I love the holidays in Indianapolis. I’m always amazed at how many holiday activities are available each year. Here are some of my favorites.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum (650 West Washington Street) is an annual tradition. We visit Santa and take a ride on the L.S. Ayres Santa Claus Express Train. We then have lunch at the L.S. Ayres Tea Room (I recommend reservations). Celebration Crossing is open November 25-December 31. Museum admission is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $4 for children 3-12. Parking is available in the White River State Park garage on Washington Street. The cost is $3 with admission, just show your parking stub at the museum’s ticketing counter. Hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 11am-5pm.
After visiting Celebration Crossing, we head next door to the Eitejorg Museum (500 West Washington Street) for Jingle Rails. Watch model trains pass by local landmarks that include Lucas Oil Stadium, Union Station and Monument Circle. The trains also travel through the Western United States. Visit the exhibit November 5-January 8. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, children 5-17 and students are $5, Children 4 and under are free. The Eiteljorg is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday noon-5pm. Parking is available in in the White River State Park garage on Washington Street for free with purchase of admission and validation.
I always take my daughter to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N. Meridian Street) for Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. The highlight is a ride down the Yule Slide. Kids can also visit with Santa, play in a “snow castle,” go “ice fishing” and have some “cooking” fun in the kitchen. Jolly Days is open November 25-January 8. And new this year, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz at the Lilly Theater. Complimentary tickets are required and can be purchased beginning at 10am on show days. Members may reserve tickets prior to show day. Show dates are November 25-26, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 20-24, 27-31, January 1, 3-8. Admission to the museum is $11.50 for children 2-17, $16.50 for adults and $15.50 for seniors. Free parking is available in the museum’s parking garage. Hours are Tuesdays-Sundays 10am-5pm.
It’s not the holidays in Indianapolis without visiting Monument Circle. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is transformed into a Christmas tree. If you have a letter for Santa, drop it off at Santa’s Mailbox on the Circle through December 15. Every letter that has a return address will get a reply from Santa (a stamped, self-addressed envelope is appreciated).