Annual Traditions & New Events Highlight This Season’s Local Schedule
Ho, Ho, Ho, Indy! While we might be known as a sports town, there are plenty of holiday-themed events happening in and outside of 317.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: “Yuletide Celebration”
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, ISO for short, is being joined by an air of former hosts for their 33rd year. Josh Kaufman and Angela Brown will join Broadway singers and dancers to present a number of holiday favorites.
But this year’s celebration brings new flavor. Indy’s own dance group, Expressenz competed in the World of Dance competition and will join in the celebration.
The Yuletide Celebration runs now until December 23.
Indiana Repertory Theater: “A Christmas Carol”
An Indy tradition that can be easily paired with a walk (or carriage ride) on the Circle. The Christmas classic runs now until December 26. Look out for special shows that include post-show discussions with the cast, happy hours, and more.
Christkindl:
The idea for Christmas Markets started in Germany. The villages were known for hand-crafted decorations and unique artwork. And this year the Indy metro actually has two such celebrations to take part in.
St. John’s Catholic Church on Georgia Street downtown celebrates this December 14-16.
2018 Christkindl Village from St. John’s Indy on Vimeo.
And a short drive away but this stop is definitely worth the trip is the Carmel Christkindlmarkt runs until December 23. A number of vendors, plenty of food and a skating rink will be set-up between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater.
Circle of Lights:
It’s nearly impossible to go downtown without coming across the toy soldiers, garland, and lights that make Monument Circle one of the most festival spots in the city. As pictured in the headline of this post, the Christmas tree is constructed by stringing garland for the very top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and will be up into the new year!
Christmas at the Zoo:
Dating back to 1967, Indy’s zoo was the first in the nation to embrace the holidays and this year will be bigger than ever. Extended hours and free with admission, this is a spot animal lovers should not pass up.
Newfields Winterlights:
It used to be called the Indianapolis Museum of Art, but a new name hasn’t changed an old tradition. From now until January 6th, lights will dance across the lawn and a new Wintermarket will open. There are warm drinks for the chilly evenings and you can save oney if you purchase tickets in advance!
Crossroads Classic:
This list wouldn’t be complete without some sports! In state rivals will battle on the hardwood when Butler will take on the Hoosiers followed by Notre Dame taking on Purdue. Each team is expected to be playing basketball well into March, so the competition shouldn’t disappoint.
New Year’s Eve on Georgia Street:
New York City might have the ball, but Indy has an Indy Car that drops at midnight! Dancing, DJs, and plenty of lights will help you ring in 2019 the right way.