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Event guide: 12 holiday joys
Posted: Nov 20, 2007 in Things to do, Culture
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Well, it's Kwanzukkahmas time once again. Ho ho oh no! What to do? Don't worry. INtake has bundled up a dozen -- think "The 12 Days of Christmas," but please don't sing it -- great holiday-related activities to mark on your calendars and, later, do.
While we don't have anything on our list involving figgy pudding, we do have some lords a-leaping and a French hen -- make that horn -- or two. Enjoy!
Holidays in the Heartland
This series of displays located throughout the Indiana History Center offers vignettes about Indiana Santas, traditional Hoosier holiday food, tree decorations and Indiana people from the past enjoying the winter season. Visitors also can enjoy stepping into a recreated set from the movie "A Christmas Story."
Where: 450 W. Ohio St.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 30.
Tickets: Free.
Info: (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.
Circle of Lights: Opening night
Watch all 56,700 twinkle lights and 4,784 colored lights on 52 garland strands light up the 242-foot Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument after Santa flips the switch on Nov. 23. Toy soldiers and giant candy canes help make this 45th year for Downtown holiday fun even more exciting for everyone.
Where: Monument Circle.
When: 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 23 (stays lit until Jan. 5).
Tickets: Free.
Info: (317) 237-2222.
'A Very Phoenix Xmas'
While the holidays may be a time for reverence and reflection in some circles, that's certainly not the case at the Phoenix Theatre during its annual, multi-sketch send-up of the various clichéd "very special" Christmas productions. Each year local writers generate short, usually humorous, bits on the season that blend with interactive game-show elements.
Where: 749 N. Park Ave.
When: Various days and times, Nov. 23-Dec. 23.
Tickets: $15-$22.
Info: (317) 635-7529, www.phoenixtheatre.org.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
The Children's Museum gets into the holiday spirit in a big way with its popular Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear and visits from Santa. Visitors also can check out the "Star Tales, Season of Light" holiday-themed show in the planetarium and the "Babes in Toyland" play in the Lilly Theater.
Where: 3000 N. Meridian St.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Nov. 23-Jan. 6.
Tickets: $12.50 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and $7.50 for children 2-17.
Info: (317) 334-3322, www.childensmuseum.org.
'The Nutcracker'
The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre offers a modern take on the holiday dance favorite by switching up a few things. In this new production, a homeless orphan girl discovers the true meaning of the holidays after befriending a kindly homeless man.
Where: Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road.
When: Various days and times Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
Tickets: $10-$20.
Info: (317) 216-5455, www.pikepac.org.
Yuletide Celebration
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra brings back its annual holiday extravaganza featuring singers and dancers -- including a whole slew of tap-dancing Santas -- in a big Broadway-style production. This year, the African Children's Choir, which includes kids from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, contributes to the fun.
Where: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.
When: Various days and times, Nov. 30-Dec. 23.
Tickets: $17-$64.
Info: (317) 262-1100, www.indianapolissymphony.org.
Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra holiday show
One of the city's best jazz acts brings its trademark big band sound to the Jazz Kitchen for its annual holiday show. A change of pace from the usual holiday events, this show offers a great way to hear some of the city's top musicians offer their holiday favorites.
Where: Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 2.
Tickets: $20.
Info: (317) 253-4900, www.bwjo.org.
'White Christmas' and 'Toys'
The Harrison Center for the Arts hosts its annual color-themed holiday group show in the main gallery, while local nonprofit arts group Primary Colours brings its annual toy-themed show to the facility's Gallery No. 2.
Where: Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.
When: Opening 5 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 7. Harrison Gallery hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday throught Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets: Free.
Info: (317) 396-3886, www.harrisoncenter.org.
'It's a Wonderful Life' at the Artcraft
Sure, we've all seen this moving holiday film about a man who wishes he wasn't born a million times. But how many times have you seen it on the big screen in a real, old-fashioned movie house in a real, old-fashioned small town?
Where: Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, noon Dec. 8.
Tickets: $3-$5.
Info: (317) 736-6823, www.historicartcrafttheatre.org.
Las Posadas at the Indiana History Center
Visitors can enjoy traditional Mexican holiday celebrations at this colorful event happening at both the Indiana History Center and the Eiteljorg Museum. Activities include a shepherd's play and piñata-making demonstrations. The procession, which will include choral stops and Jose and Maria re-enactors, begins at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at the Eiteljorg Museum (500 W. Washington St.), where celebrants can enjoy refreshments, music and the breaking of piñatas.
Where: Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St.
When: 4 p.m. Dec. 9.
Tickets: Free.
Info: (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.
Christmas at the Puppet Studio
We all learned the true story of the holidays from puppets: those little stop-motion dolls like Frosty and Rudolph and the Abominable Snowman. Well, the puppets are a little different at Peewinkle's -- they're marionettes -- but the magic is the same. These 45-minute shows are great for kids and adults.
Where: Peewinkle's Puppet Studio, 25 Henry St.
When: Various days and times Dec. 11 to Dec. 22.
Tickets: $8.
Info: (317) 283-7144.
Winter Solstice
This annual celebration of the winter solstice happens outdoors on the luminaria-lit grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Visitors can enjoy live music and observe an ice carver at work. The event also provides an opportunity to visit Lilly House decked out in holiday splendor or shop at the nearby greenhouse.
Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N. Michigan Road.
When: 5:30 to 8.p.m. Dec. 20.
Tickets: Free.
Info: (317) 923-1331, www.imamuseum.org.
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The 12 (FREE) Days of (Indy) Christmas
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association has assembled its own 12 days of Christmas with the bonus of making all these local destinations available to the public for free.
The list -- which includes everything from fine art to sports-related stops -- offers a great tour of some of the best cultural spots in Indianapolis.
For details, call (800) 323-4639 or visit www.indy.org.
Dec. 13: Mistletoe Music Festival at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Dec. 14: Holidays in the Heartland at the 8Indiana History Center.
Dec. 15: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art.
Dec. 16: American Super Heroes Museum.
Dec. 17: Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum.
Dec. 18: Lilly House on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Dec. 19: James Whitcomb Riley Home.
Dec. 20: The President Benjamin Harrison Home.
Dec. 21: Morris-Butler House.
Dec. 22: NCAA Hall of Champions.
Dec. 23: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
Dec. 24: Jolly Days at The Children's Museum.
My kids would say "Happy Chrismahannukwantice -- have a joyous winter holiday of your choosing."
Are you single? Looking for some holiday fun this year? Join other Indy area singles at IndySingleScene.com's Annual Holiday Party! It is downtown at the Marott Apartments in their beautiful Atrium. The festivities are Thursday, December 13th from 7-10pm. Included in the price will be appetizers, music, dancing, mingling, drinks and a lot of great door prizes. A portion of all proceeds are being donated to Toys for Tots! Check us out online, join our newsletter for more information WWW.INDYSINGLESCENE.COM! Make a child smile, meet someone new all at the same party!