What to Do and Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie • diy mama

It’s no secret that Conner Prairie is our favorite Indy attraction. We try to go to all of their big events throughout the year and this year they’ve started one of our new favorite holiday traditions. Because this is such a big event (similar to Headless Horseman) I am going to share what to do and tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.

Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday

Wear the proper gear. December in Indiana could mean 55 and sunny or 15 and snowy so be sure to dress for the weather. The majority of the event is outdoors so you’ll also want to wear good boots to trek through the snow (or mud in our case!)
Get there early. We made the mistake of getting there around 6p (gate open). There was a line down the sidewalk to get in just like at Headless Horseman. Thankfully they’re super efficient at getting people through the doors. If you have young kids with an early bedtime, get there 45 min early. If your family can stay out late, come an hour after the gate opens. The festivities last until 10pm. Do not plan on doing all of the activities unless you are going to be there for the entire 4 hours.
Choose 2. Choose two must-do activities and anything else is a bonus! Again, like Headless Horseman, this is a huge event. It will be busy no matter what night you go, so that means waiting in line for special attractions. The tubing hill was a 45-minute wait all night. That being said, if you can, go two nights. Splitting it into two nights will ensure you have enough time to really enjoy what you’re doing. Being able to stop for cocoa or to sing with the carolers will make your trip better for the whole family. With two young girls (1 and 6) we liked the Winterland Wonder Ride with Santa and going through the homes in Prairietown the best.

What To Do At A Merry Prairie Holiday

Step into the wonder of the season as you stroll through Reynolds Christmas Lights display.
Journey around the Clowes Common where you will find holiday treats and eats, artisans working on their seasonal crafts, and special photo ops.
Visit the North Pole Village.
• Enter the toy workshop and make a holiday gift with the help of Santa’s elves.
• Zoom down the Polar Bear Plunge dry snow tubing hill.
• Test your skill at the Reindeer Games Midway.
• Visit the Claus’ Cabin where you can visit with Mrs. Claus and drop off your letter to Santa.
• Hop aboard the Kringle’s Carousel to take a ride.
Enjoy local entertainers and musicians performing throughout the evening on Blitzen’s Bandstand while you enjoy some fresh, warm holiday treats and beverages, under the glow of holiday lights on the Conner House and Animal Encounters Barn.
Visit Prairietown where you will be wrapped in the warmth of Holidays through History:
• You can visit the 1860’s Hoosier Homefront, and Soldiers Camp to learn how they are celebrating the season during the troubling times of the Civil War.
• See classic Conner Prairie by Candlelight favorites, like Dr. Campbell’s Soiree, the disgruntled Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Whitaker’s Store, and the Curtis family making Christmas preparations.
• Witness the power of a second chance with a live reading from Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol and enjoy the sounds of Christmas Carolers.
• Sit down and warm up a spell while you hear holiday stories told through the use of historic Crankies.
Climb aboard the Winterland Wagon Ride across Conner Prairie’s Historic Grounds through thousands of twinkling lights.

For more FAQ check out Conner Prairie’s list about weather cancellations, where to get tickets and ADA accessibility. When you go, let me know your favorite events during the night!