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🍾 Making spirits bright

INDYtoday: INDY_Miracle on Maryland holiday pop up bar Christmas_NOV25
At Miracle on Maryland, you can expect festive drinks like Jingle Balls Nog and Coconut Hot Chocolate. | Photo by @miracleonmaryland
What’s better than a local bar? A local bar with a holiday-themed pop-up.

As the most wonderful time of the year begins, several over-the-top holiday bars are opening around Indy.

The Polar Lodge, Grindstone on the Monon | Wednesdays-Sundays now-TBD
Feast on comfort bites + winter warmers on the heated patio, surrounded by icicle lights, greenery, and a family of friendly polar bears.
INDYtoday: INDY_Little Debbie martini Union Jack Frost Pub holiday Christmas pop-up bar_DEC25

Union Jack Pub has been concocting fun menu items like this Little Debbie martini since 1979.

Photo by @unionjackpub

Union Jack Frost, Union Jack Pub | Now-Dec. 31
All we want for Christmas is a Little Debbie martini from this family-run, all-ages space for festive food and drinks.

St. Nick’s Lodge, Harry & Izzy’s Northside | Thursdays-Sundays now-Dec. 21
Cozy up in Santa’s hideaway surrounded by snow-frosted evergreens and twinkling lights.

Miracle on Maryland | Now-Dec. 31
Enjoy delightfully tacky decorations, delicious drinks, and “the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to.”

Blitzen’s, Omni Severin Hotel | Now-Jan. 2
Get a taste of the holidays with 10 cocktails curated by mixologist Julie Reiner from Netflix’s “Drink Masters,” plus small bites like Santa’s Secret Cookie Stash and Miso Tinsel.
7 more phenomenal pop-ups

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 9

The Magic of Christmas | Tuesday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 20 | 5:45-9:30 p.m. | Downtown Dinner Theater | $66

Chat and Craft | 6-7 p.m. | IPL Decatur Branch | Free

Holiday Lights Fun Run + Walk | 6-8 p.m. | The Runners Forum, Zionsville | Free

Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective Album Release Party: “9 Songs for Christmas” | 7 p.m. | The Jazz Kitchen | $15+

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Real Estate Social Hour | 3-6 p.m. | The Clubhouse, Carmel | Free

Illuminate the Night: Luminary Walk | 6-7:30 p.m. | Creekside Nature Park, Zionsville | Free

Thursday, Dec. 11

Boozy Book Fair | 5-9 p.m. | Great Legs, The Garage Food Hall | Cost of purchase

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Scottish Rite Cathedral | $25+

Indy Maven Holiday Mixer | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Indianapolis Propylaeum | $23
Basketball, blood drives, and brunch
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
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Try This

🏀 Indy’s can’t-miss college basketball night is back

Presented by Indiana Sports Corp
Indy Classic event photography and team jerseys.
Trust us: You won’t want to miss this year’s Indy Classic. | Photos provided by Indiana Sports Corp
Tip off your holiday season in style, Indy.

The fourth annual Indy Classic presented by Bush’s Chili Beans returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 20, bringing a high-energy men’s college basketball doubleheader to downtown.

One ticket gets you into both matchups:
  • Game 1 | 4 p.m.: Butler vs. Northwestern
  • Game 2 | 6:30 p.m.: Purdue vs. Auburn
Pro tip: Both games will also air on Peacock.

Hosted by Indiana Sports Corp, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Russ Potts Productions, Inc., this can’t-miss event packs major excitement.

Butler returns for the second straight year, aiming to extend its 6-0 record against Northwestern.

In the nightcap, Auburn and Purdue face off for the fifth time following last season’s meeting in Birmingham, where the Tigers came out on top, 87-69.

Ready to catch the action live? Grab your tickets online or head to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse box office.
This event is a slam dunk

News Notes

Sports

Call it the curse of the cat. The Colts lost their 11th straight away game to the Jaguars on Sunday, and quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear. Find out who might replace him. (WTHR)

Traffic

Commuters, take note: The ramp from southbound I-69 to Binford Boulevard will be closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today for bridge work related to the Clear Path 465 project. (WTHR)

Try This

Been waiting forever for your big break? Maybe you’ll get it on The TODAY Show, which will film at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome to join the crowd — just keep in mind the shops won’t be open during the time of filming.

Arts

Contemporary art is finally returning to Indy. CAMi, Big Car Collaborative’s new museum, will open on May 1, offering visitors a truly unique museum experience that’s less rules and elitism and more vibes. Go behind the scenes. (Mirror Indy)

Holiday

Celebrate the season at A Merry Prairie Holiday. Wander through twinkling lights, enjoy 1800s holiday traditions, skate at Frosty’s Sock Rink, and take a selfie with Santa. Festivities run Fridays through Sundays through December 21, and on December 22 + 23. Grab tickets.*

Pets

As the temperatures drop, city ordinances that help keep pets safe from life-threatening cold are important to follow. Here’s your refresher. (WTHR)

Listen

Ouch. Notre Dame has been snubbed by the CFP Committee. Locked On explains what’s next for the team.

Ranked

If you know a Gen Zer who can’t carry a conversation in a paper bag, you’re apparently not alone. According to a recent survey, Indy ranked the No. 5 city with the most socially awkward young people. Maybe sign them up for one of these groups where they can make new friends?

Post of the Day

INDYtoday: INDY_IU Hoosiers Big Ten One American sign POD_DEC25
One of Indy’s most iconic signs celebrates the Hoosiers. | Photo by @oneamerica
Rose Bowl, here we come.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Searching for stocking stuffers that aren’t candy but won’t break the bank? These five under $20 options are our go-tos:

🎀 A set of silk hair ties that prevent knots and breakage.
🧤 This pair of waterproof winter gloves that are touchscreen-friendly.
🚽 While it may cause some chuckles, this toilet bowl night light is a great practical gift.
🕯️ A pair of rainbow drip candles that start white + become colorful as they burn.
📚 This 4.6-star rated rechargeable reading light with nine brightness modes.
More stocking stuffer ideas this way
INDYtoday Games

The Wrap

Ursula, the Indianapolis Zoo’s new Amur tiger tenant, emerged from quarantine last week. Stop by the zoo to catch a glimpse of her as she checks out her new snowy home.
INDYtoday: INDY_Shea headshot 2024

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