There are so many ways to celebrate in December! Visit Santa Claus, decorate the tree, make and eat yummy snacks, train rides, crafts. Oh What Fun! Here is a list of just a few things going on in our area to help you get in the holiday spirit. Check out the Indy With Kids Events Calendar for so many more!
December 1: Jingle Jam Party
When: 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: Tri-West Hendricks High School
Address: 7883 North North State Road 39, Lizton, IN 46149
Bring the family early to register for drawing prizes during the program that starts at 5. There will be inflatable games, food and Santa & Mrs. Claus. Shop for 2 free gifts you will receive help to wrap! Please bring a non-perishable food donation, or let a volunteer know if your family is in need. Presented by Your Venture Church. Ages: 0 – 12 (parent/guardian must be present). Cost: Free. No registration required.
Through December 30: Winterland – Spectacular Sights of Holiday Lights
When: Sunday – Thursday – 6 pm to 9 pm and Friday – Saturday – 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ellis Park
Address: 600 East Main Street, Danville, IN 46122
Circle through Ellis Park to see this drive-through light display! If you plan to visit on Friday-Sunday before December 23, stop-in the train station to visit with Santa. Pictures, cookies and cocoa can be purchased to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Danville. Cost: $5 Monday – Thursday; $10 Friday – Sunday; closed December 25. Want a list of light shows? Click here.
December 6 and 7: Christmas with Santa & the Ponies!
When:4 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Strides to Success
Address: 1350 Terry Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168
This annual family event at local non-profit Strides to Success is in its 16th year! Visit the horses in the barn, get a photo with Santa, and do crafts in his workshop. Also play games and have a snack of cookies, cider and punch! Proceeds support at-risk and special needs children and adults in their life skills programs. Cost: $25 per family. Tickets are purchased at the door.
December 7: Christmas Under The Stars
When: 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Brownsburg Town Hall
Address: 61 North Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Get in the holiday spirit with this annual event! Parade route from Brown Elementary to Arbuckle Acres Park featuring floats from local organizations, and some special performances, such as dancing from members of Sister Act Dance Academy! A student selected from nominations will preside as Jr. Grand Marshall. from grades 4-12 willThere will also be a tree lighting, choir music and 30 minutes after the parade, pictures with Santa. Cost: Free. If you love tree lighting festivities like I do, consult this list!
December 8: Sunday Funday & Family Friendly Pick Your Project
When: 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Board & Brush
Address: 442 East Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Family wood sign Workshops for ages 8 and up! Choose from several projects, including Christmas as well as everyday themes, to make for yourself or give as gifts. Select a wood project and the paint and stain colors you would like to use, and get step-by-step instructions on how to create your piece. Snacks and drinks available for an extra fee. Cost: $68/adults, $35/ages 10+, $25/ages 8-9. Book Now.
December 10 and 12: Preschool Storytime
When: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: The Tie-Dye Lab
Address: 8100 East US Highway 36, Suite L, Avon, IN 46123
Gather ’round and listen to the story, “A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree.” You and the kiddos then tie-dye a stocking with your choice of colors and designs. While the stockings are hung to dry, have a seat to enjoy a snack and work on a craft. Cost: $20. To register, email carver@thetiedyelab.com, call 317-483-7903 or send a Facebook pm.
*This event also takes place on December 10th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
December 20 and 21: The Nutcracker
When: 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Danville Community High School
Address: 100 Warrior Way, Danville, IN 46122
Everyone needs to see the Nutcracker at least once! This wildly popular show features magical events of Clara’s broken nutcracker, who turns into a soldier and then a prince. He leads her to the Land of Sweets where the Sugarplum Fairy does a series of cultural dances. Then Clara wakes up safe in her bed with the toy nutcracker. Presented by the non-profit, The Children’s Ballet, with performances by the Hendricks Civic Theater. Cost: $15 adults; $7 children under 12. Get tickets here. Here is a list of other Nutcracker performances around Indy.
*Event also takes place December 22 at 2:30 PM
December 21: Polar Express Breakfast
When: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Eaton Hall
Address: 61 North Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Come for a showing of the Tom Hanks’ classic, Polar Express! There will be a breakfast of donuts, pastries, orange juice, coffee and water. There will also be a train-themed craft to tie into the movie! Cost: $18 per person. Register here. If you are inspired to go on your own holiday train ride, glance at these experiences (they do sell out fast though!).
December 21: Pictures With Santa
When: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Plainfield Parks and Recreation
Address: 651 Vestal Road, Plainfield, IN 46168
Children can share their Christmas list and take a picture with Santa Claus, take a ride on the Holiday Train Express and enjoy skating on an indoor ice skating rink! Ice skates will be provided. Cost: Free. Pre-registration is not required. Ice skating is your thing? Look no further than this list for other opportunities!
December 31 – Jan 1: New Year’s Eve Lock-In
When: 9 pm to 9 am (check-in/out 8:40 PM/AM)
Where: Hoosier Warriors Gym
Address: 7508 Beechwood Centre Road, Suite 600, Avon, IN 46123
Looking for a kid-free New Year Celebration where the kids will have fun? The evening starts with the Warrior Open Gym, made-up of obstacle courses and games. Next, have a snack and build forts. There will be a midnight celebration of cider, juice and finger foods followed by a movie and bed. In the morning have a light breakfast and more open gym until pick-up. Cost: $35. For questions or to register, email the Program Manager.
