While this Christmas season it sure to be a little different for most of us, Bob Schultz, senior vice-president of marketing and events for Downtown Indy joined us to insure us that there is still much to do in Downtown Indy.
Holiday Market on the Circle
Bring your family to a free Downtown Holiday Market on the Circle Saturday, Dec. 12 from 3 – 7 p.m. Local artists and vendors will be selling unique gifts to complete your holiday list. Enjoy a Beer/Wine Garden thanks to Indy Brew Bus on Tap. Check out the McDonald’s truck with giveaways for menu items. Listen to festive music and take in the Shining A Light Holiday presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
All aboard! One of Indianapolis’ most popular family holiday traditions returns. Experience the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s magical holiday model-train exhibit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.Take a journey through a locomotive wonderland as trains wind past icons of Indianapolis and the American West Nov. 21 through Jan. 18. Enjoy all of your favorite miniature recreations including Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas and more. Two local backdrops return: The Indiana State Fair and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These amazing structures are uniquely built out of all-natural materials and decorated with holiday lighting. Jingle Rails tickets are timed with limited capacity and visitors must reserve them online.
Indianapolis Zoo
Surround yourself with the beauty of the holiday season as the Indianapolis Zoo returns with the 51st year of Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union. This year’s celebration continues daily Nov. 21 through Dec. 30, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day. Stop by Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa in his study and get up close and personal with penguins. Check out Santa’s sleigh and a few of his reindeer. Then stay late to watch as the Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland covered in lights. For more details, visit IndianapolisZoo.com or call 317.630.2001.
Indiana Historical Society
If you’re seeking a way to brighten your mood this season, look no further than Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees Nov. 13 through Jan. 4 featuring 50 elaboratively-decorated trees. Select Friday evenings will offer extended hours to see the trees by night. Take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the 10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees. Stop in the Cole Porter Room for a holiday singalong and enjoy virtual story time with Santa. All exhibits will be open, including You Are There 1920: Celebrate Indianapolis! For those who would rather view from home, a free new virtual experience will allow you to enjoy the festivities on any mobile device. Check out FestivalofTreesIndy.org or call 317.232.1882.
For more information go to downtownindy.org/backdowntown.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN INDY.