One of Indianapolis’ favorite Hoosier holiday traditions is back this season! Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure model railroad display returns to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art from November 18 through January 15, 2024. The exhibit will also be open late on eight dates between Dec. 16 and Dec. 30, so families have more time and opportunities to enjoy this favorite holiday attraction and the entire museum. Visitors are encouraged to purchase discount tickets in advance at Eiteljorg.org/JingleRails.
What is Jingle Rails?
For almost 15 years, Jingle Rails has delighted families across the region, building on lasting memories and creating new ones. Returning to the Eiteljorg each holiday season to experience the unique sights and sounds remains a family tradition for thousands of Hoosier families.
With more than 1,200 feet of track, Jingle Rails is a whimsical model railroad that features a network of G-scale trains winding through tunnels and over trestles, rambling past iconic scenes of Indianapolis and the American West, created with all-natural materials such as tree bark, twigs, leaves, nuts, pine cones and other woodsy materials.
The adventure begins in Downtown Indianapolis as trains chug past Monument Circle decked in holiday lights, Lucas Oil Stadium, Union Station, a miniature Eiteljorg Museum and other fixtures of downtown. The display also features other Indianapolis treasures: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indiana State Fair. The journey heads West past iconic scenes and landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Las Vegas and the Golden Gate Bridge, among others. The entire Jingle Rails display was designed and built by the creative artists, botanical architects and landscape designers at Applied Imagination in Alexandria, Kentucky.
“Visiting Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum is a cherished holiday tradition each year for so many families in Indianapolis and around the state,” Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said. “This season, we are excited to offer extended evening hours on select dates in December so more guests can attend and experience this wonderful holiday attraction, which entertains and fascinates our youngest and oldest visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming back returning visitors and meeting new ones at what has become one of Indianapolis’ most beloved holiday attractions.”
New Jingle Rails Features
New this year, to spotlight Jingle Rails to passing motorists downtown during the holiday season, a whimsical inflatable train will appear on the Eiteljorg’s front lawn. Special programs also are planned, including members-only events, art-making workshops and more.
Jingle Rails Tickets
Discount Jingle Rails Tickets: Purchase $2 off discount tickets in advance at Eiteljorg.org/JingleRails. Museum members and children 4 years old and under are free. Museum memberships can be purchased online or onsite, and open the door to exclusive opportunities throughout the year. The family-grandparent level of membership is ideal for those bringing older children to Jingle Rails. The Eiteljorg Museum is also a proud participant in the Access Pass Program.
Jingle Rails is included with general museum admission, so visitors can take advantage of all the museum has to offer, including current exhibitions such as UNSETTLE/Converge: Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship 2023, the Jingle Rails family area with train tables and activities to delight young visitors, and a family favorite, the R.B. Annis Western Family Experience. This popular discovery area on the Canal Level highlights five diverse families of the American West through immersive play environments.
Jingle Rails Hours
Extended Hours: On select dates Dec. 16 through Dec. 30, the Eiteljorg will be open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and on Sunday Dec. 17. Standard museum closing time is 5 p.m.
Here is a full list of extended hours:
- Saturday Dec. 16: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday Dec. 17: Noon – 7 p.m.
- Thursday Dec. 21: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday Dec. 22: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday Dec. 23: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Thursday Dec. 28: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday Dec. 29: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday Dec. 30: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The museum and Jingle Rails are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Regular hours (not extended) will resume Jan. 2, 2024.
For details, visit Eiteljorg.org/events.
