The Indianapolis calendar of events for December is packed full of events and activities for Indy area residents of all ages. From shows to museums to elaborately decorated mansions and much more, you'll find plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays here!
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 334-3322
When: Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $13.50, $12.50 seniors, $8.50 ages 2-17, under age 2 free
Take a ride on the Yule Slide, try your hand at ice fishing, visit an ice castle, bake pretend cookies in the Cookie Cafe, check out the world-renowned Steiff collection from the German-based toymaker, attend holiday shows in the Lilly Theater and the planetarium, and, of course, have your picture taken with the jolliest one of all--Santa Claus. (Note: Santa will be available to visit from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 23, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24.)
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
450 West Ohio St., Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 232-1882
Admission: Free for all listed events
The Indianapolis Colts' Bleed Blue Blood Drive
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis 46225
Phone: (317) 262-8600
When: Dec.9, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
What could be more in keeping with the holiday spirit than giving someone a gift of life? All participants who donate will receive a limited edition Gary Brackett Football and photograph. The days events will also include:
Celebration Crossing
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis 46204
Phone: (317) 234-1022
When: Through Dec.31, Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $7.00, Seniors $6.50, Children ages 3-12, $4.00
Throughout this holiday event, the state museum will come alive with a distinctly festive look and feel. Bands and choirs will perform every weekday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and on weekends from 12-3:30 p.m. Visit Santa's Workshop (a.k.a. the museum's gift shop) for a unique selection of gifts and toys, ride the Santa Claus Express train, and participate in craft activities. Adults can reminisce with re-creations of old L.S. Ayres store windows. Santa is available for breakfast and Mrs. Clause for tea on select dates.
Las Posadas 2008
Jointly hosted by The Eiteljorg Museum and The Indiana History Center
When and Where: Sun, Dec. 14. Event begins at the Indiana History Center from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (450 West Ohio St., Indianapolis, Phone: (317) 232-1882), followed by a procession along the Central Canal from 5:30-6:00 p.m., and ends at The Eiteljorg Museum from 6-8 p.m. (500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Phone: (317) 636-9378).
Admission: Free
Join the Indiana History Center and The Eiteljorg Museum in this annual celebration of the Latino Christmas tradition, Las Posadas, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for room at a posada (inn). The event will begin at the history center where you can learn more about the tradition, watch a pastorela (shepherd's play), or see how pinatas are made. Local choirs and musicians will then lead a traditional procession along the canal. At the ending point, the Eiteljorg, you can view exhibits, enjoy pan dulce and poncha, and break pinatas.
Christmas at Lilly House
Indianapolis Museum of Art
4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, 46208
Phone: (317) 923-1331; 24-hour info line, (317) 920-2660
When: Tue, Wed, Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu-Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun, noon-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Witness the wonder of the elegant, historic Lilly House all decked out for Christmas, 1930s style. The home displays how decorating with evergreens, fruiting plants, lights, and luminaries helped to spread light in a dark era of depression and war.
