The holiday season has arrived! We blinked and DECEMBER is here! Here is our round up of December family events and activities in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas!
Meet Our Sponsor: Herron Classical Schools
We are thrilled to work with Herron Classical Schools on our Guide to December Family Events! Herron Classical Schools is a network of three tuition-free public charter schools, Herron High School, Herron-Riverside High School, and Herron Preparatory Academy. Within each of our schools, we envision a racially and socio-economically diverse student body. Herron Classical School believes that a classical, liberal arts education prepares students to become well-rounded, engaged citizens of the future.
For more information, visit their website.
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Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
- Six Family Friendly Holiday Performances in Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Holiday Events for the Family
- Where to Visit Santa Around Indianapolis
Events Around Our City:
December (all month long)
Kids Night Out at YMCA
Up first on our list of December family events is Kids Night Out at your local YMCA! Parents, this event is perfect to allow yourself a night out on the town and the kids will be having fun too. Program activities include swimming, gym play, arts and crafts, and kid friendly movies. Dinner and snacks provided. Prices and details vary with each YMCA. Call your local YMCA for more details and date information.
December 1st-3rd
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey invites children of all ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations. Get closer to the action than ever before. Feel part of the show with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and unforgettable performers from all over the world. You and your family will witness never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and more. Come fun, come all!
December 2nd
Fortville Winterfest
Fortville Winterfest is here! Kick off the 2023 Holiday Season with us in Fortville on December 2nd. A community and business sponsored event featuring food, drinks, and entertainment including the main street parade, main stage caroling, snowflake princesses, ice ninjas, winter characters, carriage rides, and of course, a Santa appearance! Fortville welcomes paraders, contestants, performers, vendors, activity hosts, and sponsors to discover Fortville. Visitors of all ages welcome.
December 2nd
Christmas on the Farm at Traders Point Creamery
The 15th annual Christmas on the Farm returns to Traders Point Creamery this holiday season! Tickets are just $23 a person, and kiddos 2 and under are free. At the event, guests will be able to experience winter hayrides, holiday lights, crafts, holiday music, and visits from Santa. And if you want to write him a letter, stop by the North Pole and put it in their mailbox. Snacks and drinks can be enjoyed in the Jingle Bell Cafe, as well.
December 2nd
Indy Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday this winter is the Indy Winter Farmers Market, located at The Amp Marketplace. Founded by Growing Places Indy, the Market opened in 2008 and has “provided a venue for Indiana’s sustainably-minded family farms and food producers to sell products throughout the fall and winter, improving the community’s year-round access to fresh, local food.” Visit their website to see their FAQs and how to donate.
December 2nd-3rd
Christmas Wishes at Schrott Center for the Arts
December 3rd
Broad Ripple Lights Up Holiday Festival and Parade
The Wonderland Village in Broad Ripple will have a special visitor on December 3rd – Santa! The Broad Ripple Lights Up Holiday Festival will include holiday-themed activities for children, musical entertainment, and a special Christmas tree lighting. Local Broad Ripple boutiques and restaurants will offer specials and various giveaways throughout the day. Get in the spirit and join in on the fun!
December 3rd
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air
Urban Air Adventure Park in Noblesville hosts weekly activities, including Sensory Friendly Play, an event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music or flashing lights. Parents are free!
December 3rd
Santa Hustle Indy at White River State Park
From 8:00-11:00 am on December 3rd, head to the White River State Park to partake in the Santa Hustle, Indy Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Dash. Check out their website to register and get a look at the fun, festive, and cozy swag!
December 7th
First Thursday Night at the Children’s Museum
We love highlighting free activities, and it’s especially important this time of year with all the holiday shopping we have been doing! On First Thursday Nights, you can pay $6 per person to visit either the museum with their amazing Dinosphere exhibit or the brand new WinterFaire. This is only between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 pm, the perfect after-hours time for families! Get your First Thursday tickets here.
December 7th
First Free Thursdays at Newfields
Newfields offers special FREE admission on the first Thursday of every month. Head over from 11am-5pm to explore the grounds and enjoy all that the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to offer. Keep an eye out for additional free admission days throughout the year.
December 7th
Supper with Santa and Friends at the Indiana State Museum
On December 7th from 5:30-8:00 pm, you can have Supper with Santa and Friends at the Indiana State Museum. From the event website, “Visit with Santa, play in Santa’s Front Yard and enjoy a ride on the Snowfall Express to see and hear the sights and sounds of a winter wonderland.” And important note – The first 100 families to register receive a free keepsake photo with Santa! Register at the website by December 4th.
December 7th, 12th, & 13th
Celebrations: A Winter Festival at the Children’s Museum
A fun event for children from kindergarten to second grade is Celebrations: A Winter Festival at the Children’s Museum. From 10:00 am-12:00 pm on selected days, you can celebrate different winter holidays, learn about various winter traditions from cultures around the world. Call 317-334-4000 to register.
December 8th-9th
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Get your tickets to experience Cirque Dreams Holidaze, running December 8rd and 9th at the Murat Theatre. Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!
December 8th, 9th, 11th & 12th
Indy Library Store Book Sale
Load up your tote bags, moms and dads! It’s time to buy some books. Held at the Library Services Center at 2450 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis, the Library Book Sale benefits the Library Foundation, and according to their website, over $7.5 million has been raised since its beginning in 1982! The sale is held on multiple days during December, so don’t miss out.
December 9th
Indy Fuel versus Ft. Wayne Komets
Get out of the house and head to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum to experience the Indy Fuel taking on the Ft. Wayne Komets. If you can’t make it on December 9th, they have a cool feature called Mystery Ticket Sale. For just $20, you could end up with the best seat in the house! Check out the mystery ticket dates here.
December 10th
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Clowes Memorial Hall
The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday production. A Magical Cirque Christmas! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as the Magical Hostess takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
December 13th
Festival of Carols at Clowes Memorial Hall
Another great December family event to enjoy is an Indy family holiday tradition for kids from one to 92 – the Festival of Carols. At Clowes Memorial Hall on December 13th starting at 7:30 pm, the Festival of Carols features one of Indy’s favorite cabaret singers, Anthony Nunziata, as well as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Plus – a special visit from Santa Claus!
December 18th
Indiana Pacers versus LA Clippers
Our hometown Indiana Pacers are playing the LA Clippers on December 18th, so come cheer them on! It’s a great chance to get out of the house before winter really kicks in. And what better way than to check out a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
December 21st-23rd
Straight No Chaser – Sleighin’ It Tour at Murat Theatre
A cappella outing alert! Straight No Chaser, who started at Indiana University in 1996, is on tour to celebrate the holidays during their Sleighin’ It Tour. You can get tickets to the Straight No Chaser tour stop at the Murat Theatre on December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.
December 26th
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
I can just hear the rock band Christmas music playing as I type this. Check out the link for Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets to see them live this December 26th. There are two times to see the show – 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm, so plan ahead.
December 31st
Indianapolis Colts versus Las Vegas Raiders
On New Years Eve, the Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Las Vegas Raiders 1:00 pm. Head to Lucas Oil Stadium to celebrate the end of 2023. Go Colts!
December 31st
Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum
Capping off the December family events is the Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum. Activities, live music, and countdowns to noon and 1:00 pm will be in the Sunburst Atrium of the museum. Welcome in 2024 while also letting your kiddo get a good night’s sleep! And don’t forget the free festive favors while supplies last.
Share with us! How many December family events in Indianapolis do you have in your calendar this holiday season?
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