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The holidays are upon us and Indy has an incredible lineup of festive happenings, community events, and seasonal festivals that make us feel very merry and bright.
Recently, we asked you what local holiday traditions you love taking part in each year and received so many fun and festive responses. Here are some Indy holiday traditions that you all told us about:
Your favorite holiday traditions
- “One tradition we love is seeing the Nutcracker every year.” - Amanda S.
- “Santa Train at Sullivan’s Hardware!” - @jenkeen_
- “Christmas tree at Dulls Farm.” - @mrs.jackieb
- “Irvington luminaria!” - @marketvintageindy
- “Going to Indy Fuel games.” - @sammy_the_savage1
- “Yuletide Celebration w/ the ISO.” - @caloriemallory
- “Winterlights & Christkindlmarkt Carmel!” - @lilycapu18
- “The Center Grove and Plainfield High School holiday craft fairs!” - @mjpurple1
- “Children’s Museum at Christmas time!” - @laila.dilts
Will you be trying any of these locally recommended holiday traditions? Let us know. Also, check out these additional holiday traditions and happenings around town:
This is the last season for Jolly Days at the Children’s Museum.
Photo by @childrensmuseum
Must-do community events
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Saturday, Nov. 19-Friday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | 10 Carter Green, Carmel | Cost of purchase | Check out this traditional German holiday market that’s been voted the best in America by USA Today’s 10 Best.
- Winterlights at Newfields | Sunday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5-9 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 Michigan St. | $29 | See more than a million and a half lights aglow for the sixth season of this holiday tradition at Newfields.
- Jolly Days | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | Included with admission | Make memories one last time during the farewell to this family favorite holiday experience at the Children’s Museum.
Opportunities to give back
- Fifth Annual Toys for Tots Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 4-11:59 p.m. | Multiple locations | $5+ | Get your toy donation, grab your crazy holiday costumes, and get ready to party while giving back.
- Season’s Readings Book Exchange | Tuesday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Jan. 7 | Times vary | Indianapolis Public Library branches | Pick up a free book gift for kids at the library and donate a new or gently used book in return.
Get active
- Red Nose Romp | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Indiana State Museum lawn | $45+ | Join this festive 5K or half-marathon race gleaming with cheer as Christmas carols play throughout the course.
- Jingle Bell Run Indy | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7:30-11 a.m. | Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | Wear your favorite holiday costume and jingle along a 5K or 10K with your family and friends to support the Arthritis Foundation in this 35th annual run.
Holiday performances
- Indianapolis presents Nutcracker Sweets | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12 or 3 p.m. | The Toby at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis | $25+ | Join Indianapolis Ballet at The Toby at Newfields to experience Nutcracker Sweets, a one-hour abbreviated version of The Nutcracker.
- AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration | Friday, Dec. 2-Friday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle | $40+ | Emmy-nominated singer Frankie Moreno is coming back to light up the stage with his piano and vocal talents.
- Indianapolis Ballet Presents Nutcracker Tea | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 12-1 p.m. | The Auditorium at The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St. | $20+ | Sip hot cocoa, get lost in the spirit of Christmas in story time, and meet Clara and her friends from her journey to The Land of Sweets.
