City Editor Nicole sipped on the NA Champagne Dreams at HC Tavern’s Nutcracker Suite. | Photo by INDYtoday team
What’s better than a local bar? A local bar with a holiday-themed pop-up.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year + there are several over-the-top holiday bars that are popping up around the city.
Yuletide Tiki Tavern, Gather 22 The team at Gather 22 enclosed part of its spacious patio just in time for the winter. Step into its tropical holiday paradise with festive drinks made with Mount Gay Rum, exotic flavors. Pro tip: There will also be family-friendly and non-alcoholic options.
City Editor Nicole wants to try the “Ohana Means Family” mocktail at Gather 22 — a non-alcoholic tropical Mai Tai.
The Nutcracker Suite, HC Tavern + Kitchen Check out the second floor patio of the restaurant complete with Nutcracker-themed decor, festive drinks, photo-ops, and “The Nutcracker” playing in the background.
Operation: Salute to Santa, Hotel Tango Fletcher Place Hotel Tango is making spirits bright with a festive holiday pop-up bar featuring limited-edition holiday craft cocktails, a crackling fireplace, cozy vibes, and camaraderie.
Palladium Bookies: The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett | 6:30 p.m. | The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel | Free, RSVP | This group meets every other month to discuss books about the performing arts or related to upcoming performances.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Fishers Holiday Blood Drive | 11:30 a.m. | Sun King, Fishers | Donation | Roll up your sleeve and give a life-saving donation this holiday season.
Winterlights presented by Bank of America | Tuesday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Jan. 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Newfields | $25+ | Nearly two million lights will dazzle + delight beneath your feet and overhead during the eighth annual holiday tradition in The Garden.*
Mass Ave Paint & Sip | 6-9 p.m. | Condado Tacos | $39 | Create a vibrant, swirling Christmas tree design + enjoy delicious build-your-own tacos while you paint.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Mistletoe Mixology | 4-6 p.m. | Skyline Club | $55 | An expert bartender will teach you how to craft the perfect holiday cocktails to impress your guests this season.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Game Night | 5-7 p.m. | Indy Reads | Free | Bring the family and friends for some chess and games, or bring along your favorite game to play.
Friday, Dec. 13
Winter Wonderland | 6-7 p.m. | Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site | $16+ | Visit the historic home of the 23rd President for enchanting performances and beautifully decorated settings.
After more construction and closures over the weekend, drivers should expect delays this morning. I-69 on the northeast side will look different today after new pavement, new routes, and new ramps open. Get updates. (WTHR)
Announced
We’re wheel-y excited about this. The Children’s Museum celebrated its 99th birthday on Friday and announced a special surprise. On Saturday, March 15, the museum will debut an iconic new experience — the Centennial Ferris Wheel.
Coming Soon
The Spark Coffee, based in Speedway, announced it’s opening a new location in Mooresville. It will be located at 350 Bridge St. and is planned to open its doors in April. Keep an eye on its social media for updates.
Closing
Tea’s Me Cafe announced its Ivy Tech location will be temporarily closed starting Friday, Dec. 13 due to ongoing renovations. Stop by on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. to enjoy your favorite teas and bites before the closure.
Sports
Indy Ignite’s inaugural season ticket holders will get a first-ever opportunity to see the team scrimmage at Fishers Event Center Thursday, Dec. 12 during an event organized to celebrate the team’s original fans. See their schedule.
Pets
Indianapolis Animal Care Services took in 70 dogs between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30, and typically sees an increase in animal pick-ups when it gets cold. Because of this, the shelter is in desperate need of help to avoid overcrowding. Learn how you can help. (WTHR)
Listen
The Colts have underperformed in 2024 + a couple of key areas, such as tight end and linebacker, are part of the reason why. Listen to the team’s list of top priorities with Locked On’s daily podcast.
Arts
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. Create memories to last a lifetime as you experience this exquisitely danced confection with family and friends — grab tickets.*
Drink
Sit back, unwind, and sip your way through Great Legs Wine + Spirits’ new lineup of cocktails. Along with beloved classics and a carefully curated wine selection, the Garage Food Hall’s resident wine bar now offers a handful of craft cocktails. Cheers.*
Shop
Holiday shopping just got easier, Indy. From locally-made artisan goods to unique experiences, Hendricks County (~30 minutes from downtown Indianapolis) offers one-of-a-kind gifts and memorable moments for all of your loved ones. Explore 20 local gift ideas.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
The Buy
The Buy
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
Anyone up for a holiday bar crawl? I want to hit as many of these pop-ups as I can this season. I started with HC Tavern’s Nutcracker Suite in Fishers. See my experience.
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