💡 Light displays

• 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.
• Lights at the Brickyard | Saturday, Nov. 19-Friday, Dec. 30 | 6-10 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | $25+ per car | This holiday lights display returns for a third season with 3 million bright lights on a two-mile course through the IMS infield and historic oval, including the front stretch and world-famous “Yard of Bricks” start-finish line.

🎤 Holiday performances

• Straight No Chaser - The 25th Anniversary Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 11 | Times vary | Old National Centre | $79+ | Get in the holiday spirit with Straight No Chaser as they perform at the Murat for the a capella group’s 25th anniversary.
• Indianapolis Ballet presents The Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18 | Times vary | Old National Centre | $24.50+ | Indianapolis Ballet presents the grandest staging of this Christmas classic, performed by the city’s only professional ballet company, alongside the talented students of Indianapolis School of Ballet.

⛄ For the kids:

• Christmas at the Zoo | Saturday, Nov. 19-Friday, Dec. 30 | 5-9 p.m. | Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. | $16.25+ | Check out this holiday tradition at the zoo dating back to 1967 with holiday lights, penguin encounters, and a visit to Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and Santa’s barn.
• 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.

• Holiday Concert at the Library | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 2-3 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Southport Branch, 2630 East Stop 11 Rd. | Free | Individuals of all ages are invited for a chamber ensemble musical performance of holiday classics.
• Christmas at the Farm | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | White Willow Farms, 2020 E. 256th St., Arcadia | $59 | Ring in the holiday season, featuring appetizers, music, and inspiration at the beautiful White Willow Farms.

• Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Toys for Tots Donation Drive | Friday, Dec. 2 | 12-2 p.m. | Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 6320 Ferguson St., Indianapolis | Free | Bring a new, unopened toy to donate to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria toy drive and get a free small deep dish pizza.

• Indianapolis Holiday Church Tour 2022 | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$20 | Explore architecture, history, preservation, and tradition at four historic Indianapolis churches, each decorated for the holidays.
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Touring) | Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 4 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $33-$103 | A brilliant whimsical annual holiday tradition wrapping a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts.

• Ice Rink at Holliday Park | Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Jan. 29 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis | $13 | Get on the ice and enjoy this new rink with friends and family.

• Dating Indy | Monday, Dec. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Tinker House Events, 1101 E. 16th St., Indianapolis | $20 | If you think Indy lacks a dating scene, join City Editor Nicole for a lovely evening of mingling and supporting small businesses.

• 38º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

• City officials approved a senior living project on SR 32 in Noblesville, citing $50 million in commercial and residential development over the next few years. Promenade Trails will feature 151 apartments and 59 cottage rentals with sidewalks and trails for people 55+ years old. Construction will begin in 2023. 🏗️ (IndyStar)

• 18th Street Brewery announced the near east side will be losing its tap room, but it plans to open an 18th Street Distillery location in the neighborhood next year. The tap room at 2829 E. 10th St. will permanently close today because of an expiring lease and the new distillery will be a few doors down. 🍺 (IBJ)

• Indianapolis Animal Care Services is asking that the community not bring animals to them as the shelter is in a dire situation due to overcrowding. There are too many animals being brought in and not enough people taking them home. Learn more about adoption and how you can help. 🐾 (CBS4)

• Local nonprofit GANGGANG was featured in an article by the New York Times. The national media outlet highlighted the cultural development firm’s work with its BUTTER art fair and We. The Culture: Works by the Eighteen Art Collective to prove that Indy is more than a sports city. 📰

• Purdue University announced it’s going back to requiring SAT and ACT scores for admissions applications for fall 2024. The university has been “test flexible” since 2020 due to COVID, but still recommended providing test scores. Purdue will begin accepting 2024 applications on Aug. 1, 2023. 📓 (WISH)

• The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Indy by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking a macrame fruit hammock, Alpaca wool blanket, and a Christmas ice cream sundae kit. Get shopping. 🎁
• If you work from home like us, you’ve likely become accustomed to having stiff muscles at the end of a workday due to prolonged sitting. Combat this with a little office upgrade — an electric standing desk paired with a sleek under desk treadmill. Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.*

• St. Elmo Steak House sauces and seasonings: Make this year’s gifts saucy + spicy with the restaurant’s infamous hot Shrimp Cocktail Sauce and world famous seasoning.
• Ready-to-pour cocktails: ‘Tis the season to BYOB (Be Your Own Bartender). With flavors like Espresso Martini and Cherry Vanilla Bourbon, these all-new cocktail concoctions make a great add to any bar cart.
• Gift cards with a bonus: Treat your friends, family, or coworkers to dinner on you with a gift card valid at any Huse Culinary restaurant (St. Elmo Steak House, Harry & Izzy’s, 1933 Lounge, and HC Tavern + Kitchen). Plus, get a 20% bonus gift card with gift card purchases of $125+.