At Dull’s Tree Farm, you can sip on specialty hot cocoa and visit Santa in his cozy workshop after you pick your tree. | Photo by @dullstreefarm
December is here, which for many people means it’s time to put up a Christmas tree. Here are some tree-mendous local lots, nurseries, and farms that can help you find that perfect pine, fabulous fir, or sensational spruce.
Sullivan Hardware & Garden
Each of the four locations across town offers a wide variety of real and artificial trees for families to take home. To get even more into the holiday spirit, sign up for a wreath crafting workshop, or book a ride aboard the Sullivan Express at the Keystone location — in addition to family-friendly journeys to meet Santa, it even offers an adult-only beer and wine experience.
DIGS Garden Center
Indy’s only downtown garden center opened earlier this year and is celebrating its first holiday season with an assortment of Fraser firs and white pines. Pro tip: It also has a pop-up at the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt.
If you’re looking to invest in an artificial tree to grace your home for years to come, Allisonville Home & Garden by Sullivan has a wide variety of options.
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Photo by INDYtoday team
Gore’s Christmas Trees
Since 1962, Gore’s has been serving all of Indy’s festive foliage needs with seven different varieties of trees to choose from, ranging from five to 19 ft. The lot also sells wreaths and garlands.
Watts Christmas Tree Farm
Located at Trader’s Point Creamery in Zionsville, Watts is well worth the drive. After you pick out your tree, stop into the creamery for a cup of fresh egg nog or take a farm tour to meet some of the herd.
Lost Forty Tree Farm
Prefer to cut your own tree? Drive out to this Greenfield farm known for its full, healthy trees — you can bring your own chainsaw or borrow a handsaw for free.
Did we miss your favorite spot to get a tree? Let us snow.
Events
Friday, Dec. 1
Magical Mornings | Friday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 22 | 9-10 a.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Museum admission | Families with young children can visit with Santa, engage in interactive story times with elves, and take a ride on the Snowfall Express.
Big Ten Fan Fest, presented by Dr. Pepper | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2 | Times vary | Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | $0-$12 | Big Ten Fan Fest, presented by Dr. Pepper, returns to the Indiana Convention Center with interactive games, entertainment, giveaways, food + drink, and much more.*
Claus Out: A Holiday-Themed Murder Mystery Musical | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis | $15-$45 | Step into a winter wonderland of mystery and melody with this jolly show.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Haverstick Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Haverstick, 9111 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Shop small at this fourth annual market with 20+ local vendors, seasonal beverages, holiday gifts, and hand-crafted raffle prizes.
Chris Tucker: The Legend Tour 2023 | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 8 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $60 | Snag one of the last few tickets to see comedy legend Chris Tucker perform a hilarious new set.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Santa Hustle | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 8-11 a.m. | Celebration Plaza, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $20-$70 | Lace up your running shoes for a festive half marathon, 5k, or kids dash.
Bourbon at the Ballpark | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 1-3 p.m. | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | $100-$150 | Sip the day away, feast on heavy hors d’oeuvres, and take part in a raffle for rare bourbon bottles.
Monday, Dec. 4
Meet a Reindeer | Monday, Dec. 4 | 6-7 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St., Indianapolis | Free | Meet a reindeer and learn about the Sami, Indigenous reindeer herders from the Lapland region of Scandinavia.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Butler Bulldogs vs. University at Buffalo Bulls | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 8:30 p.m. | Hinkle Fieldhouse, 510 W. 49th St., Indianapolis | $5+ | Watch the men’s basketball team take on the University at Buffalo.
🚲 Black Bike Friday: Score $1,200 off an e-bike for the cyclist on your list
Every Upway e-bike is eligible for a 14-day return and backed by a one-year warranty. | Photos by Upway
Have an active loved one on your shopping list? We’ve got you.
Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled e-bikes from top brands (think: Specialized, Aventon, and Super73) directly to your doorstep — so your favorite person can get rolling right after unwrapping.
E-bikes are typically more expensive than bicycles, but you can score yours for up to $1,200 off.
(Order before Wednesday, Dec. 20 and use code TREE for free express shipping.)
Calling all nurses — Indiana University Health is hosting virtual interviews today for 300+ positions across the state. Schedule an interview between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. here. (WRTV)
Development
Early renderings for the renovations of the old Union Jack Pub space at 924 Broad Ripple Ave. have been released. Borton Construction will be completing the work on the new retail spaces. (Broad Ripple Random Ripplings)
Outdoors
Indy Parks broke ground this week on a $13 million project to transform Riverside Park into one of the city’s “most unique multi-use green spaces.” Additions will include new trails, a pavilion and plaza, a nature-inspired playground, and outdoor exercise equipment. (WTHR)
Cause
Giving Tuesday may be behind us, but opportunities to help our community this holiday season are still abundant. Learn how you can help to make sure Hoosier kids in need receive Christmas gifts with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. (WTHR)
Seasonal
Want to learn more about holidays around the world? Check out World of Trees at The Global Village Welcome Center, located at 4233 Lafayette Rd. The free exhibit, featuring 40+ trees, will be open through the end of January. (WISH)
Community
It’s fun to stay at the YMCA in Westfield, which community leaders are breaking ground on next week. Opening is planned for January 2025. Once completed, it will be central Indiana’s 13th YMCA center. (WISH)
Arts
🩰 Nuts for the ballet
Where to see The Nutcracker in Indy
If you don’t want to sit through an entire performance of The Nutcracker, you can also watch a one-hour version at Newfields. | Photo by @indyballet
In our December events plan ahead earlier this week, you may have noticed one major holiday tradition that was missing: The Nutcracker. Here are a few places you can catch Clara and the Mouse King this month.
Butler Ballet | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $25+ | Prepare to be dazzled by beautiful costumes and live accompaniment by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Nutcracker with a Twist | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | IndyFringe Basile Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis | $20+ | Ballet INitiative puts a spin on the traditional show by placing it in a 1920s setting, complete with jazz music and flappers.
Indianapolis Ballet | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey, Indianapolis | $25+ | Indy’s only professional ballet company performs alongside the students of Indianapolis School of Ballet for an unforgettable experience.
I’ve seen many arguments about whether real Christmas trees or fake ones are more sustainable, pet-safe, cost effective, etc. So I’m wondering — are you team real tree or team fake tree?
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