Indulge in a winter wonderland at the History Center’s Festival of Trees, open Nov. 18. This year, we’re filling the building with 72 elaborately themed trees – 22 more than last year!
In addition to our regular hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., the History Center is open noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guests can enjoy fun, family-friendly activities and events, and visit the Indiana Experience.
Weekend programming includes visits from a vintage Santa, craft-making and more. Additional after-hours adult programming adds a different twist to the holidays.
Visit free on Saturday, Dec. 3, for the Holiday Author Fair and Friday, Dec. 9. Open Tuesdays until 9 p.m.
Presented by The Lacy Foundation with support from The Mothershead Foundation
FESTIVAL OF TREES SCHEDULE | BETWEEN THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMASDAILY
Sing-a-Long
Join us in the Cole Porter Room as a singer leads us through holiday-themed songs and entertains us with Porter standards. Vocal ability not required.
Elf on a Shelf
(Beginning before Thanksgiving)
Where is the History Center’s Elf on the Shelf today? Check our Facebook page for an image and then visit us to see what he’s gotten into now. Tell our Welcome Center you found him, and get a little prize.
TUESDAYS
Twilight Tuesdays
Open until 9 p.m.
Bring the family to see the beauty of the trees at night and enjoy local talent presenting the music of the season.
Nov. 29 | Indianapolis Children’s Choir
Dec. 6 | North Central Accents
Dec. 13 | New World Youth Orchestra
Dec. 20 | The Dickens Carolers from At Your Door Productions
Dec. 27 | Encore Vocal Arts
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Vintage Santa
Noon to 4 p.m.
A Santa from the past will stroll through the History Center to hand out special treats to children of all ages.
Holiday Handmades
Noon to 4 p.m.
Drop by to create a special handmade craft to take home with you! From coloring to creating an elf to paper works, there’s a lot to choose from for kids of all ages.
Sunday, Dec. 4
1 to 3 p.m.
Growing Little Leaves: Family History Through Traditions
Explore your favorite family tradition with your favorite toys. Share your traditions and learn about other holiday celebrations throughout history.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Statehood Day
Celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday with activities for the whole family!
Thursday, Dec. 15
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Good Beers and Ugly Sweaters
Join us for a special holiday HOPPY hour! Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy some holiday cheer as you taste complimentary seasonal beers produced by local craft brewers and enjoy live music. You might even win a prize for the best holiday sweater.
$15, $12 IHS members, $20 at the door. Ages 21 and up. Ticket includes five craft beer tastings and hearty appetizers.
