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.
Hanukkah
Fishers Chanukah Celebration | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Location TBA | 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.
Latkes and Lights at Winterlights | Sunday, Dec. 29 | 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.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa at Winterlights | Thursday, Dec. 5 | Times vary | Newfields | $16-50 | Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa with warm refreshments, live performances, and local shopping.
Kwanzaa: Cultivating Ujamaa — Collective Economics | Friday, Dec. 13 | 2-4 p.m. | Martindale Brightwood Library | $15 | Celebrate economic togetherness and sustainability with a boutique shopping experience filled with recycled, upcycled, and regifted items.
Kwanzaa Claus Visits Indy Reads | Thursday, Dec. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Indy Reads | Free | Celebrate the season by taking a photo with Kwanzaa Claus + picking up merchandise to support literacy for all. Each child will also get surprise goodies to take home.
Light a candle and sing along at the Indy Winter Solstice Celebration.
Photo by @zemlinphoto
Yule
Indy Winter Solstice Celebration | Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 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.