2018 Candlelight at Conner Prairie Brings New Spin on an Indianapolis Tradition
Explore Six Unique Events from November to January with Holidays on the Prairie
Conner Prairie by Candlelight
Conner Prairie by Candlelight is back this year, new and improved
for six nights in December. New this year visitors can tour 1836 Prairietown where
it’s the night before Christmas at their own pace. Also new this year, visitors can
warm up with hot chocolate, and adults can try a variety of adult beverages.
“We invite your family to start a new tradition or build on an existing one with
Candlelight,” said Norman Burns, president and CEO at Conner Prairie. “By changing
the format of Candlelight to allow visitors to tour at their own pace instead of on a
guided tour, more people will be able to enjoy this holiday experience.”
During this family-friendly event, visitors will meet a variety of characters in their
homes without feeling the pinch of time and learn how new settlers to Indiana’s
frontier carried on their holiday traditions. At the end of the night, visitors will either
join Dr. Campbell at his home for dancing and singing as his family rings in the
holidays, or join the ‘rowdies’ and carolers to sing around the bonfire.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. starting December
7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.
In addition to Candlelight, Holidays on the Prairie features five other special events.
Breakfast and Dinner with Santa: Eat a meal with the best Santa in town
and tell him your Christmas wishes, take pictures and decorate cookies.
Gingerbread Village: See a variety of gingerbread masterpieces created by
both amateurs and professionals.
Holiday Cheers: Enjoy an adults-only evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft
beer and spirits as you take a candlelit stroll through 1836 Prairietown.
Tales at the Holidays: Letters from the Civil War: This two-person play
uses song, dancing and puppetry to tell the intriguing story of brave mail
couriers during the Civil War. Also discover a carefully curated exhibit that
leads to our version of today’s Santa Claus.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy short craft activities at holiday-themed
Make and Take stations.
Conner Prairie Store
The Conner Prairie Store is also open throughout the holiday season featuring
Conner Prairie-made pottery and textiles, and Indiana-made food and gift items.
Located inside the Welcome Center, the store is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday, and during special events including Candlelight.
“Whether you’re shopping for your child, friend or family member, we have locally-
made gifts for everyone on your list,” said Elaine Molin, retail manager at Conner
Prairie. “The pottery made on site is always a best seller, and you truly won’t find it
anywhere else. We also make one of a kind corporate gift baskets.”
Visit connerprairie.org/holidays for more information and tickets to upcoming
holiday events.
ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE
Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie
welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first
Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-
themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history
and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look
into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit
organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on
grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations
for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for
admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.
