Indianapolis museums continue celebrating the holidays and the New Year this month.
Families still have more than a week to enjoy what’s coming up:
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Winter Solstice celebration, 5 to 8:30 p.m. today, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road.
No admission; suggested donation to Mid-North Food Pantry
Visit the “Christmas at Lilly House,” displays sing along with carolers, create winter art, meet arctic creatures and watch blocks of ice transform into sculptures at this all ages family event. Warm up by the fire with sweet and savory treats from General American Donut Co., Pi Indy pizza and Sun King. In the spirit of the holiday season, please bring a donation of a new toy or non-perishable food item for the IMA’s community partner, Mid-North Food Pantry.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 with free admission.
The museum’s “Jolly Days” holiday exhibit continues through Jan. 8.
Slide into fun
Zip down the two-story Yule Slide to see who can make it to the bottom of the 47-foot long slide. Rumor has it the inside track is faster.
Children and families will be greeted by a galley facilitator or guild member dressed as the Head Elf. They will be encouraged to earn their elf ears by gaining experience with the various winter activities in the gallery. Once they complete the interactions together within the gallery, they can return and test their new knowledge with the Head elf to earn a pair of their own elf ears and their Elf name. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Snowball Fight Children and families can play in a safe snowball fight on the ice skating pond using 3-inch craft pom-poms. As the game continues, new rules and demands will be placed on the teams. 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. daily.
Atrium Snowball Fight Interpreters dressed in referee shirts will lead children and families in a safe snowball fight in the sunburst atrium using the snowballs sold from the museum store. As the game continues, new rules and demands will be placed on the teams, such as: no right hands or kids vs. grown-ups. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Winter Characters Characters such as Mrs. Claus, Zazzles the Elf and Jack Frost will enhance the guest experience with special appearances in Jolly Days and around the Mezzanine. They might engage in casual conversation related to their character’s story or they may perform a short story, song or activity based on visitation levels, space within the gallery and guest interest. 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily.
Sing-Along Extravaganza Popular up-and-coming singing duo, Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe are hitting the Jolly Days scene to share some of their favorite holiday carols and lead a sing-along in the Sunburst Atrium. Families will join in singing well known holiday tunes and enjoy the sweet sounds of this group as they make a stop on their tour to greet fans right here in Indianapolis.
Countdown to Noon: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31 Celebrate the final day of 2016 with activities, music from Grammy-nominated Zak Morgan, and countdowns at noon and 1 p.m. that will allow families to experience the excitement of a New Year’s Eve countdown at a reasonable hour for kids.
More events and Jolly Days information available at childrensmuseum.org.
Indiana State Museum
“Celebration Crossing” exhibit remains on display through Dec. 31
Santa’s House Santa and Mrs. Claus’ home has beautiful gingerbread house features to keep the Christmas magic alive. This year the home will once again be filled with the smell of gingerbread and pine, while twinkle lights glow by the windows. Children will take photos with Santa and whisper Christmas wishes in his ear.
L.S. Ayres Tea Room The historic tea room will be converted into the perfect holiday place for a special holiday meal with friends and family. Through Dec. 31, walk-in diners will be invited to celebrate the season and select from a menu of amazing appetizers to devilish desserts, all while enjoying festive decorations, music and scheduled entertainment. Reservations encouraged.
Santa’s Holiday Breakfast — 8 to 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 24 Guests will get to start their morning off with delicious holiday breakfast in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room as Mrs. Claus, Raggedy Ann and other holiday characters entertain the young ones before they visit Santa Claus and ride the Santa Claus Express. Reservations required.
Santa’s Playground
Kids can visit Santa’s (Imagination) Playground in the Earl Goode Education Center on Level 2. In addition to the STEM-based activity area, there will also be crafts and a place for caregivers to sit and relax while children play. Celebration Crossing: A Family New Year’s Eve, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31 End the year with a bang with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall. Activities include face-painting, arts and craft, games, door prizes and a special musical performance. A balloon drop at 8 p.m. allows little ones to celebrate the New Year in style. Reservations recommended.
Tea with Raggedy Ann, Jan. 1
Doll enthusiasts are invited to bring their favorite doll to the museum and enjoy the serenity of teatime at Tea with Raggedy Ann in the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Holiday characters such as Rudolph the Reindeer and others will be in attendance. Reservations required.
Celebration Crossing admission will include variable ticket pricing. For a detailed list of prices, please visit indianamuseum.org/visit.
