Families eager to create happy holiday memories will delight in the festive fun when Jolly Days Winter Wonderland opens November 20 through January 2, 2022. Visitors will make it snow in a giant snow globe, meet an extraordinary array of characters from Scrooge to Ms. Claus, “ice skate’ in socks, explore an “ice castle” and of course, share their wish list with Jolly Old St. Nicolas. Santa will be in his sleigh from November 26 – December 24 for family photos. Due to COVID-19 protocol, children will not sit on Santa’s lap but they will talk with him and pose for pictures in front of his sleigh. For more Jolly Days information, click here.

Santa’s Special Arrival

Put on a hat, gloves and coat to see Santa arrive at The Children’s Museum in grand style Friday morning, November 26, 2021 at

8:45 a.m. A horse-drawn carriage will deliver Santa to the museum plaza, where entertaining elves will rappel from the rooftop and others appear from everywhere to greet him. IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, leads Santa’s entourage in a racecar—just not the type he typically drives. This one reaches maximum speed with pedal power. Follow Santa into the museum for a festive sing-along and opportunity to meet Mr. Kanaan and snag an autograph and selfie with the speedy celebrity.

Additional Holiday Season Fun includes:

• “The Christmas Quest” 

Enjoy live performances in Lilly Theater, which is free with museum admission. Here we have Jolly old St. Nick… but he wasn’t always old. This show will focus on key questions including how did St. Nick become Santa in the first place? Through an epic quest to the North Pole, the audience will follow along with his trials and tests in order to gain the magic powers needed to bring joy to all the children of the world. Details here.

• Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a hot breakfast with family while creating a holiday ornament for the tree and frame for a favorite family photo. Visit the Jolly Days exhibit to sock skate on the ice pond, cook up some goodies in the Tradition Kitchen and play some classic games. Visit with Santa. Details here.

• North Pole PJ Party

December 11, 2021, 9:30 a.m.

Santa is out for the day and the elves are ready to party! Bring a favorite stuffed friend and wear cozy PJs. Decorate a cupcake ornament, discover Andy the Zookeeper’s favorite winter wildlife while making a backyard bird feeder, explore the latest in Elf Fashion while making a festive scarf, and so much more. This party will be as cool as the North Pole. Details here.

• Build Gingerbread Houses

A family favorite is back. Build family memories by constructing a gingerbread house together. Details here.

• Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s elves need some help! Join this holiday program to decorate and assemble a wooden toy. Details here.

• The Children’s Museum Store discount

Santa’s helpers get some help themselves by visiting the store from Friday, November 26-Monday, November 29, for a 25% discount on everything in the store.

• Gift Memberships

Give experiences. A membership to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis lasts for a year. The memories will last a lifetime. Who knew a year of fun could fit into a stocking. Details here.

 

The museum offers free admission to children and families on December 24, 2021. Please note the museum is open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on that day.

Although The Children’s Museum is closed most Mondays during the winter, it will be open for family enjoyment on Monday, December 20, 2021 and Monday, December 27, 2021.

Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are required for all visitors ages 2 and over, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors who do not comply will be asked to leave and refunds will not be issued for already scanned tickets.