Bicentennial Unity Plaza has turned its basketball court into an ice skating rink just in time for the winter holidays. | Photo by Jason Lavengood
You know what December means: The return of the rink. Indoor and outdoor ice skating sessions have opened up all around Indy, and here are a few places that can offer you an unforgettable icy afternoon or evening (that’s hopefully bruise-free).
Elevance Health Rink on Bicentennial Unity Plaza | 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $11-$17 | Create a new holiday tradition at this ice skating wonderland in the heart of downtown, complete with concessions + a gorgeous Christmas tree. Sessions are 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to traverse the massive rink.
The Ice Rink at Holliday Park | 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | $14 | This real ice rink in the great outdoors stays frozen even in warmer temperatures. It also hosts special programming, including skating lessons for both kids and adults + a free eight-week Learn to Play Hockey program starting in January.
Skate, eat, or drink your way into the holiday season at Carmel’s ever-popular Christkindlmarkt.
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Photo by INDYtoday team
The Ice at Carter Green | 10 Carter Green, Carmel | $9-$15 | This skating experience in the center of Carmel Christkindlmarkt feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Finish up your session by browsing the wide selection of charming German wares + delicious cuisine.
Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza | 225 S. Union St., Westfield | $10-$12 | Westfield’s brand new skating rink is made of a synthetic ice alternative that isn’t cold, wet, or as slick as traditional ice — meaning that even if you do fall, you stay dry and warm. The track-like shape also makes it easier to navigate the ice safely.
Pups and Pints Holiday Edition | Monday, Dec. 11 | 5-7 p.m. | 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel | Free | Bring your four-legged friend to the Village Green, grab a pint from Vino Mobile Bar, mingle with dog-friendly businesses, and score freebies like a caricature artist portrait.
A Merry Prairie Holiday | Monday, Dec. 11-Friday, Dec. 22 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | $12-$24 | Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festival while you take in thousands of twinkling lights, explore historic holidays, and so much more.*
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Theodore Roosevelt Talk | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Driving Wind Farm, 6410 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $25 | Attend this “Teddy Talk” for adults to learn about the many facets of our 26th President —a meal in the cafe is included.
VIP Gala | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | VIP Center for Business Women, 3755 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis | $1-$100 | Put on your formal attire to celebrate VIP Members with a special keynote address, dinner, and drinks.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Beastly Brunch | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | Free | The whole family can get an up-close look at a selection of animal ambassadors and experience a live feeding.
Christmas With C.S. Lewis | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St., Indianapolis | $65 | Discover the heartwarming story about C.S. Lewis’ Christmas traditions at this stage show.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Singo Bells: A Christmas Bingo Edition | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7-11 p.m. | Plat 99 at The Alexander, 333 S. Delaware St., Indianapolis | Free | Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer, laughter, and good vibes as you try to match songs with their titles.
The Pacers’ exciting run through the NBA’s first In-Season Tournament ended in the finals on Saturday. They lost 123-109 to the Los Angeles Lakers — but the team’s record is still 12-8, because the finals don’t count against regular season standings. (IndyStar)
Traffic
The first new “Clear Path” system ramp from I-69 to I-465 west is scheduled to open to traffic on or around Friday, Dec. 15. Multiple lane closures will accompany the traffic shift. Get the details. (WISH)
Edu
Reading rates for third graders have been falling — but the State Board of Education plans to help by launching a new data visualization tool to track literacy progress across each school district. This will aid in determining where intervention is needed + training educators in effective strategies. (FOX59)
Travel
We hear the train a comin’. Indiana is receiving a grant from the federal government to look into improving and expanding passenger rail service between Indianapolis and Chicago. The existing Amtrak line between the cities currently runs three times a week. (IndyStar)
Outdoors
The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.” Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show. (NASA)
Feel Good
There’s a new pair of legs in town. The Indianapolis Zoo welcomed a 6-ft-tall male giraffe calf. The young one will remain indoors this winter with his parents and the rest of the herd before being introduced to the public in 2024. (IndyStar)
Watch
Indianapolis filmmaker Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian will make his PBS debut next year. His first feature-length documentary, “Greener Pastures,” captures life at four Midwest family farms across four years of filming, and will air on March 25, 2024. (IBJ)
Featured Deal
Huse Culinary is offering a 20% bonus on gift card purchases of $125+ now through Dec. 31 so you can give the gift of delish dishes. Snag the deal.*
History
If these streets could talk
Historic street names in Indianapolis, IN
An aerial view of downtown Indianapolis and Monument Circle. | Photo via Indiana Historical Society
Over 200+ years, the city of Indianapolis has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Indy’s buildings, parks, and roads. Here are a few stories behind the street names we all know so well.
Meridian Street — Acting as the city’s main stem, Meridian Street serves as the axis separating east addresses from west addresses. There was discussion about changing the name to “Lincoln Boulevard” since the city’s main east-west artery was named after George Washington, but it was opposed because Meridian Street was more unique.
Kessler Boulevard — This street was named after George Edward Kessler, a highly respected city planner, landscape architect, and parks consultant. The city hired George in 1908 to help improve its parks system.
Binford Boulevard — This major road was named after Tom Binford, an Indianapolis businessman who helped steer the Indianapolis 500 through two crises. He was also one of the city’s leaders in civil rights, education, and downtown development.
Every time the Winter Olympics roll around, I sit on my couch happily critiquing some figure skater’s triple axel — and then I am deeply humbled when I take to the ice myself and can barely scoot away from the wall. It’s all about perspective.
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