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!
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St. Richard’s Episcopal School provides a timeless, challenging curriculum that embraces diversity while developing global citizens socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Located at the corner of 33rd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis, we provide a rigorous academic curriculum that incorporates three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program, organized athletics, and city-wide experiences that bring learning to life.
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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
- Local Christmas Tree Farms
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-11th
Moana 2 – IMAX Experience
Calling all Moana fans (and parents, you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a fan too)! Moana 2 is heading to the Indiana State Museum for Moana 2 – the IMAX Experience. Check out the website for all the showtimes. From the website, “Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
December 1st
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 5th
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 5th
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 5th
Supper with Santa and Friends at the Indiana State Museum
On December 5th from 5:30-7:30 pm, you can have Supper with Santa and Friends at the Indiana State Museum. From the event website, “Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends during this festive and family friendly holiday buffet. Visit with Santa and receive a keepsake photo with Santa. Members can also play in Santa’s Front Yard, make a holiday ornament and take a snowy ride on the Snowfall Express to enjoy the sights and sounds of a winter wonderland!” Register at the website by December 2nd.
December 6th
Blippi: Join The Band Tour!
Get your tickets to experience Blippi: Join The Band Tour on December 6th! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that’s fun for the whole family.
December 6th
Indy Fuel Opening Night
Get out of the house and head to the Fishers Event Center to experience the Indy Fuel taking on the Iowa Heartlanders. If you can’t make it on December 6th, they have a packed schedule this season. Check out the website for more ticket information.
December 6th, 10th, & 11th
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 7th
Fortville Winterfest
Fortville Winterfest is here! Kick off the 2024 Holiday Season with us in Fortville on Saturday, December 7th. A community and business sponsored event featuring food, drinks, ice skating, crafts in the kidzone, a tree lighting, the main street parade, 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 7th
Christmas on the Farm at Traders Point Creamery
The 16th annual Christmas on the Farm returns to Traders Point Creamery this holiday season! Tickets are just $25 a person, and kiddos 2 and under are free. At the event, experience the farm with campfires and s’mores, holiday lights and music, old-world crafts and Santa. Stop at the North Pole to write a letter to Santa, and see their special, hand-made gingerbread barn crafted by their pastry chef, Anna. Visit the Jingle Bell Café for festive snacks, crafted cocktails and a bar filled with their creamery’s hot chocolate and eggnog.
December 7th
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 7th
Broad Ripple Lights Up Holiday Festival and Parade
The Wonderland Village in Broad Ripple will have a special visitor on December 7th – 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 7th
Santa Soiree at Clay Terrace
Step into Santa’s magical world and discover the joy of meeting the jolly old man himself. The Santa Soiree at Clay Terrace is on Saturday, December 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. “Little ones and families alike will have the opportunity to share their wishes, snap heartwarming photos, and create cherished memories with Santa and his friends. Indulge in delicious sips from our festive bar, featuring hot cocoa, soul-warming mulled wine and more. As the sun sets and anticipation grows, be part of the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony – a breathtaking spectacle that officially marks the start of the holiday season.”
December 7th-8th
Christmas Wishes at Schrott Center for the Arts
December 13th, 14th, 16th & 17th
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 15th
Santa Hustle Indy at White River State Park
In the morning on December 15th, 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 12th-15th
Frozen, Jr. at Shelton Auditorium
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! There are multiple performances at Shelton Auditorium, and you can get your tickets at the link above.
December 14th-15th
Straight No Chaser – Top Shelf Tour at Murat Theatre
Get your tickets before they sell out! Straight No Chaser, who started at Indiana University in 1996, is on tour to celebrate the holidays during their Top Shelf Tour. You can get tickets to the Straight No Chaser tour stop at the Murat Theatre on December 14th and 15th.
December 19th
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 19th. This year’s tour marks the grand return of “THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE” to the stage for the first time since 2013. Expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible storytelling synonymous with TSO.
December 20th-21st
Potted Potter at Schrott Center for the Arts
The Olivier Award-nominated Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience, is coming to Indianapolis, and I can tell you firsthand that it is so funny! Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner take on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into seventy hilarious minutes. “Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter.” This show is “perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).”
December 22nd
Indianapolis Colts versus Tennessee Titans
On Sunday, December 22nd, the Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Tennessee Titans at 1:00 pm. Head to Lucas Oil Stadium to celebrate Christmas with the Colts. Go Blue!
December 23rd
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 23rd starting at 7:30 pm, the Festival of Carols features Mood Indigo soloist Bruno Sandes, Indiana’s own Emmy award-winning journalist, Debby Knox, as well as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Plus – a special visit from Santa Claus!
December 26th
Indiana Pacers versus Oklahoma City Thunder
Don’t get the holiday blues now that Christmas is over – go cheer on our Indiana Pacers! The Pacers are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 26th. 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 28th
Gazillion Bubble Show
If you haven’t heard of the Gazillion Bubble Show, you will now! This is a 60-minute live stage show that is one-of-a-kind, packed with high-energy music, mind-blowing lasers, and breathtaking bubble artistry. Suitable for all ages, you can get your tickets for the 1:00pm or 4:00 pm show at the link.
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 2025 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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