A miniature replica of the Indianapolis skyline is just one scene you can see recreated in Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum. | Photo by INDYtoday team
The holidays are almost here. If you’re hosting out-of-town guests in Indy but aren’t sure where to take them or what sights to see, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you.
Food + Drink
If your guests need coffee to get going in the morning but you’re not exactly a barista — City Editor Nicole is a big fan of the seasonal drinks at Blue Mind Coffee Roasting. But there’s plenty more where that came from.
As for food — our personal favorites include Tinker Street, Bodhi, Bluebeard, and brunch at Gather 22. We recommend satisfying your sweet tooth at Cafe Babette in Garfield Park for thicc pastries Thursday-Saturday.
The Canal Walk near the Indiana State Museum is decked out for the holidays. | Photo via White River State Park
Indoor activities
Temps this time of year can get pretty low, so spend a day exploring Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum or Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum to stay warm.
You can also send your visitors our events calendar in advance to get a feel for what kinds of things they’ll want to see + do while in town.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage | 7-8:30 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall | $35 | See the classic animated television special come to life in this stage adaptation.
Trivia with The QuiZZler | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Garage Food Hall | Free | Participate in weekly team trivia at the food mecca of Indy with prizes for top teams from rotating vendors of The Garage.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Festival of Trees | Tuesday, Nov. 26-Saturday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Indiana Historical Society | $20 | Take part in this holiday tradition that features 85 elaborately decorated trees, special programs, holiday-themed dining, and shopping options.
Gravy Chase | 8:30-10 a.m. | Rush on Main, Zionsville | $45 | Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to participate in this fun Thanksgiving Day race benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County.
Friday, Nov. 29
Celebration Crossing: Opening Day | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Indiana State Museum | Museum admission | Watch Santa make his grand helicopter entrance, take a ride on the Snowfall Express, and enjoy entertainment + games for the whole family.
🎄 Prepare to be enchanted at the Westfield in Lights celebration
Presented by City of Westfield
What’s your favorite warm beverage to enjoy during the holidays? Ours is peppermint hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. | Photos provided by City of Westfield. Gif created by INDYtoday.
Ready to kick off the holiday season?
Yule want to head to Westfield in Lights happening on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grand Junction Plaza from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy activities for the whole family, including:
Carnival games, caricature artists, and a llama attraction
Let it snow. The snowfall we experienced last week broke a new record for Indianapolis — becoming our earliest 3+ inches of snow since 1997. Many Hoosiers picked up 1 to 4 inches across the state, especially in central and northern Indiana. (WTHR)
Open
The iconic Omni Severin Hotel downtown has completed a $24 million renovation, which included all 400+ rooms of the hotel, plus the central gathering space with Bar Cardinale + newly opened 8th Notch Cafe and Market. Take a peek inside the rooms.
Announced
Start your engines. IMS announced Pro Football Hall of Famer, “Good Morning America” co-host, and longtime “FOX NFL Sunday” analyst Michael Strahan has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 109th Indy 500. The race is scheduled for is scheduled for Sunday, May 25 and will air on FOX. (WTHR)
Civic
Data has shown that red light cameras can drastically reduce the number of crashes — and IMPD Chief Chris Bailey is pushing for the state to change a policy to allow that. Many City-County councilors support it, but the state legislature currently does not allow red light cameras. (WRTV)
Sports
WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined in efforts to bring a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team to Cincinnati. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce its 16th team by the end of the year. (WTHR)
Listen
The Colts were defeated by the Detroit Lions on Sunday, losing 24-6 at home. The Colts now sit at 5-7 with must-win games each week to finish the season. Go beyond the scoreboard with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Show
Celebrate the season with a jam-packed lineup of festive performances at the Butler Arts & Events Center (think: A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nutcracker, Elf, and more). Experience the magic of the holidays — and snag tickets.*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Travel
Going’s “Best sale of 2024” is here with up to 50% off select memberships for a limited time. Sign up to save an average of $500 on international flights.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
The Buy
The Buy
A king size sherpa electric blanket that’s 22% off for early Black Friday. Save $30 on this warm, washable electric blanket, great for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend.
This recommendation may be obvious since it’s won USA Today’s 10Best holiday market award annually since 2019, but we can’t go without mentioning Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Your out-of-town visitors will fall in love with this Hallmark-esque holiday activity.
