A magical forest has popped up in downtown Indianapolis.
Inside the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, visitors can meet a quintet of whimsical animal guides to lead you through a winter wonderland. Kids can climb around in an icy cave, race down a virtual sledding hill and make a frozen fountain glow in wondrous color.
Best of all, they can whoosh down the museum’s reimagined 47-feet-long WinterSlide in a flurry of exhilaration.
All of it is part of WinterFaire, a new indoor winter experience springing from the imaginations of Children’s Museum leaders. Organizers have created a festive carnival-like atmosphere with unique games, displays on wintertime festivals from around the world and special events throughout the holiday season.
At the heart of WinterFaire are the animal hosts. Visitors are welcomed by Ember, a fluffy red fox, before encountering Indigo the chameleon at the magical fountain. A harbor seal named Flip hosts the WinterFaire’s games, while Gerty the beaver encouraged kids to tap into their inner creativity. The final animal, Storm, is an ice phoenix presenting activities based on building, jumping, climbing and balancing in her ice cave.
WinterFaire runs through Feb. 11, with the WinterSlide closing on Jan. 7.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis isn’t the only local cultural institution dressing up in their holiday best. Here is what else is planned around the area to make the season merry and bright.
Christmas at the Zoo
Details: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.; 5 to 9 p.m. now through Dec. 30, open until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets included with admission.
What: Zoos all over the country have made holiday light displays an annual tradition. But the first zoo to do it remains among the best in the U.S.
The Indianapolis Zoo kicked off the holiday light display in 1967, becoming the first zoo in the country to do so. They’ve been doing it for more than a half-century, and have only made it bigger and better each year. Visitors can find special activities, interactive animal experiences, and food and drink.
The hub of the celebration is Santa’s Village, located in the zoo’s Bicentennial Pavilion. Visit with Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and interact with real reindeer in the specially decorated North Pole buildings. The Polar Pathway brings people through a glowing tunnel of lights. Encounter penguins up close every evening. The reopening of the White River Gardens brings more lights and sights to this year’s holiday celebration, while new the Ice Princess and Jack Frost will be spreading holiday fun and cheer.
Winterlights
Details: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Ave., Indianapolis; 5 to 9 p.m. now through Jan. 7. Tickets vary depending on date
What: Across the grounds and gardens of Newfields, nearly 2 million glowing lights turn the landscape into a winter wonderland during Winterlights. The holiday display has become one of the most popular cultural activities in the area, bringing hordes of visitors to Newfields, the home of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, throughout November, December and early January.
The Landscape of Lights is back with 300,000 brand-new color changing LED bulbs that will shine brighter than ever before. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, provides the perfect symphonic soundtrack for a dazzling synchronized display in front of Lilly House.
Guests will be wowed by hundreds of glowing Color Blossoms illuminating the Interurban Railway leading around the corner and beneath an ornamented tree to Twinkling Trail, where people will be met with a new immersive walk-in larger than life ornament glowing with warm white lights, sparkling cone trees and an elegant tunnel of lights. New special programming includes a Winterlights Variety Show in partnership with Indy Pride, as well as a concert series presented by Forty5 Presents.
Celebration Crossing
Details: Now through Dec. 31, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14, 21 and 28; closed Christmas Day. Tickets included with admission.
What: Santa Claus made a grand entrance for the opening of the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing event, when the jolly fat man kicked off the festivities arriving in a bright red helicopter on Nov. 24. From that point on, the museum is filled with special activties and events in honor of the holidays.
Snowfall Express, a working train operating on the museum’s third floor, features forest animals putting on their warm winter clothes, baking cozy meals and enjoying winter sports, all set to a jolly soundtrack. Participate in activities on Santa’s Front Yard, and meet the jolly old elf himself. See the majesty of the 92 County Tree, learn about Rudolph and friends at the Reindeer Barn and take part in special activities such as Santa’s Holiday Breakfasts and Winter Wonderland Workshops.
IF YOU GO
WinterFaire
What: A brand new indoor winter experience featuring a carnival-like atmosphere with fun dames, hands-on activities and special animal characters.
Where: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.
When: Through Feb. 11
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Christmas Day, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Information: childrensmuseum.org
