Family fun for the holidays: 15 things to do with kids around Indianapolis this season

Emma Quasny, Indianapolis Star
·4 min read

The holiday season is here in Indianapolis. Here are some activities to do with friends and family in the area.

A Merry Prairie Holiday

The Reynolds Lights are moving to Conner Prairie in 2019 as part of the A Merry Prairie Holiday display.
The Reynolds Lights are moving to Conner Prairie in 2019 as part of the A Merry Prairie Holiday display.

Christmas at Conner Prairie, through Dec. 22

A Merry Prairie Holiday is back for the holiday season. Families can explore historic Prairie Town to take a selfie with Santa, skate around with friends and family and enjoy Christmas lights throughout the town.

Tickets can be purchased online. Tickets for members are $11, guest tickets are $22.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

The annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt lit up downtown Carmel, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. The Christkindlmarkt features ice skating, festive food, activities, shops and hot chocolate.
The annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt lit up downtown Carmel, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. The Christkindlmarkt features ice skating, festive food, activities, shops and hot chocolate.

Through Dec. 30

The Carmel Christkindlmarket brings a German Christmas to Indiana. This market offers German food vendors, ice skating and fun for the whole family.

There is no entrance fee for the Christkindlmarket. Visitors must pay to ice skate, prices range from $8 to $14.

Christmas at the Zoo

Christmas At The Zoo At The Indianapolis Zoo Indianapolis
Christmas At The Zoo At The Indianapolis Zoo Indianapolis

Through Dec. 30

Enjoy holiday lights, meet the Kringles in Santa's Village and get up close and personal with penguins. Families can enjoy treats, meet holiday characters, and new this year, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir sing carols on select nights.

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Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Prices range from $25 to $30 depending on the day of the week.

Christmas Nights of Lights

The Indianapolis State fairgrounds hosts Christmas Nights of Lights, a drive-thru light show on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. The Christmas Nights of Lights show features music and a new extended route through tunnels of lights. The show will continue through January 3rd, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
The Indianapolis State fairgrounds hosts Christmas Nights of Lights, a drive-thru light show on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. The Christmas Nights of Lights show features music and a new extended route through tunnels of lights. The show will continue through January 3rd, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Indiana State Fair Grounds through Jan. 1

Families can enjoy synchronized lights to Christmas music at the Indiana State Fair Grounds.

Online reservations are required. Prices range from $30 to $75 depending on the number of passengers.

Circle of Lights

The "world's tallest Christmas tree" is lit during the 2018 Downtown Indy Circle of Lights ceremony, held on Monument Circle in Indianapolis on Nov. 23, 2018.
The "world's tallest Christmas tree" is lit during the 2018 Downtown Indy Circle of Lights ceremony, held on Monument Circle in Indianapolis on Nov. 23, 2018.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument through Jan. 13

This year, the 60th annual Circle of Lights Tree Lighting will take place on Monument Circle Nov. 25. Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be transformed into a Christmas tree in time for the holiday season.

Friends and family can head downtown to enjoy the lights and music to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Circle of Lights is free to the public.

Festival of Trees

Indiana Historical Society, through Jan. 7

The Festival of Trees will feature over 75 decorated trees representing Indiana's individuals, families and organizations. Families can enjoy holiday treats, participate in a scavenger hunt and viewing of "A Christmas Story".

Tickets can be purchased online. Ticket prices range from $5 to $15. Discounted tickets are offered for educators, first responders/healthcare workers and the Military.

Indianapolis Ballet: "The Nutcracker"

Yoshiko Kamikusa performs in her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Chris Lingner as Cavalier during dress rehearsal for the "The Nutcracker" on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis.
Yoshiko Kamikusa performs in her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Chris Lingner as Cavalier during dress rehearsal for the "The Nutcracker" on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis.

The Murat Theatre at Old National Centre through Dec. 18

The Indianapolis Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" this holiday season at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre. This traditional tale has holiday magic for the whole family to enjoy.

Tickets can be purchased online, ranging from $25 to $75.

Indianapolis Repertory Theatre: 'A Christmas Carol'

Through Dec. 24

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" returns to Indy this holiday season. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he find the joy in celebrating Christmas through kindness and love.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person, with a virtual viewing option. In-person tickets start at $25. Virtual tickets are $40.

