The holidays fill our hearts with nostalgia, whimsy, wonder, goodwill, faith, hope and love. White River State Park offers countless activities and events for Indianapolis residents to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Jake Oakman, executive director, says people think of White River State Park as an outdoor attraction only, but with its many attractions, families can enjoy the park year-round.
“Between Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum and IMAX, there is an unofficial train theme during the holidays that connects those three attractions,” Oakman says. “Typically IMAX plays the movie ‘The Polar Express’ several times throughout December and hosts events like pajama parties. It’s really incredible to see people old enough to see the movie when it first came out now bringing their own children to see the movie at IMAX. Also, guests should check the IMAX website for additional holiday programming.”
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg Museum is a one-of-a-kind holiday tradition featuring a model train display complete with nine G-scale trains, traveling through spectacular landscapes and famous past landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West. Guests might notice some of painstakingly crafted local scenes like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and OneAmerica Tower, or national attractions like the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore, the Las Vegas strip and the Old Faithful geyser, which actually erupts.
The 30-plus scenes are lovingly decorated with twinkling holiday lights and include nearly 1,200 feet of track. Families can engage in holiday photos with near-life-size train engine models made of all-natural materials. Guests may notice natural materials such as twigs, sycamore leaves, pinecone scales, walnut shells or cinnamon sticks.
“The use of natural materials defines the uniqueness of Jingle Rails,” says Conner Richberg, festivals manager for the Eiteljorg Museum. “When you look closely at the buildings and scenery, you notice leaves, gourds, twigs, mosses, bark, nuts and pomegranate seeds. This is nature reimagined. Nowhere else can you experience Yosemite’s railroad station or Ahwahnee lodge looking stunningly beautiful – and it’s made of sticks.”
The newly expanded Allen Whitehill Clowes Sculpture Court features additional family activity areas. Families can also access additional bonus materials simply by scanning a QR code at each scene. Jingle Rails runs from November 16 through January 20.
For children and childlike adults yearning to catch a glimpse of the jolly old man himself, Santa, Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum is a great way to make cherished holiday memories. Santa arrives via helicopter and lands on the front lawn at 11 a.m. on November 29. Mrs. Claus also shows up to delight guests with holiday stories. Families then jump on the Snowfall Express with a direct ticket exploring Celebration Crossing. Late fall and winter scenes dot the landscape with charming, whimsical characters and music. Riders will encounter cheerful wildlife putting on their warm winter clothes, baking cozy meals and enjoying winter sports. Riders might even experience snowfall on the ride. The cost of attending Celebration Crossing is included with admission to the museum.
Santa will be on hand during select days for those wanting to share their Christmas wish list and have a photograph with Santa. The Reindeer Barn in Santa’s front yard is a frequent stop on the Snowfall Express. Guests will learn about Rudolph and his eight flying friends. Community choirs, bands, ensembles and soloists perform holiday music in the Governor Frank & Judy O’Bannon Great Hall on select dates. The Indianapolis Symphonic Band performs on December 8. Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa in the Great Hall on Saturday mornings in December. Prices for special events vary and require advanced registration.
The Indiana State Museum also recreates the L.S. Ayers Tea Room for those old enough to remember the charm of sharing a lunch at the iconic restaurant. The nostalgic lunch buffet treats guests to favorites, including the iconic chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches and miniature desserts.
Even the Indianapolis Indians get in on the holiday merriment. Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday is December at 8 a.m. at Elements Financial Club at Victory Field, and includes a pancake breakfast, a photo opportunity with Rowdie dressed as Santa, face painters and crafts. Kids can decorate an ornament to take home.
Another long-standing holiday tradition is Christmas at the Zoo. The event dates back to 1967, and each year the event continues to grow and entertain families with new decor and experiences. The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to thousands of twinkling LED lights draped over every inch of the property.
“This year will mark 57 years of the Indianapolis Zoo’s beloved Christmas at the Zoo event,” says Emily Garrett, director of public relations for the Indianapolis Zoo. “In 1967 the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to host a holiday lights event. Over the years Christmas at the Zoo has become a holiday tradition for central Indiana families. We now see multiple generations of families taking part in this special zoo experience. The event has evolved to feature thousands more glittering lights. This year we are unveiling a brand-new experience called Santa’s Magic Cottage. The whole family is invited to step inside a cozy cottage for a magical journey to the North Pole, where Santa is ready to visit and get the perfect photo.”
Santa’s Magic Cottage in Santa’s Village is new to the event this year. Mrs. Claus welcomes guests inside Kris Kringle’s abode while Santa’s elves guide them through this experience. Families will meet Santa in his personal study, where kids can sit on his lap, tell him what they want for Christmas and create holiday memories with a photo of Santa. After meeting with Santa, kids will be presented with a special gift – Santa’s Magic Key.
Santa’s Village also includes a noel-themed mirror maze and jolly animal encounters, including Santa’s reindeer, Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources miniature horses, and cold-weather-loving penguins. Adults will enjoy holiday-themed cocktails at Tinsel Tavern featuring Hotel Tango spirits and wine from Daniel’s Vineyard. Children can decorate their own Christmas cookies in Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. There are also numerous glowing photo opportunities under the twinkling holiday lights at the zoo.
Cheerful characters like Jack Frost, the Ice Princess and Vacation Santa entertain and delight guests. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir croons Christmas carols at the hearth. Indianapolis Zoo residents native to colder climates peek out to say hello to guests. Holly and Sprinkles weave holiday tales outside Cafe on the Commons. Participants will love riding the gorgeous carousel and train-ride journey to the North Pole. Christmas at the Zoo begins November 23 and continues through January 5.
The NCAA Hall of Champions is also exquisitely decorated for the season with event space rental, perfect for any holiday gathering.
For more information on the boundless holiday offerings at White River State Park, visit whiteriverstatepark.org.
