Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt hosts a variety of winter holiday events, including a beautiful menorah lighting service. | Photo by @carmelchristkindlmarkt
The winter holidays are in full swing, 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
Menorah Aflame | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5-5:45 p.m. | Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Join in song + celebration as the giant menorah is lit.
Latkes and Lights at Winterlights | Monday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Newfields | The Lilly House will light up with menorahs as music from “Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah” fills the air.
Kwanzaa
Celebrating Kwanzaa | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 12-3 p.m. | The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt | Enjoy traditional music, drum circles, dance groups, and a performance by a storyteller.
Roots and Rhythm: Living Kwanzaa 365 | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 12-3 p.m. | Celebration Crossing | Watch drumming + dance performances, explore vendor booths, and participate in fun educational activities.
Light a candle and sing along at the Indy Winter Solstice Celebration.
Winter Solstice Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 18-Friday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis | Celebrate the return of the sun with songs + storytelling, concluded by a potluck feast.
Want to get in on the Big Ten action this weekend? Check out watch parties, last-minute ticket prices, and fan zone details. (WTHR)
Plan Ahead
Procrastinators, this news note is for you. USPS holiday shipping deadlines are approaching quickly — the office recommends you get your packages in the mail by Wednesday, Dec. 17. Some stores are offering free shipping on Sunday, Dec. 14; see the list. (IndyStar)
Travel
Time to discover your final frontier. Frontier Airlines is adding four new nonstop routes from IND: to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers in Florida. Flights will start taking off in March. (WTHR)
Watch
Farewell, Hawkins. The final “Stranger Things” episode is getting a theatrical sendoff, with screenings at AMCs across the city on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Heads up, tickets are vanishing fast.
Giveaway
We’re partnering with Hotel Carmichael to give away a luxurious stay in the Presidential Suite plus a $150 Vivante gift card, and two tickets to Feinstein’s Signature Series with an additional $50 gift card. Enter to win now through Dec. 15.*
Try This
A Merry Prairie Holiday is in full swing. Hoosiers can enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, 1800s holiday traditions, Frosty’s Sock Skating Rink, and selfies with Santa. Festivities run Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 21, and on Dec. 22 + 23. Tickets start at $15 — snag yours.*
Fun Fact
Did you know you don’t have to be a college student to access a handful of free or low-cost amenities around Indy’s university campuses? Check out this roundup of things to try, from Olympic-caliber swimming pools to gourmet meals cooked by culinary students for a steal. (Mirror Indy)
Sports
The Pacers couldn’t stop Jamal Murray as they fell to the Nuggets. Locked On explores the crucial reasons why.
Pets
Cats are naturally mysterious — but their health doesn’t have to be. With Basepaws Cat DNA Test, you’ll uncover your cat’s breed mix, genetic traits, and potential health risks that other tests miss. Get 47% off for Cyber Week and gain science-backed insights into your feline’s health.*
The Buy
A foaming toilet cleaner that tackles stains, rings, and odors with zero scrubbing. Splash Foam Cleaner offers a hands-free way to achieve a sparkling clean toilet in three easy steps: pour, let it foam, and flush. It’s that easy.
My recommendation for starting off your weekend right: Stop by the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt today. From 4-8 p.m., if you order a 6-oz hot drink, you’ll get a souvenir mug for free.
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