LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

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. You qualify if you receive:

• 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

First Thursday Nights

Dec. 7, 4:00 pm

The first Thursday of every month, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.

Go back in time to the Age of the Dinosaurs and explore the basics of science through fun, hands-on activities in Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibition Travel to Greece without leaving Indiana in Take Me There®: Greece

Uncover ancient artifacts in National Geographic Treasures of the Earth https/ www.childrensmuseum.

org/visit/calendar/ event/273/2023-04-06

WinterFaire

Nov. 18- Feb. 11, 2024

WinterFaire is a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience. Zoom down WinterSlide

The animals of WinterFaire have used the frozen fountain’s magical water to turn the beloved slide in the Sunburst Atrium into the icy WinterSlide! The “snow” on either side will light up as you race toward the bottom. How fast will you go?

Visit with Santa Santa arrives at WinterFaire on Nov. 24, collecting water from the frozen fountain to help power his sleigh and reindeer, gathering gifts from Artisan Square, and posing for photos with you! More details about dates and times coming soon. https/www.childrensmuseum. org/exhibits/winterfaire

Various Events

Dec.1-Dec. 31, Opens at 10 AM 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000

https/www. childrensmuseum.org

CONNER PRAIRIE

— INDIANA’S Living History Museum

A Merry Prarie Holiday Festival

Nov. 24- Dec. 17- Dec. 21 and 22, 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm

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 with thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment. There is something for everyone to enjoy this year. Returning this year— The William Conner House will be transformed into a magical 3D projection mapping holiday show that will capture the feel and nostalgia of the holidays. Bring the whole family to see our presentation of “’Twas The Night Before Christmas,” and see how 3D projectors can be used to transport you 200 years back into the story. Leave the skates at home and take a spin at Frosty’s Skating Rink where you can slide around like you are skating on real ice. Socks are not provided, but the fun is! Explore the illuminating LED Reynolds lights. With new displays across acres to explore, be wowed by the thousands of lights that capture the spirit of the season.

Step into historic Prairietown for Historic Holidays and Christmas Eve traditions of the 1800s. Experience our “Holidays From Around the World” old-fashioned crankie show at the Potter Shop Kiln Shed.

Then, head over to the North Pole Village to

get a selfie with Santa and meet Mrs. Claus and the elves as they get ready for the big night.

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Trinket Puddingmoon, Santa’s official list keeper, knows. Check-in and find out what list you made.

With thousands of twinkling lights to guide your way, explore the grounds and experience a memorable winter wonderland stroll. Stop by Café on the Common and sing along to a revolving roster of local performers in Blitzen’s Bandstand.

Don’t forget to take a ride on Kringle’s Carousel or get a rush zooming down our 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.

From glowing lights to warm delights, there is something for everyone to make lasting memories and get into the festive mood.

For Tickets: https/www. connerprairie.org/explore /things-to-do/merryprairie-holiday/

Breakfast With Santa

December 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 8:30 am and 11:30 am

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.

Families will enjoy a delicious hot breakfast buffet with everyone’s favorites. Don’t miss our signature freshly made waffles! We hope you’ll join us for this annual holiday tradition! https/www.connerprairie. org/explore/things-to-do/ breakfast-dinner-with-santa/

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment

Dec. 17 Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensoryfriendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events

Dec. 1- Dec. 31, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038

Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https/www. connerprairie.org/events/list

SPORTS

Indy Fuel

Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 16, 27, 29, 30

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205 https/www. indyfuelhockey.com/

Indianapolis Colts

Dec. 17 Steelers, Dec. 24

Falcons, Dec. 31 Texans Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https/www. colts.com/schedule/

Indiana Pacers

Dec. 18, 20, 23, 30

Gainbridge Field House, 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN https/www.nba.com/pacers/

Family Fun Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) Holiday Dance and Desserts

Dec. 2, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm Lady T’s Wedding and Event Venue 507 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

We are so excited to announce that our Annual DSI Holiday Dance and Desserts will be on Saturday, December 2, 2023! Bring your dancing shoes and holiday spirit! Activities will also include dancing, a DJ, Santa, and desserts.

Please RSVP to register@ dsindiana.org or call (317) 925-7617. https/www.facebook.com/ events/down-syndromeindiana/dsi-holiday-dancedesserts/ 416309579052937/

Janus Jingle Sunday to Benefit the For the Love of Janus Guild

Dec. 3rd Tickets sold in time slots 1-2, 2-3 & 3-4.

Join us on Sunday, December 3rd for the Janus Jingle Open House. Refreshments will be served with a tour of themed Christmas Trees that include Christopher Radko, Patriotic, Elf, All Things British, Frosty the Snowman, Peppermint Tree, and Vintage Tree to name a few. There are 36 trees in total with all the garlands, villages and another décor to take in. A great way to get in the Holiday Spirit and Support Janus at the same time. Tickets are available through a Gild member or Jerry Jamison at jjamison@janus-inc.org or 317-773-8781 ext100.

