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Local Events
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
Winterfaire Visit with Santa
Nov. 29- Dec. 24
WinterFaire is so special that even Santa Claus is making a visit! After hearing about all of the fun in store, he steered his sleigh straight towards WinterFaire, landing in a nearby forest. Each animal character in WinterFaire has filled a trunk with welcome gifts for the Jolly Old Elf. See what they’ve picked out while you make your way to his tent, where you can share your wish list and pose for a photo!
Museum My Way, An adaptive museum experienceDec. 10, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Capacity limited. Registration required.
This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together! Sensory modifications to the museum environment include:Limited capacity.
Quiet area with sensory items. Some music is turned down or off.Edited lighting effects in some areas Members: Free, Nonmembers: $6 per person/Access Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: . https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/464
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthDec. 5, 4:00 pm
On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4–8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person! Why should you visit?
Admission is just $6 per person for the entire museum. That’s a savings of more than 75% per ticket!
It’s the ONLY time the museum is open to the public in the evening, so it’s a perfect after-hours night for your family.
It’s not as crowded as you might think! We have limited capacity on First Thursday Nights.
Parking is always free!
Our Food Court is open, so you can grab a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Low cost. Low crowds. Late night play! https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/273
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 PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Nov. 29- Dec. 22, 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm
oin 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.
Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330
NOT A TWINKLE OUT OF PLACE
Dec. 6 through 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. Surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and celebrate the holidays in Prairietown with Historic Holidays. Capture picture-perfect moments all around as you celebrate the season. Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330
For more information: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/
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
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, 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
Indiana State Museum
Sensory Friendly Afternoon
Check website for dates in November
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensory-friendly way! Each month, we’ll lower the lights and reduce distractions to give children and adults with sensory processing differences a chance to enjoy an interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Social narratives will be available at the ticket counter and sensory–based activities will be spaced throughout the museum. Plus, check out a Sensory Bag to make your experience even more enjoyable. Check calendar for dates https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Various events
Dec. 1- Dec. 31, check website for events and times.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Sports
Indianapolis Colts
Dec, 22 Titans
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.colts.com/
Family Fun
Indianapolis Zoo
Christimas At The Zoo
Nov. 23- Jan. 5, 2025, 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a lights event. year and year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Be sure to visit Santa's Village!
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/christmas-at-the-zoo/Various events scheduled daily
Dec. 1- Dec. 31, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville
Dec. 1, 9:00 am- 11:00 am
14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Urban Air’s Sensory Friendly Play day is typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Check the Noblesville calendar for the latest info. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=hi8j9brk94jgnc71kmslc13js8@group.calendar.google.com
Sky Zone South Sensory Play
Dec. 4, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm Every month first Monday of the month
4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Jump an socialize in a comfortable, friendly environment. Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Nov. 8- Dec. 31
Indiana State Fair Grounds Entrance Gate 12, 42 Street, Indianapolis, In
The Indiana State Fairgrounds once again hosts Christmas Nights of Lights, Indianapolis’ largest drive thru light show synchronized to music broadcasting through your car radio!
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 EXCHANGESWith 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 your original ticket date. To exchange your tickets, please call 317-593-4046. To register: https://www.indianastatefair.com/events/2024/christmas-nights-of-lights22
ACC Breakfast With Santa
Dec. 21, 9:00 am- 11:00 am
New Hope Church, 5307 W. Fairview Rd. Greenwood, IN
Our annual Breakfast with Santa will have a delicious breakfast, “reindeer” games, holida 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. Our carriage rides are limited and will be first come, first served basis. We will email your scheduled time for the carriage ride before the event. Up to six attendees can ride in a carriage at a time. If you have any questions contact Kelli Higgins, Executive Director at k.higgins@autismcc-in.org. to register: https://autismcc-in.org/breakfast-with-santa/
AMC Theatres
Check website for location, date and times
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
The Arts
Adaptive Dance
5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Every first Thursday through May 2025
the Arc of Hancock County, 8535 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055
We are proud to announce that we received a mini-grant from the Community Foundation of Hancock County to turn our Adaptive Dance (Body Rock) classes from March and April into a regular monthly program. These classes will be held at Hancock Wellness Center - McCordsville in the Community Room every first Thursday of the month from August 2024 through May 2025 from 5:00-6:00pm. This class is free, but you must be registered. Parents of participants under 18 years old must be present. We cannot wait to see you there! Please use the link to register: https://arcofhcadaptivedance.eventbrite.com
Adaptive Ballet Series
Jan. 6, 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24 4:00 pm- 4:50 pm Winter Session
4055 Roy Wilson Wy, New Palestine, IN 46163
Come join us for a fun and inclusive ballet class tailored for all abilities! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this class is designed to accommodate everyone. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Parents and guardians must stay for participants under 18 years of age. For more information:
Beef and Boards
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Nov. 29- Jan. 4, 2025
9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
https://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, part-singing, 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
American Sign Language Tours at A Merry Prairie Holiday- Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum
Dec. 13, 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038
For guests who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, we will be offering ASL tours. Each tour will be guided by an ASL interpreter who will communicate between guests and historical interpreters. Groups will make stops at the Golden Eagle Inn, a campfire to warm up with songs and stories with Prairietown locals, the soiree at the Campbell House, the home of the Turner family to learn about nineteenth-century African American holiday customs, and finally a Crankie show performance featuring global holiday traditions. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be waiting for you at the North Pole Village to grab that perfect holiday selfie. An ASL interpreter will be assisting them throughout the night. https://www.connerprairie.org/event/american-sign-language-tours-at-a-merry-prairie-holiday/2024-12-13/
