Hoosiers, get out your dancing shoes! With the holidays right around the corner, there is a lot to be excited for here in Indianapolis. Overflowing with holiday spirit, downtown Indianapolis has dozens of fun ways to celebrate these special winter moments.
Circle of Lights
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, brave the crowds and the cold with thousands of other revelers to enjoy the lighting of downtown’s Soldiers and Sailors Monument. For over 50 years, people have enjoyed the annual Circle of Lights that marks the official kickoff of the holiday season. Enjoy live entertainment and Santa’s workshop complete with busy elves and mountains of toys.
Jingle Rails
Each year, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art hosts the annual Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure exhibition that delights children and adults alike. Follow toy trains over 1,200 feet of track adorned with natural replicas of national landmarks made of twigs, moss, and other earthy materials.
The train passes through a miniature downtown Indianapolis then heads west through natural and human-made legends of the American West, including Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful, and the Grand Canyon. The train’s odyssey is adorned with festive holiday decoration that adds a cozy, homespun touch to this stunning masterwork.
Indianapolis Auto Show
In addition to serving as a mecca of car racing, Indianapolis also hosts the Indianapolis Auto Show each year. Held the week after Christmas, it gives those in the market for a new car and car enthusiasts, in general, an opportunity to sneak a peek at the newest rides on the road. Check out hundreds of new models from dozens of manufacturers showcasing cars, vans, concept cars, and more.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Indiana is proud to have President Benjamin Harrison as one of its native sons. A year-round destination, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site really comes to life during the holiday season. President Harrison was said to have been an enthusiastic admirer of Christmas traditions and was, in fact, the first president to put up a family Christmas tree in the White House.
During the holiday season, the former home of President Harrison is decorated to showcase a traditional Victorian Christmas, complete with authentic decorations from the period and vintage children’s’ toys under the tree. This event is sure to delight all visitors with an accurate representation of holiday traditions at the turn of the 20th century.
Christmas at the Zoo
For over 50 years, the Indianapolis Zoo has turned into a winter wonderland during the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and festive events. The first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event, the Indianapolis Zoo winter presentation continues to grow each year.
In addition to the lights strung throughout the zoo, Santa’s Village features free visits with the man in red himself, a peek at Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and a chance to look at Santa’s sleigh and his able fleet of reindeer. Makes sure to check out the Snowflakery, a mirrored maze of twists and turns with a winter flair.
Take the city by storm with a huge variety of only-in-Indy holiday events. From festively decorated historic sites to an impressive light display, you’ll get in the holiday spirit in no time.
Image via Pixabay
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