‘Tis the season in Indianapolis!
The holiday season has officially set in, and whether you are looking for holiday concerts, breakfast with Santa, memory-making fun for the whole family or 21+ festive outings, the Recorder has you covered.
Can’t find a specific event on the Community Arts Calendar? Check out our NEW Events Page!
Friday, Dec. 6
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle
7:30 p.m. (Recurring until Dec. 22)
$34-$74
Featuring host Sandi Patty and artist Curtis Bannister, the annual Yuletide Celebration will include the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performing timeless favorites alongside dancing Santas and elves, dance troupe Expressenz, the ISO’s own Sherry Hong performing a violin solo and more
A Merry Prairie Holiday
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
5:30-9:30 p.m. (Recurring Friday-Sunday until Dec. 22)
$13 for members, $26 for members
Celebrate the historic holidays in prairie town, surrounded by thousands of lights and fun experiences for the whole family, such as Frosty’s Skating Rink, selfies with Santa in North Pole Village and the Kringle’s Carousel.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Chimes of Christmas
IU Auditorium, 1211 East 7th Street, Bloomington
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$17 for students, $22 general admission
The Singing Hoosiers are celebrating their 75th anniversary with their annual Chimes of Christmas holiday concert, featuring music of Chimes’ past, present and future, with guest performers from the Jacobs School of Music.
Holiday Bazaar
Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road
Noon to 4 p.m.
Free
Set against the World of Trees exhibit, the holiday Bazaar is the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local artists and artisans, enjoy live performances and food and engage in family friendly activities and crafts.
imcoalition.org/global-village
Sippin’ with Santa
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
7-11 p.m.
$50 for members, $75 for nonmembers
The Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing is inducting a new adults-only holiday event this year, featuring festival foods, drinks, live music, games, dancing and shopping with local vendors.
Winter Art Sale
Indy Art Center, 820 E. 67th St.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Free
The Art Center’s annual Winter Art Sale returns this year, supporting Indy-based artists and artisans who will be showcasing one-of-a-kind works to get into the holiday spirit.
Sunday, Dec. 8
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” ASL/AD performance
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
2 p.m. (Recurring through Dec. 24)
$25-$116
Shining a light on the power of kindness, Charles’ Dickens’ timeless tale takes to the stage of the IRT, celebrating a man’s journey to redemption, the true meaning of Christmas and holiday traditions.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Candlelight Theatre: Winter Wonderland
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
6-8:30 p.m. (Recurring through Dec. 15)
$16-$20
This family friendly theatrical performance will introduce characters from around the world who bring winter to life alongside a steaming cup of hot cider, lively caroling and festive décor inside the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
benjaminharrisonpresidentialsi.ticketspice.com/winter-wonderland
Friday, Dec. 13
Lons Unreleased Vol 2
The Rare Space, 846 N. Senate Ave.
7 p.m.
Free; $5 donation or toy for Boys and Girls Club
Join Indy-based alternative R&B artist Lons for a new music showcase, featuring unreleased music and a peak at what’s coming next, an artist Q&A and a chance to network.
eventbrite.com/e/lons-unreleased-vol-2-tickets-1056080748949?aff=oddtdtcreator
Family Movie Night
International District Community Center, 3540 Commercial Drive
6-8 p.m.
Free
The International District Community Center is hosting a family movie night for the film “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” with Spanish subtitles and free popcorn. The movie night is open to guests of all ages.
Saturday, Dec. 14
A Classical Christmas
Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
7:30 p.m.
$40
Presented by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, this holiday tradition will see the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah alongside selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the ICO chorus and guest soloists.
Friday, Dec. 15
“Joy to the World: A Holiday Concert”
Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road
4 p.m.
$15; free for children under 12
Presented in partnership with Asante Art Institute and the International Marketplace Coalition, “Joy to the World: A Holiday Concert” combines music and dance from the diverse cultures in Indianapolis to take guests on a journey of celebration and reflection.
eventbrite.com/e/joy-to-the-world-holiday-concert-tickets-1087133568769
Sunday, Dec. 17
Family Night – Holiday Karaoke
International District Community Center, 3540 Commercial Drive
6-7 p.m.
Free
Families and guests of all ages are welcome to join in a night of singing and fun with a holiday-themed karaoke night at the International District Community Center.
Friday, Dec. 20
Pardi Wrapped
545 Kentucky Ave.
7-11 p.m.
$40
Presented by Be Nimble, the inaugural Winter Cocktail Pardi will round out the year with a celebration featuring an open bar, food, music and Pardi activations. Cocktail attire is required.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas Carol: Unscripted
The Wit Theater, 3808 Shelby St.
4:30 p.m. (Recurring until Dec. 28)
$10-$20
The same Christmas Carol you know and love… with a few suggestions from the audience and the cast’s professional improvisation. The show is advertised as a more casual, comedic version of the IRT’s performance, with a “naughty” version for adult audiences after 10 p.m.
Festival of Carols
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
3 p.m.
$36
Another holiday tradition returns as the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir presents a concert full of holiday favorites, musical highlights, a reading from “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a guest appearance from Santa Clause.
Monday, Dec. 23
Storytime with Santa
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
$25 for adults, $10 for kids, free for children under 2
Families are invited to support the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra by joining Santa for story time, featuring live music from ISO keyboard artist David Duncan and sweet treats from Singing Crust Bakery, activities and crafts and more.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Melt NYE
Fountain Square Theatre, 1111 Prospect St.
9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
$75; $250 VIP
Join GangGang for a New Year’s Eve MELT celebration to remember, complete with music and good vibes, light bites, a champagne toast at midnight and a few more surprises.
eventbrite.com/e/melt-nye-tickets-1083220123549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
