Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights at Monument Circle
6-8 p.m., November 23, 2018
Free
It’s hard to imagine Hoosier holidays without the 52 strands of garland and the 4784 colored lights at Monument Circle. This year’s lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and will be televised live on Channel 13 beginning at 7 p.m. The switch will be flipped at approximately 7:55 p.m. Billed for years as “the world’s largest Christmas tree,” the Circle of Lights has been named one of the top five must-see Christmas trees in the nation by Travelocity.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
November 23, 2018-January 6, 2019
Included with museum admission
Besides visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children can ride the Santa Claus Express train, create in Santa’s workshop, map the flight of the reindeer and help pack Santa’s sleigh. They can also build snowmen, have snowball fights and decorate trees.
On Fridays from 9-10 a.m., children five years old and younger can enjoy story time with the elves and other special activities and have early access to train rides.
On select Saturdays and Sundays, families can have breakfast with Santa and enjoy live music. The event is free for children under three; the cost for older children and adults ranges from $15.75 to $33. Go to https://www.indianamuseum.org/celebration-crossing for more information.
For long-time residents of Indianapolis, the highlight of the holiday season at the state museum is undoubtedly their recreation of the L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended. Call 317.232.1637 to make a reservation.
The Polar Express in 3D at the IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum
November 24-25 and 30 and December 1-2, 6-9, 14-16, and 21-23. 10 a.m.
Experience the wonder of the holidays when you enjoy this classic on the largest screen in the state. Children wearing pajamas get in free with an adult purchasing a full-price ticket. Check out https://www.tickmarq.com/sites/indyimax/showtimes to buy tickets.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight
December 7,8, 14,15, 21 and 22. 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Experience the night before Christmas in 1836 Prairietown. Visit with settlers in their homes where some are celebrating Hanukkah and others are waiting for Santa. Enjoy music, dancing and storytelling throughout the frontier. Find more information and purchase tickets at http://www.connerprairie.org/things-to-do/events/winter/conner-prairie-by-candlelight.
Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum
Open now through January 21, 2019
Included with museum admission
What child isn’t enthralled by model trains? Jingle Rails includes nine G-scale model trains that wind through a miniature landscape featuring highlights of Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium and Monument Circle) and westward through several national parks (Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and more). Learn more at https://eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails/.
The Nutcracker
November 29-December 24
Clowes Memorial Hall and The Old National Centre
Indianapolis will host four different productions of the Nutcracker this season. The Butler Ballet will perform the holiday classic at Clowes Memorial Hall November 29-December 2. On December 7, even those who aren’t inspired by the grace of ballet will be captivated by the power of a 12-member ensemble when they present A Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Old National Centre. The following weekend, December 14-16, the Indianapolis Ballet will perform four shows at the Murat Theater, and on Christmas Eve at 3 p.m. the famed Moscow Ballet will dance the Nutcracker at the Murat. Tickets for all of the performances can be purchased at https://murat.theatreindianapolis.com/Events.php?search_text=nutcracker+indianapolis&msclkid=2a2bca22e1561e17bee891d6fddffdcc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Murat%20Theatre%20%20EQT&utm_term=%2BThe%20%2BNutcracker%20%2BIndianapolis&utm_content=The%20Nutcracker%20Indianapolis%2012%2F7%2F2018%2012%2F24%2F2018.
