December Guide to Family Fun in and around Indianapolis

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December has officially arrived, and here is our list of activities for family fun (and date night ideas) in and around Indianapolis!


Indianapolis Moms Blog Events

December 3rd from 9:30-11:00 am

Indoor Play Hop Series – Playdate #2: Goldfish Swim School, Carmel

Enjoy free swim and then a pizza lunch afterwards! Tickets are $5 and include the pizza lunch. Follow our event page for updates!

Get Tickets Here!

 

January 10th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm

Indoor Play Hop Series – Playdate #3: The Tie Dye Lab

Come create one of a kind wearable items! Follow our event page for updates!

 Attendees will have a choice of the following option to create at a special discounted rate:
*Toddler Long Sleeve – $20.54
*Toddler Short Sleeve – $16.37
*Youth Long Sleeve – $22.46. 

Sign Up Here!


Events Around Our City

December 1

WinterFest Pop-Ups – Indianapolis Art Center – 11 a.m.

An all-ages celebration that includes Pop-Up classes, art activities, entertainment and refreshments; in conjunction with the Indianapolis Art Center’s Winter Fest Art Sale.

https://www.indplsartcenter.org/


December 1

“Gremlins” – IMAX Theater – 6:30 p.m.

Special note: This is a non-IMAX presentation. Zach Galligan is scheduled to be present!

https://www.imax.com/imax-indiana-state-museum-oo


December 1 – December 2

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical – Old National Centre – 1 p.m.

Re-discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage!

http://www.oldnationalcentre.com/


December 1 – December 22

Storytime with Santa – Indiana Historical Society – 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Santa hands out special treats to children of all ages and also reads holiday stories to the little ones!

https://indianahistory.org/events/festival-of-trees/


December 1 – December 23

Breakfast with Santa – Conner Prairie – 10 a.m.

Eat a delicious breakfast, share some laughs and meet Santa Claus in person!

http://www.connerprairie.org/things-to-do/events/winter/breakfast-with-santa


December 1 – December 26

A Christmas Carol – Indiana Repertory Theatre

“As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and spirits of the past, present and future. Filled with laughter and tears, A Christmas Carol celebrates the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption.”

https://www.irtlive.com


December 1 – January 21

Jingle Rails – Eiteljorg Museum

A model train exhibition sure to please train lovers young and old!

https://eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails/


December 2

Holiday Decorating Workshop for Children – Museum of Miniature Houses & Other Collections – 1 p.m.

Children can construct a variety of holiday ornaments and decorations. The museum will supply all necessary materials to make trees, decorated globes, wrapping paper chains, etc.

http://www.museumofminiatures.org/


December 2

Nutcracker Performances – Indiana Historical Society – 12:30 p.m.

The Dance Refinery performs their unique interpretation of selections from “The Nutcracker.” Performances are included with admission.

https://indianahistory.org


December 3

ISSMA State Marching Band Finals – Lucas Oil Stadium

Attracting more than 20,000 marching band fans from across the state, the Indiana State School Music Association Marching Band State Finals brings together the top 10 bands across four classes chosen from the Top 10 in each class in Semi-State competition during the previous weekend.

http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/


December 4

Peppa Pig Live – Old National Center – 6 p.m.

It’s your favorite show, LIVE! Enjoy fun, games, and surprises in this colorful new show with new songs and new life-size puppets.

Tickets: $39 and up.

http://www.oldnationalcentre.com


December 5

Trans-Siberia Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – 7:30 p.m.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual November-December multi-sensory extravaganza, which sells out venues year after year, has cemented the group’s status as a must-attend, multi-generational, holiday tradition. This year’s 20th anniversary tour is a presentation of TSO’s unforgettable “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” featuring founder/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill’s timeless story of a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater.

Tickets: $44.50 and up     https://www.bankerslifefieldhouse.com/


December 7

Stutz Holiday Open House – Stutz Artists Association, 212 W. 10th St., Ste. A500 – 5 p.m.

All are invited to visit with more than 100 artists and celebrate the season with food, drink and music. This year’s theme, “All Wrapped Up,” involves fine art, jewelry, sculptures, home accessories, gifts and more.

Free admission!           http://www.stutzartists.com/


December 8

Christmas at Garfield – Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens – 10 a.m.

A festive annual tradition with Santa, a holiday train and poinsettia show. Children can create toys with Santa’s elves, and Mrs. Claus will be ready to serve delicious treats.

Admission is free; bring your camera to take photos with Santa.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/


December 8

Children’s Christmas Tea – Indianapolis Propylaeum – 1 p.m.

