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

Alexi Eastes, Indianapolis Star
·4 min read

The holidays are in full swing in Indianapolis. Here are some fun holiday festivities in and around Indy to get your family in the holiday spirit.

A Merry Prairie Holiday

Snowfall added to the seasonal spirit at Conner Prairie’s “A Merry Prairie Holiday” event, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019.
Snowfall added to the seasonal spirit at Conner Prairie’s “A Merry Prairie Holiday” event, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019.

Christmas at Conner Prairie, Through Dec. 19

Christmas at Conner Prairie is back. Families can step into historic Prairie Town to attend breakfast with Santa, enjoy illuminated lights or experience holidays around the world.

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

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

James Brainard, mayor of Carmel, talks with an Alphorn player during a soft opening of the Christkindlmarket on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Carmel. Due to COVID-19, the iconic Christmas market was canceled. Now the market is open for the holiday season.
James Brainard, mayor of Carmel, talks with an Alphorn player during a soft opening of the Christkindlmarket on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Carmel. Due to COVID-19, the iconic Christmas market was canceled. Now the market is open for the holiday season.

Through Dec. 24

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt brings a charming German Christmas market to Indiana. Families can enjoy traditional German foods, meet holiday characters or ice skate.

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

Christmas at the Zoo

Through Dec. 30

Visit Santa's village during Christmas at the Zoo and enjoy holiday lights and festivities. Families can meet Santa's reindeer and enjoy seasonal activities and holiday treats.

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

Christmas Night 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. 2

Families can pack their cars full and enjoy a synchronized light show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Families must reserve a spot online to view the lights. Prices range from $30 to $75 dependent on the number of passengers.

Circle of Lights

The tree is lit during Downtown Indy Inc.'s 2021 Circle of Lights¨ presented by IBEW 481 on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
The tree is lit during Downtown Indy Inc.'s 2021 Circle of Lights¨ presented by IBEW 481 on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument through Dec. 30

Check out Indy's Christmas tree on Monument Circle. Every year the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is transformed into a Christmas tree illuminated in lights.

Families can head downtown and gather around the tree for free all season. On your visit kids can drop off their letters to Santa at Santa's Mailbox on the Circle.

The Circle of Lights display is free to the public.

Festival of Trees

The Indiana Historical Society has exhibitions year-round, including its annual Festival of Trees. Each has a different theme.
The Indiana Historical Society has exhibitions year-round, including its annual Festival of Trees. Each has a different theme.

Indiana Historical Society, through Jan. 8

See 75 elaborately decorate Christmas trees at the Indiana Historical Society. Families can also hunt for the hidden Elf on the Shelf throughout the museum.

Visitors can purchase tickets online. Tickets prices range from $5 to $13, with free admission for children under 5 years old, educators, first responders and members of the military.

Indianapolis Ballet: "The Nutcracker"

Indianapolis Ballet held its 2019 "Nutcracker" at the Murat at Old National Centre (pictured). It will be there again in 2021.
Indianapolis Ballet held its 2019 "Nutcracker" at the Murat at Old National Centre (pictured). It will be there again in 2021.

Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre Dec.10 to Dec. 12

The Indianapolis Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker". This classical holiday tradition is enjoyed by people of all ages. Follow Clara through a night of holiday magic and enjoy dances of Sugar Plums, the Mouse King and more.

Tickets can be purchased online. Tickets range from $20 to $80 with a $5 discount for students, seniors, military personnel and healthcare workers.

Indianapolis Repertory Theatre: 'A Christmas Carol'

Through Dec. 26

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is performed every year at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre. Spectators can enjoy in-person performances or stream the holiday classic online through Dec. 26.

In-person tickets start at $25. Virtual tickets are $40. Tickets can be purchased online.

Indiana State Museum - Celebration Crossing

Through Jan. 2

Experience the new Snowfall express, many holiday characters and activities. Families can have breakfast with Santa or just explore the Winter Wonderland.

Tickets to the state museum are $11 per children, $15 for seniors, and $16 for adults when you book online.

Indy Parks

Through Dec. 30

Santa Claus greets a little one during the 4th annual Brunch with Santa hosted by Indy Parks at Christian Park in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.
Santa Claus greets a little one during the 4th annual Brunch with Santa hosted by Indy Parks at Christian Park in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.

Indy Parks will host holiday events throughout the holiday season. There will be gingerbread house making, cookies and cocoa, skating with Santa and more. To see all the different holiday festivities check out the Holiday Programs graphic.

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

Jingle Rails: Great Western Adventure

As part of renovations, the space Jingle Rails is held will be expanded Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. The museum is undergoing renovations to its Native American galleries for the first time since it opened in 1989.
As part of renovations, the space Jingle Rails is held will be expanded Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. The museum is undergoing renovations to its Native American galleries for the first time since it opened in 1989.

Eiteljorg Museum, through Jan. 17

The Eiteljorg's annual holiday train exhibit, Jingle Rails, is a G-scale model train winding through miniature landscapes decked out for the holidays.

Tickets are available online and at the door.

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland

Santa waves to everyon at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis at the official opening of Jolly Days Winter Wonderland, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.
Santa waves to everyon at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis at the official opening of Jolly Days Winter Wonderland, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.

Indianapolis Children's Museum, through Jan. 2

Celebrate the holidays at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Families can make snow, explore the ice castle and meet holiday characters.

Admission to the Children's Museum is free on Christmas Eve. Children's Museum tickets vary in price, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

'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. 17 to Dec. 19

The Indianapolis Ballet will be putting on a shortened one-hour version of "The Nutcracker". "Nutcracker Sweets" will be presented at The Toby at Newfields.

Tickets can be purchased online from $25 to $35, with discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and healthcare workers.

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.

Newfields Art Museum through Jan. 2

Winterlights are back at Newfields. Families can take in the light displays while enjoying holiday refreshments.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $17 for children. Members can get tickets at a discounted price. Advanced tickets are required to attend the Winterlights at Newfields.

'Yuletide Celebration': Presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Hilbert Circle Theatre through Dec. 23

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents "Yuletide Celebration" sponsored by AES Indiana.

Enjoy a night of holiday harmonies. This show features dancing Santas and Broadway-style performances hosted by Grammy-award winner, Sandi Patty.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Alexi Eastes is an intern at the IndyStar. You can follow her on Twitter: @alexi_eastes

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