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: 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.
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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
Zootopia 2: IMAX Experience
Calling all Zootopia fans (and parents, you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a fan too)! Zootopia 2 is heading to the Indiana State Museum for Zootopia 2 – the IMAX Experience. Check out the website for all the showtimes. From the website, “detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.”
December 2nd-14th
Hamilton at Old National Centre
Grab your tickets now for Hamilton at the Old National Centre! Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre, a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
December 4th
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 4th
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 4th
Supper with Santa and Friends at the Indiana State Museum
On December 4th 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 1st.
December 4th
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 4th. This year, the rock powerhouse will bring back their legendary holiday show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More, to life with a special production, featuring a second set of hits and fan favorites, including a 25th-anniversary salute to Beethoven’s Last Night. Expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible storytelling synonymous with TSO.
December 4th-7th
A Seussified Christmas Carol at Hendricks Live!
Head to Hendricks Live! and check out the whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. A Seussified Christmas Carol will be from December 4th-7th at select times. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with…if he ever had his way with the story!
December 4th-7th
The Nutcracker at Clowes Memorial Hall
ButlerBallet’s holiday family tradition and Indianapolis’ premiere production of The Nutcracker. Revel in the magic and spectacle of live ballet; be dazzled and delighted by spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical flash. Once again, the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark.
December 5th
Indy Fuel Ugly Sweater Night
Put on your ugliest holiday sweater, get out of the house, and head to the Fishers Event Center to experience the Indy Fuel taking on the Cincinnati Cyclones. If you can’t make it on December 5th, they have a packed schedule this season. Check out the website for more ticket information.
December 6th
Fortville Winterfest
Fortville Winterfest is here! Kick off the 2025 Holiday Season with us in Fortville on Saturday, December 6th. 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 6th
Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday
There’s no place like home (plate) for the holidays! Rowdie’s trading in his jersey for a Santa suit and getting ready to host the most wonderful party of the year — and you’re invited! Celebrate the season at Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday, presented by Riley Children’s Health and Williams Comfort Air. Join Rowdie for festive food, crafts and fun on Saturday, December 6th in the Elements Financial Club at Victory Field from 8:00 to 11:00 am.
December 6th
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 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 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 6th
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
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 7th-8th
Christmas Wishes at Schrott Center for the Arts
December 10th
Whimsical Winter Play: An Early Childhood Experience at the Children’s Museum
Embrace the magic of the season with your young children! Head to the Children’s Museum for Whimsical Winter Play, a delightful morning with early access to Winterslide and Winterfaire, then explore winter-themed activities designed specifically for you and your children five and under. Skip the crowds, not the fun, as you make memories with your young family. Separate ticket required.
December 12th
Pepper’s Birthday Party at the Fishers Event Center
Pepper, the Indy Ignite’s high-energy mascot, is turning ONE, and you’re invited to help celebrate! This event is free with your ticket and the perfect chance to enjoy the arena before the season officially begins. Pepper’s Birthday Party is Friday, December 12th from 5:00–7:00 pm at the Fishers Event Center.
December 12th, 13th, 15th & 16th
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 14th
Santa Hustle Indy at White River State Park
In the morning on December 14th, head to the White River State Park to partake in the Santa Hustle, Indy Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash. Check out their website to register and get a look at the fun, festive, and cozy swag!
December 14th
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Clowes Memorial Hall
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a dazzling holiday variety show that captivates audiences of all ages. Bursting with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic, this high-flying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. From gravity-defying acrobatics to jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility, every act is set to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics. It’s a spellbinding winter journey through music, movement, and holiday joy—perfect for the whole family.
December 16th
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Murat Theatre
The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will be at Murat Theatre on December 16th at 7:00 pm. The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.
December 22nd
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 22nd starting at 7:30 pm, Central Indiana’s favorite holiday concert tradition returns, with familiar favorites and exciting new works to capture the joy of the season. Acclaimed guest vocalist Bruno Sandes reprises his 2024 appearance at Festival of Carols due to audience request. Also by popular demand, ISC Keyboard Artist David Duncan’s “Choose-a-Carol” puts YOU in charge of the music making. Santa, Hallelujah Chorus, and even a few holiday surprises are in store!
December 26th
Indiana Pacers versus Boston Celtics
Don’t get the holiday blues now that Christmas is over – go cheer on our Indiana Pacers! The Pacers are playing the Boston Celtics 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
Indianapolis Colts versus Jacksonville Jaguars
On Monday, December 22nd, the Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:00 pm. Head to Lucas Oil Stadium to celebrate the holidays with the Colts. Go Blue!
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 2026 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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