Indiana State Museum – Celebration Crossing

Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, through Jan 1

Hop on the snowfall express and experience holiday characters and music through a forest of animals. Families are also invited to visit Santa and get into the holiday spirit with Winter Wonderland Workshops.

Tickets to the museum are $12 for children, $16 for seniors and $17 for adults when purchased online. Children three and under get in for free and college students, with a valid ID, can get tickets for $5.

Indy Parks

From left, Makaela Gray, 8, and Nyla Tapscott, 8, color with markers during the 4th annual Brunch with Santa hosted by Indy Parks at Christian Park in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.
From left, Makaela Gray, 8, and Nyla Tapscott, 8, color with markers during the 4th annual Brunch with Santa hosted by Indy Parks at Christian Park in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.

Through Dec. 21

Throughout the month of December, Indy Parks & Recreation will be hosting activities across Indianapolis. There will be gingerbread house-making, birdwatching, scavenger hunts and more. Check out the full schedule at indyparks.org.

Visitors can register for celebrations online. Many of the festivities are free.

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure

Lucas Oil Stadium, shown in model form at Jingle Rails, a G-scale model train exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. The show, featuring American and Indianapolis landmarks, plus a trip down historic Route 66, will be on display through January 21.
Lucas Oil Stadium, shown in model form at Jingle Rails, a G-scale model train exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. The show, featuring American and Indianapolis landmarks, plus a trip down historic Route 66, will be on display through January 21.

Eitelhorg Museum, through Jan. 16

This model train wonderland features nine trains that travel through miniature landscapes decorated for the holiday season. The exhibit features Indianapolis staples like Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle, Union Station, and the Eiteljorg Museum.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person, $10 for children, $14 for seniors and $18 for adults.

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland will return for its final year in 2022.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland will return for its final year in 2022.

Indianapolis Children's Museum, through Jan 1

This year is the final season of Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Families are invited to meet Santa, learn a new holiday recipe and hear holiday stories.

General admission to the museum is $19.75. Ticket prices can increase until the visit date and can be purchased online.

'Nutcracker Sweets'

Indianapolis Ballet held its 2019 "Nutcracker" at the Murat at Old National Centre (pictured). In 2020, it will be presented to reduced audiences at The Toby at Newfields and online.
Indianapolis Ballet held its 2019 "Nutcracker" at the Murat at Old National Centre (pictured). In 2020, it will be presented to reduced audiences at The Toby at Newfields and online.

The Toby at Newfields, Dec. 9 through Dec. 11

The Indianapolis Ballet presents " a one-hour abbreviation version of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at Newfields. "Nutcracker Sweets" will be shown at The Toby at Newfields.

Tickets can be purchased online, ranging from $25 to $35.

Winterlights at Newfields

Newfields opened its Winterlights exhibit for a staff dress rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. The Winterlights exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 21, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021. The interactive seasonal display features over a million and a half bulbs lighting up trees across the art museum grounds.
Newfields opened its Winterlights exhibit for a staff dress rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. The Winterlights exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 21, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021. The interactive seasonal display features over a million and a half bulbs lighting up trees across the art museum grounds.

Through Jan. 8

Enjoy a light extravaganza through the gardens at Newfields. Families can take a stroll through this holiday-inspired display while enjoying tasty treats.

Tickets can be purchased online. Prices vary for the public and members.

'Yuletide Celebration': Presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is recognized by conductor Jack Everly at Yuletide Celebration, showcasing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis, Sunday. Dec. 23, 2018. The extravaganza features dancing, holiday songs, and skits.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is recognized by conductor Jack Everly at Yuletide Celebration, showcasing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis, Sunday. Dec. 23, 2018. The extravaganza features dancing, holiday songs, and skits.

Hilbert Circle Theatre through Dec. 23

Emmy-nominated singer Frankie Moreno and the ISO will perform new and traditional holiday music. Families can enjoy dancing and Yuletide Lights.

Tickets are available online. Ticket pricing ranges from $40 to $100.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Christmas 2022 events near me: 15 things to do around Indianapolis