The holidays are just around the corner and November is here!
Here is our round up of some of the family fun activities and events happening this month in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas! And there is A LOT happening, so get that calendar out and schedule your month of fun now.
Meet Our Sponsor: Herron Classical Schools
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.
Facebook | Twitter
Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
Events Around Our City:
November (Dates vary based on YMCA location)
Kids Night Out at YMCA
Event Website: Family Specialty Activities
Head to your local YMCA for their KIDS NIGHT OUT EVENT. 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.
November 1st
Day of the Dead at the Nickel Plate Arts District
Event Website: Day of the Dead
On November 1st, head to the Nickel Plate Arts District from 3:00-7:00 pm to enjoy and learn about Day of the Dead, also known as Día de Muertos. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates the memory of family and friends who have died. You and your family can expect to enjoy delicious traditional foods, art making, music, face painting, and more. Costumes are encouraged!
November 2nd-12th
Spirit & Place Festival
Event Website: Spirit & Place
Held at the School of Liberal Arts on the IUPUI campus, the Spirit & Place Festival is from November 2nd-12th. This year’s theme is “NOURISH” with more than 25 events throughout this festival. From the event website, “The festival is a multi-day series of independently created events that each use the arts, humanities, and/or religion to explore a common theme.” Make sure to visit their event calendar to learn more or plan your trip with their Festival Event Guide.
November 4th
Veterans Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum
Event Website: Veterans Appreciation Day
On Saturday, November 4th, all veterans and active military receive free admission and 20% off for additional family members at the Children’s Museum. All you have to do is provide your military ID at the box office. And the first 1,000 people to come will receive a free mini-American flag!
November 7th
Peppa Pig’s Sing-along Party at Clowes Memorial Hall
Event Website: Peppa Pig’s Sing-along Party
Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party, and you are invited! Join in on the fun in this brand new show as Peppa and her family, along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe, teach you some of their favorite songs, including “Peppa Party Time” and the “Bing Bong Song.” Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family bounce, boogie, sing, and clap with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure!
November 8th-12th
Christmas Gift & Hobby Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Event Website: Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
Get your holiday shopping on at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show. Not only will you be able to shop ’til you drop, you can enjoy the beautiful holiday tablescapes, a Pixie Gypsy Camper set-up for photo opportunities, and of course, Santa Claus!
November 10th, 2023- January 6th, 2024
Festival of Trees at Indiana Historical Society
Event Website: Festival of Trees
Indulge in a winter wonderland of more than 75 beautifully decorated trees and special programs at the Festival of Trees, presented by the Salvation Army. There’s something magical happening every day – including Twilight Tuesdays, scavenger fun, and holiday treats.
November 10th- December 31st, 2023
Christmas Nights of Lights Begins
Event Website: Christmas Nights of Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights is coming to Indianapolis for the 2023 season! Come see over 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition with us. Registration is now required, and you can get your tickets here.
November 11th
Reindeer Ride Express Begins at Nickel Plate Express
Event Website: Reindeer Express
All aboard! The Nickel Plate Express is in the holiday spirit, and they want to take you for a fun, family-friendly train ride. The hour and fifteen minute drive includes a cookie and gift from Santa, adult beverages for the caregivers, and kids under 3 ride for free (please note they will need to sit in your lap)!
November 16th-26th
Frozen on Broadway at Old National Centre
Event Website: Frozen on Broadway
An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.
November 17th
Family Friday Night Campfires: Wild Turkeys at Holliday Park
Event Website: Family Friday Night Campfires
For ages 2+, head over to Holliday Park as a family, enjoy a treat around the campfire and learn about wild turkeys. This event is $7 per person and registration at the website is required.
November 18th, 2023- February 11, 2024
Winterfaire at the Children’s Museum
Event website: Winterfaire
WinterFaire is brand new this year! It is a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience. To learn more, visit the event website. And make sure not to miss Santa’s Big Arrival at Winterfaire! Head to the museum’s Sunburst Atrium at 9:30 am on November 24th for a welcome party that will be sure to get your toes tapping and bring a sparkle to your holiday season.
