It’s time to celebrate. The winter holidays are in full swing around town, giving Hoosiers of all backgrounds and belief systems opportunities to gather with their loved ones and observe meaningful traditions.
Here’s a helpful guide to a few events that can help you get into the Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule spirit.
Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt hosts a variety of winter holiday events, including a beautiful menorah lighting service.
Photo by @carmelchristkindlmarkt
Hanukkah
Celebrating Hanukkah | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Free | This event presents holiday activities, sweet treats, and traditional music, including a special performance by the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s 65th Street Klezmorim.
Menorah Aflame | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5-5:45 p.m. | Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Free | This Hanukkah tradition brings the community together for an evening of song + celebration as the giant menorah is lit.
Latkes and Lights at Winterlights | Monday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Newfields | $16-$50 | Join the annual celebration when the windows of Lilly House will light up with menorahs and music from “Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah” will fill the air.
Fishers Chanukah Celebration | Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Billericay Park Center | Free | Enjoy a light dinner, crafts, a menorah lighting, live music, and more. Pro tip: Keep an eye on The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis’ events calendar for other Chanukah parties + similar events.
Kwanzaa
“Kwanza Claus” Stage Reading | Friday, Dec. 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 2307 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. St. | Donation | Watch a full ensemble stage reading of the new play by Dr. Austin Dean Ashford, complete with refreshments + a talkback with the cast.
Celebrating Kwanzaa | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 12-3 p.m. | The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt | Free | Enjoy traditional music, drum circles, dance groups, and a performance by a storyteller who will share the culture and tradition of the holiday.
Kwanzaa Community Celebration — Roots and Rhythm: Living Kwanzaa 365 | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 12-3 p.m. | Celebration Crossing | Indiana State Museum admission | Watch African drumming and dance performances, explore vendor booths, and participate in arts and crafts + activities for the whole family.
Light a candle and sing along at the Indy Winter Solstice Celebration.
Photo by @zemlinphoto
Yule
Yule Market Festival | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis | Free, donations welcome | Shop from 20+ local artisans offering handcrafted creations, make your own specialty drink at the hot chocolate bar, and bring optional donations of new, unwrapped toys for Riley Hospital for Children or cash for spay + neuter assistance for feral cats and dogs at FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic.
Indy Winter Solstice Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 18-Friday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis | Free, donations welcome | Celebrate the return of the sun with a night of songs + storytelling, concluded by a delicious potluck feast. Plan ahead: The event tends to hit capacity, so show up as early as 6 p.m. to mingle in the lobby and make sure you get a seat.
We know we’ve probably missed some exciting events — tell us about them.