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Winter events at The Indiana State Museum- Each year I try to plan fun Christmas outings with my family but always seem to find out about them with too short notice. Here are a ton of awesome family events going on at the Indiana State Museum this holiday season!

Holiday Programs

Holiday Experience: Celebration Crossing

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 23 to Jan. 6
• Included with general admission
• Usher in the holiday season this winter at Celebration Crossing! Visit Santa at his house and share your wish list with him, hear festive music from local choirs, enjoy a delicious lunch at the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ (reservations recommended), ride the Santa Claus Express train and more. Plus, see Santa arrive via helicopter on the museum’s front lawn at noon the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.

Opening Day of Celebration Crossing

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 23
• Included with purchase of general admission
• Santa will arrive at the museum in style on Nov. 23, when he lands on the front lawn in a helicopter at noon alongside Mrs. Claus. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir sings in the Great Hall at 11 a.m. Be among the first to ride the Santa Claus Express train, hear holiday sounds in the Great Hall and even visit with Santa himself on this special day to kick off the holiday season in Indy.

Preschool Fridays

• 9 to 10 a.m.; Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28; Jan. 4
• Included with purchase of general admission
• Bring your little one ages 5 and younger for an hour of special activities, including interactive story time with elves, building a cardboard snowman and early access to the Santa Clause Express train. Pre-registration is not required. 

Santa’s Holiday Breakfast

• Seatings at 8, 8:30 and 9 a.m., Dec. 1, 15, 22; seatings at 9, 9:30 and 10 a.m., Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
• $24.50/member adults, $15.75/member children ages 3-12; $33.00/non-member adults, $24.25/non-member children ages 3-12; free for children younger than age 3
• Enjoy a delicious and festive breakfast featuring live music and goody bags in the nostalgic L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ or Farmers Market Cafe. After your meal, visit Santa in his house and take a ride on the Santa Claus Express train. Registration is required 24 hours before each event and can be made online at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637. 

Bear’s First Snow

• 11 to 11:30 a.m., Dec. 14-16, 28-30
• $4/members, $5/non-members; free for children younger than age 3
• Bears usually hibernate in the winter, but our bear really, really wants to see his first snowflake. So, Bear decided to skip hibernation – and celebrate. Can Bear stay up? Will Bear see his first snow? Learn what makes the wintertime cool and keep Bear awake during this interactive play for families with children ages 3-5. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637, or at the ticket counter.

New Program: The 12 Days of Winter 

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 26 to Jan. 6
• Included with purchase of general admission
• Santa has returned to the North Pole, but the winter fun is still going strong! Come create cardboard snowmen, have an indoor snowball fight, participate in interactive story time in Santa’s house, help take care of Santa’s reindeer and more.

New Event: Tea and Theater with Your Lovey 

• 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 6
• $4/members, $5/non-members, pay for menu items; museum admission not included
• Bring your favorite stuffed animal and enjoy high tea in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and more, all served on elegant, tiered stands. Then, enjoy an exclusive showing of Bear’s First Snow in the auditorium. Registration is required 24 hours before each event and can be made online atindianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637.

November 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Small Wonders: Matter Mysteries
10 to 11 a.m., Nov. 14 & 17

• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little ones to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, they’ll get messy as they explore different states of matter, including a mysterious substance called “oobleck,” and conduct experiments. This program is for 3- to 5-year-olds and an adult.

Young Explorers: Building Blocks

• 1 to 2:30 p.m., Nov. 17
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop off your child at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will be inspired by brick artwork and create their own art using blocks and paint. This program is for 4- to 6-year-olds to attend on their own. 

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Homeschool Tuesdays: Feasts of First Nations

• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Nov. 6
• $8/members, $10/non-members
• Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate a child’s interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, explore the feasts of Indiana’s First Nations through special programming. This program is for youth ages 6 to 13. Museum open to general public. 

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Heroes from the Heartland

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 1-11
• Included with general admission
• Honor the contributions of Hoosier veterans and learn about the state’s military history with a visit to our Heroes from the Heartland display.

Family Discovery Days: Biology

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 10
• Included with general admission
• Join us as we explore life itself. Students from Butler University’s Department of Biological Sciences will be on-hand throughout the day to provide fascinating insights into the realm of biology. From cells and DNA to our human bodies and all living things, discover how all life is connected.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Bricks Night Out

• 7 to 10 p.m., Nov. 13
• $10/individual members, $15/individual non-members; $20/member couples, $25/non-member couples
• Enjoy a night out at THE ART OF THE BRICK experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display and take home a small memento. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637 or at the door.

