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Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing opens in grand style with Santa’s arrival by helicopter at 10:30 a.m. on the front lawn! Come join him, Mrs. Claus and the elves on Nov. 28 as he lights the magnificent 92 County Tree and officially opens the museum’s signature holiday experience. Throughout December visitors can meet the jolly old elf daily in his fanciful house and children can play in Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn. The Snowfall Express is a must for all ages and offers a magical train ride through a snowy forest filled with music, movement and wonder. You will even get snowed on! Elsewhere in the museum, visitors can enjoy performances by local choirs and ensembles at Holiday Sounds, see the original Santa Claus Express train and animated window displays from the downtown Indianapolis L. S. Ayres store and more.
Treat friends and family to a decadent and nostalgic lunch buffet in the beloved L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ at the Indiana State Museum, where you can indulge in favorites including chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts and more.
Open daily Nov. 28-Jan. 4. Seating at 11 and 11:15am, 12:30 and 12:45pm.
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Parking
Parking is available in the attached White River State Park underground garage on Washington Street and in nearby garages, or in the White River State Park south lot. For more information about other parking locations in the area, visit the Indianapolis Downtown parking site.
Accessibility
The Indiana State Museum provides reasonable modifications to ensure it does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services or activities. We understand that visitors’ needs vary and our visitor services staff is available to help you make the most of your visit.
Mobility
- Accessible parking is available in the White River State Park underground garage. This location offers ADA compliant designated parking spaces with signage on both levels. For raised roof vans, the upper level of the garage can accommodate a height of 8 ft., and the lower level 7 ft.
- Curb cuts are located at the corners near and surrounding sidewalks leading to the Indiana State Museum.
- Manual wheelchairs of varying size are available free of charge at the Information Station on level one.
- Elevators to all levels of the museum and IMAX® Theater are ADA compliant.
- There are ADA compliant restrooms on all levels with a family restroom located on level three.
- Power doors are located at all public entrances.
Hearing
- All in-gallery videos are open captioned.
- For private events that require ASL interpretation, please contact visitor services no less than 10 days prior to your program at 317.232.1637.
Vision
- For the visually impaired or blind visitor, the museum is best navigated and experienced with a companion. It is highly recommended that visitors plan a return visit as the museum is filled with all sorts of interesting facts, artifacts and opportunities, and it can be overwhelming to take in on just one visit. Consider purchasing a membership as this is the most economical approach.
- Service animals are welcome.
- Braille signage is in accordance with ADA requirements in areas such as elevators, restrooms and entrances.
- Taking into consideration the sensitive nature of artifacts, some displays are tactile.
General Amenities
- Parking is $4 when visiting the museum and free when attending an IMAX® film.
- Self service coat racks are available on level one by the School Lunchroom.
- Accessible drinking fountains are located throughout the museum on each level.
- For information about the first aid room, inquire with a gallery host or visitor services staff member.
- Bicycle racks are available at the Washington Street and canal-level entrances.
- There is a Mom’s Room located on level two.
- A family restroom is located on level three.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds once again hosts Christmas Nights of Lights, Indy’s largest drive thru light show synchronized to music broadcasting through your car radio!
This holiday extravaganza features a winter wonderland of more than 80 trees representing individuals, families and companies from around Indiana. Don’t miss special programs and enhanced dining and shopping options, too.
Banish your bah humbugs! A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with story and song at the IRT.
This beloved annual holiday tradition is a breathtaking model train display featuring eight G-scale trains traveling through spectacular landscapes and past famous landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West.
Explore a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience.
This winter, a captivating tradition continues as the Elevance Health Rink transforms into a mesmerizing ice-skating wonderland right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Holiday explorers, shoppers, and foodies will be able to enjoy Circle of Lights as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be festively lit all season long! Discover the magic that Downtown Indy has to offer!
Locals know it. Visitors quickly catch on. From visionary public art, live theatre, shops that are one-of-a-kind, chef-inspired food and drink restaurants, to historic neighborhoods and architecture, this is a place unlike any other.
Twinkling lights, a dazzling bandshell, and a fairy-tale scene! Step inside the enchanted Rathskeller Biergarten and experience an authentic German winter market, traditional food, live entertainment, and holiday celebrations from around the globe.
Indiana’s greatest holiday tradition returns this December! The celebration starts in the theatre lobby with festive decorations, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, melodies from the Wurlitzer organ and unique photo ops.
There’s no place like home (plate) for the holidays! The most wonderful event of the year is finally here. Our holiday programming includes a pancake breakfast, photo opportunity with Rowdie dressed as Santa Claus, face painting, crafts, and even a spirited evening of cheer with great bourbon.