RELATED EVENTS

• SPEED

Ice carvers will be among the attractions at the Winter Solstice celebration at the IMA.

Muslims converge on Mecca for the hajj, the annual pilgrimage explored in "Inside Mecca."

Hannah Rosenfeld will dance the role of Clara in Indianapolis School of Ballet's "Nutcracker' Dec. 21 and 22.

1. Winter Solstice Celebration

5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20, free, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 920-2659, www.imamuseum.org.

Although Dec. 20 is not technically the longest night of the year, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is throwing caution to the wintry wind by celebrating the 2007 winter solstice two days early this year. Bring the whole family out for a free night of entertainment that will include winter-themed fun, such as ice sculptures and live reindeer. There will also be bonfires to keep attendees warm while outdoors, and the Motus Dance Theatre will be on hand to perform as well.

2. 'Inside Mecca'

Noon, Dec. 20, free, Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.

As the majority of Americans prepare to celebrate the biggest Christian holiday of the year, the Cole Porter Film Series at the Indiana History Center gives attendees the oppor- tunity to learn more about one of the world's most phenomenal religious rituals. The docu- mentary "Inside Mecca" gives viewers an up-close look as Muslims from around the world make the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, that is the religious duty of all Mus lims at least once in their lives.

3. Indianapolis School of Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'

7 p.m. Dec. 21, 3 p.m. Dec. 22, $15-$22, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St., (317) 955-7525, www.indyballet.org.

As Christmas draws nearer, the opportunities to see a local stage production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" diminish slowly, but surely. If you haven't indulged in the holiday tradition yet, consider making it out to this, the area's final "Nutcracker" of '07, at the stately Scottish Rite Cathedral. The event also marks the debut of the Indianapolis School of Ballet.

4. Khrist Kwanzaa 2007

7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30, 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 10 a.m. Jan. 1, free, St. Rita Catholic Church, 1733 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. (317) 632-9349.

All are invited to celebrate Pan-African and African-American community and culture at Khrist Kwanzaa, a weeklong gathering at which attendees will listen to motivational speakers, participate in liturgical celebrations and watch as visiting choirs, drummers, dancers and other performing artists give African-themed performances.

5. GO! Week at the Speed exhibit

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, $4-$9, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 233-4629, www.indianamuseum.org.

Each week, the "Speed" exhibit at the Indiana State Museum focuses on a new, individual aspect of -- what else? -- speed. This week is "GO!" week and the focus is on acceleration. Visitors will learn why everyone from bicyclists in the Tour de France to race car drivers on the NASCAR circuit use friction and drafting to pick up a quick burst of speed. You'll also get the chance to do some drafting yourself -- if you've got the guts.