Discovery on Draft

• 7 to 9 p.m., Nov. 14
• Indiana City Brewing Co., 24 Shelby St., Indianapolis
• Free, donations encouraged
• Adults (ages 21+) are invited to engage in conversations with local experts and academics on a variety of topics in this program series that takes place at breweries around Indianapolis. Check website for programming info. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637 or at the door.

Ultimate Engineering Challenge

• 7 to 10 p.m., Nov. 15
• $10/member, $15/non-member
• Do you have mad engineering or design skills? Then pull together a team of your best DIY friends (ages 21+) and put your skills to the test competing for the ultimate bragging rights. Your challenge will be to design, engineer and build a surprise cardboard creation in three hours. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. 

Books, Booze & Brains

• 6:30 to 8 p.m., Nov. 27
• Centerpoint Brewing Company, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite 2B, Indianapolis
• Free
• In this adults-only (ages 21+) science book club, join an expert for a facilitated discussion about a popular science-themed book while sipping a drink or eating a snack from Centerpoint Brewing. This month, join the discussion of “Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen,” by Christopher McDougall.

December

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Small Wonders: Winter Wonderland

• 10 to 11 a.m., Dec. 12 & Dec. 15
• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will be inspired by the winter world around them by investigating snowflakes and more.This program is for 3- to 5-year-olds with an adult. 

Young Explorers: Winter Exploration

• 1 to 2:30 p.m., Dec. 15
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will investigate the winter wonderland around us. This program is for 4- to 6-year-olds to attend on their own.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Brick Art and Design Studios

• 10 to 11 a.m.; Dec. 1, 8, 15
• $12/members, $15/non-members
• Youth ages 5-12 are invited to discover new ways to use building bricks to create works of art. Join our partners from Snapology and learn to create your own unique masterpiece based on a variety of topics, from pop art to sculpture.

Homeschool Tuesdays: Celebrating Cultures

• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Dec. 4
• $8/members, $10/non-members
• Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate a child’s interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, learn how different cultures celebrate and how they compare to one another. This program is for youth ages 6 to 13.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Sensory-friendly Mornings at the Museum

• 9 to 10 a.m., Dec. 3
• Included with purchase of general admission
• This morning allows children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to have a fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. During this special hour, museum lights will be at a lower level, extra sounds will be limited, and distracting motions or equipment will be paused. The morning will also include sensory-friendly activities in the galleries. No registration required. 

Explore Without Boundaries

• 10 to 11 a.m., Dec. 3
• $7/member children ages 3-10, $10/non-member children ages 3-10
• Extend your family’s sensory-friendly morning by attending this special program specifically designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences and other special needs. Enjoy musical storytelling, sensory art and other activities.

Signature Event: Family New Year’s Eve 

• 6 to 9 p.m., Dec. 31
• $10/members, $16/non-members, free for children younger than age 3
• Start the new year with a bang at this family-friendly New Year’s Eve party! Your family will bring in 2019 with face painting, magic, music, dancing, and a balloon drop at 8 p.m. Be sure to reserve your spot early so you don’t miss out. This is an alcohol-free event. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637 or at the door. 

ADULT PROGRAMS

New Event: 1940s Dance Hall 

• 7 to 10 p.m., Dec. 7
• $25/members, $30/non-members; ticket prices increase by $5 if purchased at the door
• Join us for an evening of food, dancing, drinks and fun as we take you back to the USO dances that defined 1940s America. Take a selfie with Rosie the Riveter and get an airbrush tattoo to cap off the night. No previous dance experience required. This event is for adults ages 21+ with drinks available for purchase. Light appetizers and fresh donuts included with ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637, or by credit card at the door.

Bricks Night Out

• 7 to 10 p.m., Dec. 11
• $10/individual members, $15/individual non-members; $15/member couples, $25/non-member couples
• Enjoy a night out at THE ART OF THE BRICK experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display and take home a small memento. This event is for ages 21+ with drinks and snacks available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or by credit card at the door.

