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: St. Richard’s Episcopal School
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.
For more information, visit their website.
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Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
- 13 Events to Celebrate Taylor Swift in Indianapolis
- Apple Orchards
- Pumpkin Patches
- Corn Mazes + Haunted Fun
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 have 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 Noblesville Creates
Event Website: Day of the Dead
On November 1st, head to Noblesville Creates from 4:00-9:00 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 1st-10th
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 1st-10th. This year’s theme is “GRATITUDE” 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 6th-10th
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, local entertainment, and you can even have a Girls Night Out and shop with your friends! Make sure to look through their Show Guide for all the info.
November 8th
Christmas Nights of Lights Begins
Event Website: Christmas Nights of Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights is coming back to Indianapolis for the 2024 season! Come see all the 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 required, and you can get your tickets here.
November 9th
Veterans Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum
Event Website: Veterans Appreciation Day
On Saturday, November 9th, 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.
November 9th
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play at Old National Centre
Event Website: Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play
Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with all his favorite pals including Minnie and Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, Ginny and Bitsy from “SuperKitties” and Ariel from “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey from “Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends” find out who is behind this and help save the playdate?
November 10th
Indianapolis Colts versus Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium
Event Website: Indianapolis Colts Schedule
Who doesn’t love a midday Colts football game at Lucas Oil Stadium? Our Indianapolis Colts are playing the Buffalo Bills at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 10th. Click here to get your tickets.
November 15th
Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Event website: Pacers v Heat
Our beloved Indiana Pacers will take on the Miami Heat on November 15th at 7:00 pm for NBA Cup Night. Check out their full schedule on the website. Go Pacers!
November 15th, 2024- January 4th, 2025
Festival of Trees at Indiana Historical Society
Event Website: Festival of Trees
Indulge in a winter wonderland of more than 80 beautifully decorated trees and special programs at the Festival of Trees, presented by Sullivan Hardware & Garden. There’s something magical happening every day – including Twilight Tuesdays, scavenger fun, and holiday treats.
November 16th
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 75 minute drive includes a hot chocolate, a holiday cookie, and a chance to see Santa. You even get to write a letter to have delivered to the North Pole! Kids under two ride for free (please note they will need to sit in your lap).
November 16th, 2024- January 5th, 2025
Winterfaire at the Children’s Museum
Event website: Winterfaire
WinterFaire will be back again 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! The date and time has not been released for this yet so check back for more information on the welcome party that will be sure to get your toes tapping and bring a sparkle to your holiday season.
November 16th, 2024- January 20th, 2025
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 22nd
Family Friday Night Campfires: Bats at Holliday Park
Event Website: Family Friday Night Campfires
For ages 3+, head over to Holliday Park as a family, enjoy a treat around the campfire and learn about bats. This event is $7 per person and registration at the website is required.
November 23rd, 2024- January 5th, 2025
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 Indiana Members Credit Union, continues to grow. For their 57th 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 23rd, 2024- January 5th, 2025
Winterlights at Newfields
Event Website: Winterlights
Bundle up! It’s time to head to Newfields for their 8th annual Winterlights event. Presented by Bank of America, there are nearly three million lights on display outside. 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. The more the merrier…Winterwonder Pass is available for guests looking for ultimate cheer.
November 23rd- 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 24th
Princess Tea at Feinstein’s
Event Website: Princess Tea
Get your tickets to the magical Princess Tea event in Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael and have an enchanting afternoon filled with tea and treats fit for royalty. Dress up as your favorite princess, wear your glamorous tiera and enjoy a delightful tea party with special appearances from beloved princess characters. You and your guests will be served selections of scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal desserts and more as this magical afternoon creates unforgettable moments.
November 25th
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Clowes Memorial Hall
Event Website: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
The classic animated television special comes to life at Clowes Memorial hall in this faithful stage adaptation, celebrating the timeless television classic so the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets start at $35.
November 28th
Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash in Broad Ripple
Event Website: Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash
The Drumstick Dash is celebrating 22 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 28th
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. There is a 4-mile run/walk and a 1-mile fun run that takes place at Perry Meridian High School. And registration is open with proceeds supporting YMCA programs, membership, and the PMHS Cross Country Program.
November 29th
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 29th, 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 29th, 2024- January 5th, 2025
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 29th 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 29th- 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 29th. “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, with more information coming soon.
November 29th- December 29th
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 29th to December 29th. 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 $6 per person or $14 per family (2 adult max). Children 2 and under are free.
Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!
