A Merry Prairie Holiday, presented by Everwise Credit Union, brings evening holiday festivities to Conner Prairie. Families can explore 1800s traditions in Prairietown, see “From Solstice to Santa: A Magic Lantern Crankie Show” at the Potter Shop Kiln Shed and watch a 3D projection-mapping show of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” on the William Conner House.
The new indoor Merry Marketplace in the Museum Experience Center has Frosty’s Sock Skating Rink, holiday shopping, food and drinks, and face painting. At Santa’s Sleigh Barn, kids can check the naughty-or-nice list with Trinket Puddingmoon and take a selfie with Santa through Dec. 22, with professional photos available for $15. Kringle’s Carousel, the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, LED lights in The Junction, stories in Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen and Dickensian Carolers round out the evening.
Tickets are sold for specific dates and cover all activities except food, drinks and $5 candle dipping. Members pay $15 and nonmembers $26, and children under 2 are free. Most of the festival is outdoors on gravel and uneven paths, so families should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. Parking is free, with accessible parking near the Welcome Center.
Socks are not provided for the sock skating rink, so bring a pair. The 1859 Balloon Voyage does not fly during the festival, and there is no ATM on site. Guests must be able to transfer from a wheelchair to ride the carousel or the tube run, the festival includes flashing lights and weather delays past 9 p.m. cancel the evening.