There are so many great ways to celebrate the holiday season in Indiana. Families can take in a showing of The Nutcracker, have breakfast with Santa , drive through a light display, or catch a ride to the North Pole. If you are looking for something a little different, then check out the list of activities below. Read on and learn how you and your family can visit an authentic German Christmas Market (without a passport), travel back in time to the Victorian Era, experience a new Christmas tradition at Conner Prairie, hang with Olaf at the pool and more!
Christkindlmarkt in Carmel
When: November 16-December 24 *Closed November 28*
Time: Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 4 pm to 9 pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 9 pm
Where: 10 Center Green Carmel, IN 46032
A traditional German Christmas market right here in Carmel Indiana. Visiting the Christkindlmarkt will soon become a family tradition. Ice skate at Center Green with the family and take amazing pictures of your kids zooming across the ice. Visit the Kinderecke (Kid’s Corner) to color, craft and play. The Kinderecke will also have special appearances from market characters, local musicians and more. Shop at a variety of booths full of traditional and unique wares. Eat dozens of different traditional German foods and treats. The Christkindlmarkt in Carmel is a must experience holiday event.
Santa’s Big Arrival at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
When: November 29, 2019
Time: 8:30 am to 10 am
Where: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Santa is arriving at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis…by IndyCar! There will be sing-alongs, photo opps, access to the Yule Slide and Jolly Days. Enjoy the rest of the museum after you see Santa’s awesome entrance.
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie
When: November 29- December 29
Time: Friday-Sunday 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Conner Prairie
Start a new family tradition at A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie. Conner Prairie is the new home for the famous Reynolds Christmas Lights. The “North Pole Village” will have a toy workshop where kids can make a gift with the help of Santa’s elves, a Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, Reindeer Games on the midway, Mrs. Claus’ cabin and a ride on Kringle’s Carousel. There will be food and drinks and so much more to enjoy!
Victorian Christmas in Mooresville
When: December 7, 2019
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Town of Mooresville
Visit the Town of Mooresville on December 7, 2019 from 9 am to 4 pm for a day of vintage fun. A shuttle service will take visitors to each stop but watch out, outlaw historical reenactors will be on the loose! Seriously, check out the list of all the amazing things that will be happening at this event. They will have everything from Silly Safaris with Reindeer, crafts, Celtic music, gingerbread cookie decorating to living history encampments, wild west shows, magic shows and more. Admission to this event is free and very family friendly. Make sure to visit some of the local restaurants in Mooresville including Bran N Shorts coffee house and bakery and Blueberry Hill Pancake House.
Christmas Through the Ages at iNDYfRINGE
When: Varies
Time: Varies
Where: IndyFringe Basile Theatre
A funny and fun family journey through a collection of holiday songs and stories. If you have a music loving family, this will be a great show to enjoy during the holiday season.
Holiday House Greenwood
Check out this small town wonder as you walk through this densely decorated house and enjoy the Christmas spirit all around you. This is something you will want to tell all your friends about when you are done.
Miniatures by Candlelight at Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Inc.
When: December 7, 2019
Time:4 pm to 7 pm
Where: 11 East Main Street Carmel, IN 46032
Enjoy the Museum of Miniature houses at night and enjoy the amazing miniature models covered in holiday decorations while carolers perform throughout the night.
Swim Party With Olaf
When: December 9, 2019
Time: 10 am to noon
Where: Goldfish Swim School Fishers
Splash in the heated pool at Goldfish Swim School and take pictures and do crafts with Olaf from Frozen! Make all your kids dreams come true by signing up for this super fun event!
Family Christmas Ornament Workshop
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 10 am to 11 am
Where: Line + Form Art Center
Bring the whole family to Line + Form Art Center to make a Christmas ornament for your tree and create lasting memories.
