On November 29, 2019 families will watch elves rappel from the rooftop, and catch a glimpse of Santa as he zooms to The Children’s Museum in a real Indy Racing Experience two-seater. Those who arrive early can grab a yummy treat from the Gingerbread Café or a free cup of creamy, hot cocoa in the plaza. It all begins at 8:30 a.m. Family and friends can gather to wave to the museum’s jolliest celebrity and his sleigh-driver, Tony Kanaan, owner of #14 Foyt Racing IndyCar provided by Indy Racing Experience. Afterward, visitors will be invited to head inside to help guide Mr. Claus down the festive red carpet to the 47-foot-long Yule Slide and join the Chorduroys singing group for a holiday sing-along. Get into the holiday spirit and create magical memories that will last a lifetime.
After Santa makes his big appearance, stop by Jolly Days, the holiday attraction at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, for a whole season of fun! Watching Santa’s arrival is free and open to the public. Other activities and attractions are included with museum admission or free for members. Families who qualify can receive reduced or discounted admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis with the Indiana Access Pass. There are also free and reduced admission days throughout the year, including Christmas Eve!
Santa’a Big Arrival in Indianapolis
9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29th
Friends and family can gather at the plaza in front of the Welcome Center to see Santa race to the museum. Watch him zoom in the two-seat Indy Racing Experience car driven by Tony Kanaan, driver of the #14 Foyt Racing IndyCar. *Weather permitting*
Tony Kannan Autograph Signing
10:00 a.m.-11 a.m.
Meet Tony, TK, Kanaan, 2013 Indy 500 winner & 2004 IndyCar Champion, and get an autograph. Driver of the famed #14 Foyt Racing IndyCar, Kanaan has a total of 17 career race wins and 15 pole-positions in the IndyCar Series. He is the first Indy car driver to complete every lap of every race during a season. Kanaan is also the only driver to lead the Indianapolis 500 in each of his first seven starts, and won his first race on his 12th attempt.
The Museum Store Discount
8:30–10 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2019 only
Santa’s good little shoppers can save big bucks! The Museum Store will offer a 30 percent Black Friday discount on all purchases made before 10 a.m.
Free Holiday Craft
8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. on November 29, 2019
Bells make a cheerful sound and are used to “ring out the old and bring in the new” each season! Visitors can customize a bell with ribbon to make a personalized instrument perfect for the holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa
Families are invited to enjoy a cheery breakfast and various holiday activities. Continue the excitement with a ride down the Yule Slide and make sure to take a moment to visit with Santa! Ticket prices range between $18.50- $30.00. See the museum’s website for details regarding dates and times.
North Pole PJ Party
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on December 7, 2019 and December 14, 2019
Put on some festive PJs, and get up close and personal with jolly friends from the North Pole— even Santa himself. Guests are invited to decorate cookies, make a bird feeder, and create a one of a kind scarf. Ticket prices range between $12.00-$20.00.
The Magic Snowman written by Stephen Murray
This interactive musical is sure to make families feel merry and bright. Visitors to the Lilly Theater within The Children’s Museum will find out if the magic snowman can turn the villagers’ frowns upside down! This one of a kind experience debuts on November 29th, 2019. See the museum’s website for additional dates and times.
Holiday Dinner Theater December 15, 2019, 2:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Experience the holiday theater show, The Magic Snowman, from the best seats in the house! After the show, enjoy a buffet dinner, meet and greet the actors, and listen to a special musical performance by The Mistletoes. Jolly Days, the Yule Slide, and visits with Santa will be available exclusively for program participants from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices for the event range from $27.00 – $38.75.
Gift Memberships
Give experiences, not more stuff!! A membership to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis lasts for a year. Better yet, the memories will last a lifetime! Who knew a year of fun could fit into a stocking?