Festival of Music & Art Dec. 10th

First United Methodist Church in Noblesville at 2051 Monument Street Noblesville, IN 46060 The Janus Choir will sing with the Noblesville First Chancel Choir and Orchestra in a beautiful evening of Christmas Music. Janus will also sell artwork before and after the concert.

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Nov. 10- Dec. 31

Use the entrance at Gate 12 - located on 42nd Street

Christmas Nights of Lights is returning to Indianapolis for the 2023 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. https/ www.indianastatefair.com/ events/2023/christmasnights-of-lights2

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 5 days prior to your original ticket date.

To exchange your tickets, please call 317-593-4046.

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO

Christmas at the Zoo

Nov. 18- Dec. 30, 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays

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 55th 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 pm until close. Or escape to the tropics to see Vacation Santa from 3-9 pm 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: Visit with Mrs. Claus and help decorate cookies through Dec. 30.

Santa’s Barn: See Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer through Dec. 30.

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

Storytime with Sprinkles

& Holly: Meet our new holiday characters, Sprinkles and Holly, and enjoy their nightly storytelling outside of Cafe on the Commons.

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

Tinsel Tavern: Enjoy holidaythemed cocktails featuring Hotel Tango spirits and wines from Daniel’s Vineyard.

Mirror Maze: Laugh your way through the fun twists and turns of the Mirror Maze! https/www.indianapoliszoo. com/events/christmasat-the-zoo/

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 2, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Join us for a fun-filled morning of merriment and holiday cheer, complete with a full breakfast, a live and interactive holiday music performance, holidaythemed activities and one-on-one time with the jolly old elf himself. Take advantage of great photo opportunities as kids chat with Santa in his red velvet chair. Tickets are $25 https/www.indianapoliszoo. com/events/breakfastwith-santa/

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 9 AM - 5 PM, Mon. - Thur., and 9 AM - 7 PM, Fri.-Sun. and holidays

Special Needs Living Family Fun Day at Adrenaline Dec. 7, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Adrenaline Family Adventure Park,10080 East 121st Street #Suite 182 Fishers, IN 46037

Special Needs Living Family Fun Night (Sensory Friendly hours) Adrenaline is hosting this event for the special needs community, individuals, families, DSP, and Caregivers, of any age, along with the supporters of Special Needs Living. This will be a great way to connect with other families in the community, enjoy an evening of fun, and connect with some great resources. Come out and enjoy this fun evening. Register here to reserve your spot.

Tickets are normally $25 each and socks are $3 but for this event, you can pay the day of at Adrenaline they are lowering tickets to $10 each and that will include socks. To save time please fill out your waiver here: https/ adrenalinefishers.pcsparty. com/sign/

Over 50,000 square feet of fun and adventure for all ages! All your favorites: dodgeball, slam dunk, jousting, ninja warrior course, trampolines...plus all-new attractions! Ropes course, warped wall, stunt fall, avalanche slide, all sports course, climbing and more! Our attractions are perfect for active fun at parties and special events! Loved by kids of all ages!

ACC Breakfast with Santa (Greenwood)

Dec. 16, 9:00 am- 11:00 am New Hope Church5307

W. Fairview Rd.

Greenwood, IN 46142

Our annual Breakfast with Santa will have a delicious breakfast, “reindeer” games, holiday crafts, carriage rides, and a chance to meet with Santa Claus! Breakfast with Santa is for families affected by autism. Lots of

fun for all ages and everyone in the family to enjoy.

Registration is required to attend Breakfast with Santa and will cost $10 per family. Registration for the event will be open beginning November 2023. https/autismcc-in. org/breakfast-with-santa/

The Studio Movie Grill

3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-315-8113

Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times. https/www.studiomoviegrill. com/movie/specialneeds-screenings

THE ARTS

Beef and Boards

White Christmas

Nov. 24- Dec. 31

A Christmas Carol - 2023 Dec. 1- Dec. 22, selected dates

9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-872-9664

https/www.beefandboards. com/Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. 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 Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir

(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

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

https/gigisplayhouse.org/ indianapolis/sfcalendar/

EVENTS

Ask the Advocate Free Live Zoom Events Sponsored by IEP Services, LLC. Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, and Jan. 8 from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm The second evening of each month

Do you need help getting your child with special needs the services they NEED and DESERVE at school? Each session will begin with a short informative presentation followed by an open Q & A session where parents can get answers about their child’s circumstance and their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education. Please email sheilawolf@sbcglobal. net for more information.

Zoom link: https/us06 web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZwvceCs

rTIiGdzwNGqnTmJ_ q7Yf6af985qV#/registration

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.