Get into the holiday spirit and surround yourself with creatively decorated trees! Festival of Trees returns for the 10th year to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center from November 10 through January 6, 2024. Visitors can take part in the annual holiday extravaganza that includes 78 elaborately decorated trees, special programs and enhanced dining and shopping options.
“This year’s festival will feature a winter wonderland of 78 trees representing individuals, families and companies from around Indiana,” said IHS President and CEO Jody Blankenship. “In addition, guests can enjoy a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree in the center of Eli Lilly Hall that is viewable throughout most of the building. And in celebration of Festival of Trees’ 10th anniversary, sponsors who have decorated a tree all 10 years will be specially noted.”
Festival of Trees Activities
Here’s what you can expect when visiting Festival of Trees this year:
Vote for Your Favorite Tree
There’s a friendly competition for which tree is the fan favorite, and each guest will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree.
Scavenger Hunts
Visitors also can take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurken (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building), and visit the interactive display of the movie “A Christmas Story,” sponsored by O’Malia’s Living.
Twilight Tuesdays
Back by popular demand, Twilight Tuesdays will offer an after-hours experience from 5-8 p.m. for those who wish to see the trees by night. Twilight Tuesdays are November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19.
Musical Performances
With a paid ticket to Festival of Trees, guests can enjoy additional programming and musical performances, with special holiday treats offered at the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s. Throughout Festival of Trees, the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s will offer extended hours and additional menu options, including holiday-inspired treats and tasty specialty beverages for both children and grown-ups.
Festival of Trees Events
Enhance your visit to the Festival of Trees with additional events to get you in the holiday spirit. These special events include:
- Saturday, December 2: Holiday Author Fair
Mix and mingle with more than 60 authors during this annual event from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission to the Author Fair is included with general admission to the Indiana Historical Society. Click here for tickets.
- Friday, December 8: Good Cheers and Ugly Sweaters
Wear your ugly sweaters or other themed apparel and enjoy sipping on complimentary local seasonal beverages, including craft beer, spirits, cocktails and more. Soak up the season while strolling through the winter wonderland of Festival of Trees and campaign to win the best — or worst — holiday attire. Enjoy a treat under the stars in the Stardust Terrace Café. One ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass, admission to Festival of Trees, activities and chances to win prizes throughout the evening. Click here for tickets.
- Saturday, December 16: The Dance Refinery Vignettes from “The Nutcracker.”
The performances will be at 1 and 3 p.m. will last about 45 minutes each. Performances are included with admission to the History Center. As an additional treat, participants can register for “The Sweet Experience” from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and join Clara and her friends for a morning of sweets, holiday crafts and story reading. Participants will have the opportunity for an exclusive photo with Clara and the Nutcracker as well as a reserved VIP seat at the Nutcracker performance at 1 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Festival of Trees Hours
Festival of Trees hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Select Tuesday evenings will have extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Festival of Trees will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Festival of Trees Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the door, but buying advance tickets is strongly encouraged — guests can get a $2 discount for each adult and senior ticket purchased in advance. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
More Info
For Festival of Trees tickets and a detailed schedule, visit www.indianahistory.org.
The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis.
