The photographer said it best: “I think the canal would be the most epic ice skating rink ever.” | Photo via @aaron.creates
We know the question on your mind, Hoosiers — when’s it going to get cold again? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Think cold. Our city is predicted to experience typical winter temperatures for the area.
🌨️ Precipitation
Expect slightly more precipitation. Indy has a 40-50% chance of seeing higher than average snow and rainfall amounts this winter.
☀️ Drought
Drought conditions are expected to improve this season.
Back to December
Typically in Indy, December’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 28.2° and an average high of 38.3°. If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, you should know that on average, this month produces the highest snowfall at 2.28 ft. Heads up: December has the shortest days of the year, with only 9 hours and 21 minutes of daylight on the winter solstice (Wednesday, Dec. 21).
Jumping into January
In the new year, expect the average high and low temps to be between 21° and 33.4°. January is usually the coldest month of the year, so we recommend bundling up before heading out to Mass Ave. Did you know that January also has the least amount of sunshine with an average of just 4.1 hours? You can beat the blues by strolling around the Garfield Park Conservatory — a tropical paradise in the winter.
February feels
Historically, average temps in February rise a bitwith an average low of 25.2°and an average high of 38.3°. It’s also typically one of the windiest months,breezing by at an average of 9.8 mph. Bonus: Hoosiers can expect to notice longer days again, with sunrises at 7:52 a.m. and sunsets at 6:04 p.m., on average. You can take advantage of the extended sunshine by stopping by one of these 21 spots for a post-work drink.
POLL
The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…
IndyPL CEO Candidate Public Presentations | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St., Indianapolis | Free | Watch the finalists for the library’s CEO position present their visions for the institution and give your feedback.
Friday, Dec. 2
Big 10 - Friday Pregame | Friday, Dec. 2 | 4 p.m. | 250 W. Georgia St., Indianapolis | Free | Head to the west block of Georgia Street for food, beverages, DJs, and prizes.
Brian Regan | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $47.50-$57.50 | See the sarcastic, self-deprecating comedian as he takes the stage downtown.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Tiny House Ornament Pottery Class | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Gravesco, 1501 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | $45 | Make your own tiny house village at this sculpture workshop — no previous pottery experience required.
Yoga with Adoptable Pets | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 1:30 p.m. | Nourished Heart Shala, 260 South 1st St., Zionsville | $30 | 25% of the entrance fee goes toward IndyHumane at this dog + cat flow session.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
🗓️ Add to cal: A Hoosier tradition full of holiday magic
Presented by an INDYtoday partner
Who doesn’t want to see dancing Santas? | Photo provided by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Looking for your next family outing? Opt for a magical experience with the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, beginning on Fri., Dec. 2 and running through Fri., Dec. 23.
Step into a world of wonder and delight inside the Hilbert Circle Theatre this December. Here’s four pro tips if you go:
Arrive early for cookies + cocoa in the lobby, and take in the sights of the Christmas tree on Monument Circle and the sounds of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ in the lobby
For little ones, don’t miss the reading of “The Grinch” in the second-floor lobby 30 minutes before the show begins
Enjoy a variety of entertainment, including the vocal and piano talents of Emmy-nominated singer (and host) Frankie Moreno, tap-dancing Santas, a cast of singers, dancers, and friends from the North Pole (including the Moipei sisters), Nick Hodge’s Cyr Wheel acrobatics, and so much more
Grab the perfect family photo op in front of the Christmas tree
The Whiteland 65 Logistics Center is one of central Indiana’s biggest single-building sales this year. The 1.1 million-sqft industrial space was acquired by an affiliate of Fishers-based contractor Deem LLC for $104 million. The center may be used for cold storage or as a pharmaceutical facility, but plans are still unclear. 🏗️ (IBJ)
Open
Attention local foodies.Exotic on the Run relocated to 2127 E. 10th St. (aka The Mad Griddle) on Friday + is serving up dishes like fried lobster tail, gator bites, cajun pasta, and wings. You can dine in, order pickup, or have some seafood delivered to your home. 🦞
Circle City Eats — a restaurant incubator space — is now home to a Plantastic Indy. The new tenant offers 100% plant-based food in 100% compostable packaging. It’s currently serving up sandwiches, tacos, salads + bowls. If you’re ordering, don’t forget to add on some parmesan garlic fries.
Opening
The Cooking Station Indy (8327 Michigan Rd.) is expected to open next month as a shared kitchen for emerging restaurants. Food from the new biz will be available for pickupor delivery 24 hours a day, including cinnamon rolls from Tonia’s On A Roll Specialty Dessert & Catering. The project will cost ~$250,000. 🥘 (IndyStar)
Shows
Indy nonprofit Musical Family Tree has been collaborating with the Circle Centre Mall to program music on Tuesday evenings now into the new year. Shows will take place on the Dining Pavilion’s third level + are free and open to the public. Reach out if you’re interested in helping or performing. 🎶
Trending
During an away Pacers game against the Lakers, a fan made a half court shot, earning himself $75,000. Oh yeah, and Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard made a three-point buzzer beater, winning the game by one point (116-115). Not a bad night for basketball. See the moneymaker in action. 🏀 (IndyStar)
Announced
Take your love for INDYtoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉
Seasonal
We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*
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SEASONAL
Culture
Ready, set, glow 🎄
The lawn of the Lily House decorated for Winterlights at Newfields. | Photo via @paulagoff
The sixth season of Winterlights is on at Newfields now through Sunday, Jan. 8, with more than a million and a half lights illuminating the museum, Lily House, and surrounding gardens for the duration of the holiday season. Get your tickets.
Many exhibits are new this year, including “Big Piñata” + “Astraeus.” Glowing Garden, a dazzling light display arranged as multicolored flowers and greenery, is a fresh feature as well.
Editor’s pick: You might be interested to know that Musical Family Tree has its hands in a lot of programming around the city, including collabs with the Pacers, Indy Parks, the Arts Council of Indianapolis + Bottleworks. The org’s mission is to spread Indiana music by building a shared community of music makers and music lovers. If you want to stay in the know about the nonprofit, you can sign up for its newsletter.
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