With special surprise holiday guests on site, also enjoy pictures with Santa, listen to a Christmas story, complete a holiday scavenger hunt and enjoy afternoon tea!

Cost: $35-$40, adults; $18, children

https://www.facebook.com/events/


December 8 – December 9

Conductor Cody’s Christmas Express – IndyFringe, 719 E. Clair St., Indy Elevel Theatre, Indianapolis – 5 p.m. and 2 p.m.

For the second year in a row, Conductor Cody will perform his holiday-themed magic show. In the style of classic holiday movies like The Polar Express, Cody takes his audiences on a magical train trip to the North Pole, with magic routines featuring hot chocolate, reindeer games, jingle bells and ending with the magical appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Tickets: $15, adults; $10, kids 12 and under.

http://www.conductorcody.com/


December 9

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical – Clowes Hall, Butler University – 1 p.m.

The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.

https://butlerartscenter.org/events


December 9

Swim with Santa – Stony Creek Swim Center, Noblesville – 2 pm – 6pm

Open swim and pictures with Santa are free with a donation to the Noblesville Fire Department Christmas Food & Toy Drive. SCSC will be collecting non-perishable food items, canned foods, new unwrapped toys, & monetary donations.

https://stonycreekswimcenter.com/news/swim-with-santa-3/


December 9

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts – 7:30 p.m.

“The saxophonist and bandleader has earned nine Grammy nominations and sent nine albums to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. His holiday concerts, a popular annual tradition at the Center, feature fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.”

http://thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/


December 9

Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon – American Legion Mall – 9 a.m.

Rally together your favorite friends and experience the magic of the Santa Hustle!

Cost: $10 and up                 http://www.santahustle.com/indianapolis/


December 10

It’s a Wonderful Life – Athenaeum Theatre – 7 p.m.

Come view this timeless holiday classic!

Tickets: $10.

https://indyfilmfest.eventive.org/


December 11

99.5 Jingle Jam – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – 8 p.m.

Featuring The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, David Guetta, and Bebe Rexha.

https://www.bankerslifefieldhouse.com/


December 13

‘Twas the Night Before – Benjamin Harrison Presidential Suite – 6 p.m.

Gather your family and join us in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre event! Reservations strongly suggested.

 https://bhpsite.org/


December 14 – December 15

Making Spirits Bright – Marian University – 8 p.m.

Get enraptured in the holiday spirit with popular Christmas standards, sacred tunes, the return of tap-dancing toy soldiers and a visit from Santa!

Tickets: $25                          https://www.indianapolismenschorus.org/events/


December 14 – December 16

Indianapolis Ballet: The Nutcracker – Old National Centre – 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

An Indy holiday tradition featuring the Indianapolis Ballet Orchestra!

Tickets: $15-$60.                                http://www.indyballet.org/


December 21 –  December 23

Festival of Carols – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts – 3 p.m.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with five performances sure to please holiday lovers!

Tickets: $15 and up.

https://indychoir.org/performances/festival-of-carols/


December 22

Cereal Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol – Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields – 10 a.m.

Participate in a unique family-friendly experience created by the Indy Film Fest; this special event features a movie and cereal bar!

Cost: $6. Includes the film and admission to the cereal bar. Free for ages 5 and under.

https://discovernewfields.vbotickets.com/


December 26 – January 1

Indianapolis Auto Show – Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium – 10 a.m.

America’s second-longest-running auto show returns to the Indiana Convention Center. Auto manufacturers from around the world will display their 2018 model automobiles, SUVs, light-duty trucks and luxury vans in more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Admission: $7, adults; free, children under 12 when accompanied by an adult.

 http://www.theindyautoshow.com/


December 29 – December 30

Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue – Old National Centre – 2 p.m.

Come see your favorite characters from the hit TV cartoon perform a show with fun, twists, turns, laughs and the big rescue! Paw Patrol is on a roll!

https://www.livenation.com/artists/168356/paw-patrol-live


December 30

New Year’s Weekend Comedy Festival – Indiana Farmers Coliseum – 8 p.m.

Featuring Mike Epps, Sommore, DC Young Fly, Earthquake and Guy Torry.

http://www.indianastatefair.com/coliseum/


December 31

Countdown to Noon – The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Five, four, three, two…NOON! Music, party favors and more!

Entry included with general admission.          

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/


 Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!

 

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Andee Bookmyer
Andee is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Coach, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Mind Body Fitness Coach and Certified Stress Management Coach. She grew up in Northwest Indiana and attended Ball State University. She taught high school English for several years before becoming a mommy to Preston. She has a passion for writing, CrossFit, laughing and helping others. For more of her writing, you can visit her personal "Bookerella" blog at https://i5878.wordpress.com