For a casual outing

For the “go big or go home”

• Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $11+ | It’s Star Wars Night — may the force be with the Blue and Gold.

• Late Night Thursdays Special: Winter Break | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Museum admission | Celebrate the winter season with a visit to Celebration Crossing in the evening hours — plus enjoy winter-inspired activities, visit with Santa, play in the reindeer barn, and ride the Snowfall Express.

• A Proper Holiday Pop Up | Friday, Dec. 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Proper Variety & Events, 614 Mass Ave., Indianapolis | Free entry | Sip on delightful festive cocktails, immerse yourself in dazzling decorations, and let the holiday magic fill the air — bring a toy for Kinship Care for foster kids of Indiana.

• Indianapolis Ballet Family Series: Nutcracker Sweets | Saturday, Dec. 23-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | The Toby at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $25-$35 | Experience a one-hour abbreviated version of the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.”

• Midnight | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $125-$175 | Start the year with this one-of-a-kind party at Newfields — with access to all of the IMA Galleries and Winterlights, guests can explore the campus like never before.*

• We may not have a white Christmas, but there’s still time for this to change. Right now, temperatures are expected to be more seasonal with above-average highs in the upper 40s to low 50s through Christmas weekend. The chance of rain returns Friday with showers possible into the weekend. (WTHR)

• Drivers should watch out for more changes related to construction on I-465 on the southwest side. INDOT said westbound traffic will move to new pavement starting on Friday, Dec. 22, with more work ahead as part of the I-69 Finish Line project. Read more. (CBS4)

• A community cafe is coming to the Fletcher Place neighborhood. Lille Bonne announced it got the green light from the Indianapolis Board of Zoning Appeals to move forward with its plan to turn an old church into a cafe and community center. Follow it on Instagram to stay in the loop.

• The WNBA released its 2024 season schedules. The Indiana Fever are slated to open their season on Tuesday, May 14 with a road game against the Connecticut Sun. The team’s home opener will follow on Thursday, May 16 against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (FOX59)

• Shaken or stirred? Esquire released its list of “The Best Martinis in America, 2023" and Indy’s own St. Elmo Steakhouse made the list for its “Smooth Operator” martini made with chilled vodka and a cooling ribbon of cucumber.

• Carmel Christkindlmarkt has been named the best holiday market by USA Today 10Best for the fourth straight year. The market, which features the only Glühwein Pyramid in the country (standing at 33 ft tall), is only here until Christmas Eve — so visit while you can.

• The Indianapolis Zoo was voted in the top 10 in the nation for best zoo lights in USA Today’s 10Best contest. “Christmas at the Zoo,” which has been around for more than 50 years, came in at No. 6. It’s here until Saturday, Dec. 30.

• Gov. Holcomb shared the sad news that Henry the First Dog died Monday night. “Henry brought so much joy to Hoosiers young and old, two-legged and four-legged alike,” he said in a statement. Henry was 13 years old. (WTHR)