November 18th- December 24th
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Event Website: Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Experience the tradition of Christkindlmarkt in Carmel! There is so much to do and experience, including ice skating, shopping at the market, and enjoying the traditional food and drinks. For more information, including their special hours of operation, visit the event website.
November 18th, 2023- January 15th, 2024
Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg Museum
Event Website: Jingle Rails
Be one of the first to experience the Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a favorite family holiday tradition that is unlike any other. Marvel as model trains wind past miniature landscapes featuring Indianapolis and the American West.
November 18th- December 30th
Christmas at the Zoo
Event Website: Christmas at the Zoo
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo, presented by Caresource, continues to grow. For their 56th year, they’re adding beautiful new decor to fill the Zoo with the Christmas spirit. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! To learn more about what you can find under the Bicentennial Pavilion, head to the event website.
November 19th, 2023- January 7th, 2024
Winterlights at Newfields
Event Website: Winterlights
Bundle up! It’s time to head to Newfields for their 7th annual Winterlights event. Presented by Bank of America, there are more than a million and a half lights on display outside. New wandering paths take guests on a journey through the woods on the Twinkling Trail. Dazzling baubles hang from trees and a larger-than-life illuminated ornament doubles as a photo op, in the distance, Color Blossoms light the way on the historic Interurban Railway Line.
November 23rd
Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash in Broad Ripple
Event Website: Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash
The Drumstick Dash is celebrating 21 years of moving your feet so others can eat! The Thanksgiving morning run/walk helps fight homelessness with all proceeds providing meals and care to homeless men, women, and children in the Indianapolis community. Things kick off at 9:00 am, and you can find more information at the event website.
November 23rd
Family Fun Turkey Run with the Baxter YMCA
Event Website: Family Fun Turkey Run
Another great Thanksgiving Day fitness event is the Family Fun Turkey Run. This 4-mile run/walk takes place at Perry Meridian High School. And registration is open with proceeds supporting YMCA programs, membership, and the PMHS Cross Country Program.
November 24th
Circle of Lights Celebration at Monument Circle
Event Website: Circle of Lights
One of the most beloved traditions in Indianapolis to kick off the holiday season is the Circle of Lights. On November 24th, you and your family can watch the Soldiers and Sailors Monument be illuminated with beautiful lights while watching performances from local performers. The lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 pm and will air exclusively on WTHR Channel-13, if you aren’t able to join in person.
November 24th- December 31st
Celebration Crossing at Indiana State Museum
Event Website: Celebration Crossing
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Indiana State Museum with their Celebration Crossing! November 24th is opening day, and Santa is scheduled to arrive in the front of the museum in a helicopter at 11:00 am. Then you can take a journey on the Snowfall Express before enjoying all the fun activities the museum has planned for you.
November 24th- December 22nd
Merry Prairie Holiday Festival at Conner Prairie
Event Website: A Merry Prairie Holiday
Enjoy one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festivals – Merry Prairie at Conner Prairie. A Merry Prairie Holiday begins on November 24th. “With acres to explore, surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment. There is something for everyone to enjoy this year.” Get your tickets today. Also, make sure to check out their Breakfast with Santa event, starting November 25th and on select days.
November 24th- December 31st
Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park
Event Website: Conservatory Crossing
The Conservatory at Garfield Park is decked out in its holiday best for you to enjoy from November 24th to December 31st. With a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights, you’ll have so much fun exploring as a family! Admission during this event is $5 per person or $12 per family (2 adult max).
November 30th
The Nutcracker at Clowe’s Memorial Hall
Event Website: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker is coming to Indy on November 30th and what a way to ring in the holiday season. The Nutcracker! is an acclaimed holiday tradition. The Butler Ballet proudly presents its lavish fully staged production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Be dazzled with this live ballet and delighted by spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical magic. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!
