Activities For The Winter Holidays

The winter holidays are right around the corner and what better time is there to spend with family and friends!  This year there are tons of fun things to do around the Indianapolis and surrounding areas that are perfect for the holidays and are sure to create good memories.  Below are just a few ideas for some fun free or inexpensive activities are sure to get your holidays off to the right start.

Carmel’s Christkindlemarkt – November 18 – December 24

Free to attend market – $3 for Ice Skating 

At Carmel’s Christkindlemarkt, get a taste of the old world charm of Christmas in Germany in Carmel, Indiana. The tradition of the mark stretches back to Saxony, Germany during the middle ages. There is a blend of traditional German food, steins, nutcrackers, ornaments and other gifts that surround a wonderful outdoor ice skating rink. There is also a stage that brings live Germanic music to the market.

For more information go to: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com

Winterlights – November 19 – January 7

$8 – $20 (children 5 and under are free) 

Do you know the song Walking in a Winter Wonderland? At Winterlights in Newfields (a part of the Indianapolis Museum of Art) you can now walk through a winter wonderland of holiday light displays in forests, fields, and gardens. From whimsy trees to the Snowflake Bridge, there is a lot to do. There are also places to get beverages and snacks, such as cider, cocoa, beer, wine, and s’mores.

For more information go to: https://discovernewfields.org/calendar/winterlights

Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival – November 24 – January 7

$10 – $15 (children 4 and under are free)

Visit the Indiana State Fair this winter to see the Indiana Chinese Lantern Festival illuminating the Fairgrounds. This is a festival of Chinese folk-culture actives, live entertainment, and more than 30 sets of larger-than-life-sized lantern displays. Each display is handcrafted by a Chinese artisan. There are also nightly performances, crafts, and a variety of Chinese and traditional fair food and drinks.

For more information go to: http://www.indianalanternfest.com

Lights at the Brickyard – November 17 – December 30

$25 – $50 

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, experience 2.5 million bright lights and illuminating, colorful displays. This year, the Lights at the Brickyard will expand to more than over 2 miles from last year’s 1.7-mile layout. The route travels through the IMS infield, along the front stretch of the historic oval, and will cross the world-famous Yard of Bricks start-finish line.

For more information go to: http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/lights/event-info/what-is-lights-at-the-brickyard

Reynold’s Christmas Lights Display – November 21 – January 1

Free

Check out Reynolds Farm Equipment’s annual Christmas Light display held at their Fisher, IN store location. With 150 settings and over a million bulbs, this light display is now back for its 25th year. The lights raise money for Hamilton County’s largest food pantry — the Come-to-Me Food Pantry at Fishers United Methodist Church.

For more information go to: https://www.visithamiltoncounty.com/event/reynolds-christmas-lights-display/54818/

Downtown Indy, Inc.’s New Year’s Eve – December 31

Free

This New Years Eve, head to Georgia Street in Indianapolis to enjoy exciting entertainment, food and drinks, and a unique midnight spectacular as we ring in the new year. At 11:59 p.m., as IndyCar hoisted high above the crowd will descend to a collective countdown and fireworks at midnight.

For more information go to: http://www.downtownindy.org/happening-downtown/hot/downtown-indy-incs-new-years-eve/

 

The Nutcracker Ballet – December 21 – 23

$15 and Up

This year at the historic Murat Theatre, enjoy a timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet. This show will certainly be one to make the holiday memories.

For more information go to: https://concerts1.livenation.com/indianapolis-ballet-the-nutcracker-indianapolis-indiana-12-21-2017/event/050052FFD5337174?f_PPL=true&ab=efeat5787v1

The Hilton Family of Hotels in Downtown Indianapolis “Home for the Holidays” promotion

November 25 – January 31

Now through the end of January, enjoy discounted rates and special packages at any of the Downtown Indianapolis Hilton family hotels through the “Home for the Holidays” promotion. This is perfect for visiting family and friends.

For more information go to: http://www.downtownindy.org/happening-downtown/hot/the-hilton-family-of-hotels-in-downtown-indianapolis-home-for-the-holidays-promotion/

Lawrence Library Ready for You & the Holidays

Don’t forget to browse the Lawrence library holiday displays. Check out a cookbook and impress your family and friends over the holidays with your cooking skills. Alternatively, check out a book about how the holidays are observed around the world.

The library will start holiday break hours on December 18. We will be open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. The hours will last until the first day of classes, which is January 16. The library, along with the rest of the college, will be closed December 25 through January 1. We look forward to seeing you in the library and hope you have a great holiday break.