Conquer the (potentially) cold weather at Latkes and Lights by indulging in hot food and drinks or ducking inside the beautifully decorated Lilly House. | Photo by @newfieldstoday
The winter holidays are in full swing around town, giving Hoosiers of all backgrounds and belief systems opportunities to gather with their loved ones and observe meaningful traditions. Here are a few events that can help you get into the Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule spirit.
Hanukkah
Latkes and Lights at Winterlights | Sunday, Dec. 29 | Join the annual celebration when the windows of Lilly House will light up with menorahs and music from “Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah” will fill the air.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa: Cultivating Ujamaa — Collective Economics | Friday, Dec. 13 | Celebrate economic togetherness and sustainability with a boutique shopping experience filled with recycled, upcycled, and regifted items.
Kwanzaa Claus Visits Indy Reads | Thursday, Dec. 19 | Celebrate the season by taking a photo with Kwanzaa Claus + picking up merchandise to support literacy for all. Each child will also get surprise goodies to take home.
Light a candle and sing along at the Indy Winter Solstice Celebration.
Indy Winter Solstice Celebration | Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Celebrate the return of the sun with a night of songs + storytelling, concluded by a delicious potluck feast.
Nature Ornaments | Wednesday, Dec. 4-Thursday, Dec. 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Zionsville Nature Center | $1 | Color an ornament for the center’s tree to support the care of its animal ambassadors.
Christkind ChoralFest | 4:30-9 p.m. | Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Free | Hear choirs from around the world sing merry holiday tunes as you browse the market.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Miracle on 82nd Street | Thursday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 4 p.m. | Harry & Izzy’s Northside | Free | Step into a classic New York Christmas with life-sized replicas from the beloved “Miracle On 34th Street” movies, festive holiday cocktails, fresh-roasted nuts from street-style vendors, and more.*
Crooked Creek Cookie Bake | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | 2990 W. 71st St. | $5+ | Roll up your sleeves + create mouthwatering cookies from scratch to support FLIP teens.
Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr. Pepper | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Lucas Oil Stadium | $6+ | Check out interactive games, performances by team bands + mascots, giveaways, food and beverages, and more Big Ten fun.
Create memories to last a lifetime as you experience this exquisitely danced confection with family and friends. | Photos courtesy of Paul Retzlaff
You’re invited to enjoy a beloved holiday tradition.
The longest-running pre-professional Nutcracker performance in the Indianapolis area returns to the stage Dec. 13-15 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. CIDE showcases talented dancers ages 6-18, with the exception of a select few Butler Ballet male students + a former Ballet Arkansas male dancer who complete the ensemble.
Pro tip: IPS Schools can enjoy a special free performance, thanks to the Penrod Society. Contact Brittny at friends@cidedance.org for details. Don’t miss out on the Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert party prior to each matinee performance.
The FAA approved the city’s plan to permanently close the downtown heliport. No official date has been announced, but the impending closure will likely aid Mayor Hogsett’s plans to use the area for a MLS soccer stadium district. (IBJ)
Tech
Stellantis is singing, “That’s where we wanna go, way down in Kokomo.” The federal government has committed a $7.54 billion loan to help build two electric vehicle battery plants in Kokomo. The project is expected to create 3,000+ new jobs. (WTHR)
Sports
The Indiana Fever announced their 2025 season schedule, kicking off at home on Saturday, May 17 against the Chicago Sky. Single game tickets for the season will go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. (WTHR)
Drink
Get ready to Swig. The popular soft drink chain’s second Indy location is now serving guests in its soft opening phase at 9510 N. Meridian St. The official opening is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12.
Announced
Indiana University’s head football coach Curt Cignetti is officially Big Ten Coach of the Year. In his first season coaching the Hoosiers, he led the team to 11 wins — the most in program history. According to his contract, Cignetti will be with the team through 2032. (WTHR)
Community
With temps plummeting this week, your energy costs have probably been rising accordingly. If you’re a Duke Energy customer, you may qualify for up to $300 toward your bill as part of the “Share the Light Fund.” (WTHR)
Hoosier
Have you seen “Moana 2" yet? If so, you’ve witnessed the work of Indy native John Hasbrook, who worked on the film as a layout artist. Read about his experience. (WTHR)
Listen
After beating USC, the Irish are on the verge of reaching the CFP for the third time in program history. Go beyond the scoreboard and get the real odds with Locked On.
Fun Fact
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Tech
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Wellness
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Travel
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Category
History
Put Indy on the map
Just south of the Landmark for Peace memorial is the Kennedy King Park Center, which hosts an exhibit room dedicated to Dr. King and the history of the Civil Rights Movement. | Photo courtesy of Kennedy King Memorial Initiative
It’s time to reveal the finalists for the INDYtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
Kennedy King Memorial
On April 4, 1968, Robert Kennedy shared news of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination with a crowd who had gathered to hear him speak. The site was memorialized in 1995 with the art installation “Landmark for Peace.”
Polk Stables
From 1910 to 1963, Polk Sanitary Milk Co. workers — including jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery — prepared dairy products on this historic property. Earlier this year, COhatch Polk Stables opened a co-working space in the former stables, complete with a museum showcasing artifacts + stories from the neighborhood.
St. Rita Catholic Church
St. Rita Parish was founded in 1919 as the first designated Black Catholic parish in Indiana. It sponsored Indianapolis’ first interracial high school football game, and its boxing club produced three-time world champion Marvin Johnson.
Asked
Asked
Which location do you think should be crowned the winner?
A. St. Rita Catholic Church B. Polk Stables C. Kennedy King Memorial
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor. 🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates. 🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial. 🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking. 🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
If you haven’t already taken your holiday card photos, it’s probably time to start panicking. Luckily for you, Indy is full of talented photographers who can help in a pinch. I recommend booking Hey Blondie Photo, who went above and beyond as my wedding photographer.
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