experience Magic of Lights from the safety and comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. At every turn, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value! The drive-through experience will feature themed light displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Families and friends will experience the thrill of Magic of Lights from their own cars as they wind through its course. Tickets: $25 and up. All tickets are per vehicle, NOT per person. Advanced Tickets can be used any night Magic of Lights is open. Limos, party buses, and bus-sized vehicles are not permitted.

Paint Party Fundraiser with Live Love Paint Studio Prodigy Burger Bar Dec. 20 — 6:30-8:30 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd. Carmel, IN 46032 We welcome you to join us for the Paint Party Fundraiser with Live Love Paint Studio. In this class, you will be making an 18-inch wooden sled. A portion of each person’s class will be given to help cover a free paint class for special needs moms and caregivers for the special needs moms’ weekend retreat in May. www.livelovepaintstudio.com

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.

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