Whether you are looking to go out with family or friends this weekend, enjoy live music, visit a museum or art gallery or try out a new restaurant, the Indianapolis Recorder has you covered. We have put together an extensive list of just a few holiday-themed events and activities going on in and around Indianapolis in This Weekend in the Arts.
Unfortunately, we could not cover everything going on in one calendar. So, if there is something going on that Hoosiers should know about this holiday season, feel free to let us know! Send an email to newsroom@indyrecorder.com so we can include it in the next edition.
Friday, Dec. 8
A Christmas Carol Comedy
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15-$35
Written by Indy-based composer and creator Ben Asaykwee, Indy Fringe presents a slightly different and hilarious take on Dickens’ classic tale, featuring a large cast of local talent, original music, costumes, singing and dancing.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
7 p.m.
Tickets start at $25
Kicking off the holiday season with a family-friendly favorite, the Indiana Reparatory Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Telling the story of Christmas cheer through themes of kindness, generosity and love, the classic play is sure to warm hearts this winter.
Holiday Concert at the Library
Indianapolis Public Library, Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Road
11 a.m. to noon
Free
Children and family members of all ages are welcome at the Lawrence Branch to celebrate classical holiday music and pick out a holiday-themed book for the season. A full list of branches and concerts can be found on IndyPL’s online calendar.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Christmas Night of Lights
Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1202 E. 38th St.
6-10 p.m. (Recurring until Dec. 31)
Tickets are $30 per car; reservations required
Returning for the holiday season at the Indiana State Fair Grounds, Christmas Night of Lights features new light displays, holiday music and enchanted Christmas tree displays in its RGB Field of Lights. Guests are encouraged to enter Gate 12, off 42nd Street.
Ice Rink at Holliday Park
Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road
11 a.m.-9 p.m. (recurring until Feb. 29, times vary by date)
Tickets are $14; children four years old and younger are free
The holiday season is not complete without a little ice skating. At Holliday Park, the ice rink is made with real ice that stays frozen in warmer temperatures. Skate rentals are included with each ticket, plus food and drink will be available at concessions in addition to beer and wine on Fridays and Saturdays for guests 21 and older.
Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St.
10 a.m.
Tickets are $5-$15; children under five are free
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Trees, the Indiana Historical Society will present a winter wonderland full of 78 elaborately decorated trees — each of which represent individuals, organizations and companies across the state. Additionally, the Eli Lilly Hall will include a 30-foot centerpiece tree, caroling through the Holidays in the Cole Porter Room and an interactive “A Christmas Story” display.
indianahistory.org/events/festival-of-trees
Sunday, Dec. 10
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle
7 p.m.
Tickets start at $43
Featuring Broadway star Ben Crawford, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra returns with a stunning performance of holiday favorites, such as “Toy Shop” and “Dollies.” Singing trio MOIPEI and Expressenz dance troupe will join the ISO in addition to a performance by Nick Hodge on the Cyr wheel.
Carmel Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops
The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $37
Led by conductor Paul Langford, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is offering two performances filled with holiday celebration for its annual Holiday Pops. Performances feature Ben Davis, Amelia Wray, the Indiana Ballet Conservatory and the Second Presbyterian Church Choir.
Santa’s Magical Morning
The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St.
8-10 a.m.
Tickets are $24-$37
Recommended for children five years and younger, the early-opening hours of WinterFaire include a visit with Santa, interactive Reindeer Bar and Santa’s Front Yard. Kids will get to ride on the Snowfall Express and participate in interactive story times with North Pole elves at 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