Ultimate Engineering Challenge

• 7 to 10 p.m., Dec. 20
• $10/member, $15/non-member
• Do you have mad engineering or design skills? Then pull together a team of your five best DIY friends and put your skills to the test competing for the ultimate bragging rights. Your challenge will be to design, engineer and build a Santa-inspired glider that can actually sail. This event is for ages 21+ with drinks and snacks available for purchase. 

January

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

New Program: Little Learners: Becoming Scientists

• 9:45 to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 8
• $8/members, $10/non-members; free for children younger than age 3
• Homeschool families can bring their littlest learners to this class just for them. This month, little ones will become scientists through hands-on experiments, interactive story time and free-choice play, which inspires creativity and fosters decision making. This class is for 3- to 5-year-olds with an adult, with younger siblings welcome. 

Small Wonders: Light Exploration

• 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 9 & Jan. 12
• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will explore light through shadow art, glow-in-the-dark activities and light table play.This program is for 3- to 5-year-olds with an adult. 

Young Explorers: Music & Movement

• 1 to 2:30 p.m., Jan. 12
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will explore music by making their own instrument, exploring sound waves and helping with an art project. This program is for 4- to 6-year-olds to attend on their own. 

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Homeschool Tuesdays: Famous Hoosier Scientists

• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 8
• $8/members, $10/non-members
• Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate a child’s interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, learn about Hoosier scientists and how their research shaped the world. This program is for youth ages 6 to 13. 

Winter Break Day Camps

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 2 to 4
• $45/members per day, $50/non-members per day; $5 sibling discount; before and after care available for an additional fee
• This winter break, explore a range of topics from art, science, culture and more during these special day camps. Each day will feature a different theme, so campers can attend as many days as they’d like. This camp is for youth in kindergarten to sixth grade. 

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

New Event: Fashion Luncheon 

• 12 to 2 p.m., Jan. 3
• $10/members, $12/non-members, plus purchase of any menu items; does not include museum admission
• Get a sneak peek from a museum conservator of what’s to come in The Color of Style experience over lunch in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Then, take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of some of the stunning fashions from our fabulous collection. This program is open to all ages. 

Courageous Conversations

• 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jan. 17
• $5/person
• Join your neighbors to talk about contemporary community topics in this moderated discussion. A variety of topics such as food justice, how youth can help end the cycle of violence, bridging the wage gap and institutional racism will be discussed. Panel representatives will offer a wide array of opinions. This program is intended for high school-aged students and adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org, by calling 317.232.1637, or by credit card at the door.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 21
• FREE with donation of a canned good for Gleaners Food Bank
• Celebrate Dr. King’s dream and explore the struggle for civil rights. See highlights from Dr. King’s most iconic speeches, explore activities pertaining to civil and human rights, help create a “Dream” mural, and reflect on what you can do to ensure the dream lives on.

New Event: CREATE!

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 26
• Included with purchase of general admission; some activities may include an additional fee
• Join us as we celebrate art, film, theater, comedy, music, science and so much more in this NEW event all about creativity. See artistic displays, sing along to musical performances or invent something new. Sit back and enjoy the creativity, or jump in and create something yourself.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Ultimate Engineering Challenge

• 7 to 10 p.m., Jan. 10
• $10/member, $15/non-member
• Do you have mad engineering or design skills? Then pull together a team of your five best DIY friends and put your skills to the test competing for the ultimate bragging rights. Your challenge will be to design, engineer and build a winter fort that can weather an epic “snowball” challenge at the end of the night. This event is for ages 21+ with drinks and snacks available for purchase. 

Discovery on Draft: Unlucky in Love

• 7 to 9 p.m., Jan. 16
• Free, donations encouraged
• Round Town Brewery, 950 S. White River Pkwy West Drive, Indianapolis
• Adults (ages 21+) are invited to engage in conversations with local experts and academics on a variety of topics in this program series that takes place at breweries around Indianapolis. During the month when break-ups peak, join a discussion all about relationships, how dating has changed over time and the role technology plays in modern courtship.

Books, Booze & Brains

• 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jan. 29
• Free, donations encouraged
• Centerpoint Brewing Company, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite 2B, Indianapolis
• In this adults-only (ages 21+) science book club, join an expert for a facilitated discussion about a popular science-themed and purchase a drink or snack from Centerpoint Brewing. Visit indianamuseum.org for a full list of upcoming topics.

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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.