Georgia Street offers family holiday fun

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The street that caused a national sensation during Super Bowl XLVI will offer free family holiday fun this weekend.

Georgia Street, which got rave reviews as home of the Super Bowl Village last winter, is decked out in holiday finery and will feature free ice skating, shopping a live nativity scene and more Friday through Sunday during an event dubbed City Sidewalks – a nod to the classic Christmas carol Silver Bells.

The event runs from 2-8 p.m. Friday (ice rink opens at 4 p.m.); noon-8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Local artisans will be selling their wares, including jewelry, candy, wine and more. Local choirs and other musicians, including the Indianapolis Opera, will be providing entertainment throughout the weekend.

At St. John’s Catholic Church, live Christmas trees will be for sale, and there will be a live nativity, church tours and more.

During a “block party” on the east end of Georgia Street from 5-7 p.m. Friday, judging for the residents window decorating contest will take place.

Santa will also be visiting from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Omni Severin Downtown Hotel, in the ballroom lobby.

Downtown will be a busy place beyond the City Sidewalks event, too.

The International Motorsports Industry Show is at the Indiana Convention Center Thursday through Sunday, and the Pacers are taking on the Denver Nuggets at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday. Also on Friday, IDADA's First Friday Art Tour takes place along Mass Ave and in Fountain Square.

Saturday at the Fieldhouse, the Hoosier Invitational will feature five high school basketball teams. At the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, some of the top cheer teams in the nation will take part in the World Spirit Federation: Indy Showdown.

Sunday, the Colts will host the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Several music performances are set this weekend as well at Old National Centre and Bankers Life Fieldhouse.