Wondering what to do with the family after Thanksgiving? Instead of rushing to the mall for Black Friday, spend time with family and friends at one of these top Indianapolis attractions opening on Black Friday.
Top Indianapolis Attractions Opening On Thanksgiving Weekend:
Celebration Crossing Opening Day: Santa’s Arrival by Helicopter
Opening Day: Nov. 25, Santa arrives at 11 am
Dates: Celebration Crossing is open Nov. 25-Jan 1.
Location: Indiana State Museum
Celebrate the joy of the holidays starting with Santa’s arrival by helicopter on the Indiana State Museum’s front lawn at 11 am! Join in the cheering as he lights the 92 County Tree and kicks off this season’s Celebration Crossing. Ride the NEW! Snowfall Express train, visit Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn, and share your wish list with the man in red inside Santa’s house.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Enjoy favorites like Jingles the Jolly Bear and visits with Santa at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Make it snow in the Giant Snow Globe, Meet extraordinary Jolly Days characters, from Scrooge to Ms. Claus, “Ice skate” in your socks, and Explore the Ice Castle.
Conservatory Crossing
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31
Location: Garfield Park
Visit Garfield Conservatory this winter to experience its beautiful winter wonderland! The Conservatory dazzles in the holiday season with a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights. Don’t miss this special time to enjoy the lights throughout the display.
The Holiday Stroll
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 23
Location: Kelsay Farms
Kelsay Farms invites visitors to stroll through the farm during the holidays for a magical experience. Come with your cameras to make the most of the festival’s larger-than-life decorations and capture some truly extraordinary memories! Relax amongst the lights and the trees while sipping your hot cocoa by a warm campfire.
Athenaeum Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 18 (Thursday-Sunday)
Location: Athenaeum
Nestled in the heart of Mass Avenue’s Arts District, you’re invited to drink, eat and be merry this holiday season at our inaugural Chriskindlemarkt! Here, you’ll find the traditional festival elements (music, cheesy raclettes, gluhwein and plenty of platzchen to go around) are just the foundation for special storytelling traditions unique to our rich, German culture. Your family will love our St. Nicholas Fest and Krampusnacht.
A Merry Prairie Holiday
Dates: Nov. 25, 26, 27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 21-22
Location: Conner Prairie
Come celebrate the season with glittering lights, a polar bear plunge, festive rides, holiday treats and more! Glittering lights, thoughtful storytellers, and warm fires will transport you from your day-to-day into the stories of yesterday and the traditions of tomorrow. Step into Conner Prairie’s historic Prairietown to visit the Christmas Eve traditions of the 1800s, then head up to the North Pole Workshop to experience Santa and his elves getting ready for the big night. Get your heart racing by taking a spin on Kringle’s Carousel or zooming down our 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge sledding hill.
