Looking for a fun place to take the family this Christmas season. With so many holiday events in Indy to choose from, it is hard to pick which ones to do. Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum is a temporary exhibit with tons of hands on play including Santa’s workshop and riding the Santa Claus Express. You can even visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and get a picture with Santa.
Arrival of Santa Claus
This is one of the most anticipated arrivals of Santa Claus via helicopter on the day after Thanksgiving. Tons of people line up outside the museum to watch Santa arrive in style by way of a red helicopter. The boys thought it was the coolest thing ever! Santa then greeted all the kids before heading to his home with Mrs. Claus inside the museum.
Santa Claus Express
Ride the Santa Claus Express through a winter wonderland and scenic town setting. This miniature train is for all ages. The boys rode it again and again…and again! Choo, choo!
Santa’s Workshop
There are tons of hands on play and crafting to do in here. Help Santa pack his sleigh, practice landing with the reindeer, make toys, and design ornaments out of cardboard. The boys enjoyed the textris like puzzle of filling the sleigh with presents of all shapes. We also took turns writing letters to Santa.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus’s Home
Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in their home without having to travel to the North Pole. Their little elaborately decorated house is the perfect photo opportunity spot. Once the boys got a chance to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, we had the chance to purchase or take photos with our own camera. After the visit with Santa, your kids can enjoy Santa’s front yard by building a snowman, having a snow ball fight, roasting marshmallows by a pretend fire, and much more.
A.MAZE.D
This exhibit really made you think and in a good way. There is a giant cardboard maze to navigate through and find a pattern of colors. There are also several other stations where it requires a little thinking to determine the right path using color patterns.
IMAX Theater
Experience The Polar Express in 3D at select times December 6 – 15, 2019. This is definitely on our bucket list since it is our favorite Christmas movie of all time.
Admission and Hours
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am – 5pm unless closed for holidays. Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for youth Children under 3 are FREE. Also save $1 per ticket by purchasing online in advance.
Parking
Parking is available at the underground parking garage attached to White River State Park. The entrance to the lot is at the intersection of West Washington Street and Schumacher Way. Standard rates are $8 for first 3 hours and $15 for up to 6 hours. You can get your ticket validated for Free or discounted from various venues.
Dining with Santa
Enjoy breakfast or Supper with Santa in the L.S. aryers Tea Room with live music and entertainment. After you dine with Santa, visit Santa’s workshop and ride on the Santa Claus Express.
Other Historic Sites
Check out all the other historic sites around the state and upcoming events here.
Nearby Events
While you are there, head over to Eiteljorg Museum next door to see Jingle Rails. A winter wonderland of G-scale trains in elaborate miniature landscapes. Check out the replica of downtown Indy including the lights at Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the NEW Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum definitely makes the top of our list of things to do in Indy for the Christmas season. Be sure to check it out. Comment below with your family friendly holiday event.
This looks like a blast! There’s so many things to do, sounds like the whole family would have fun!
This looks like such a fun trip! So impressed with all the holiday exhibits everywhere this year.
This looks like such a great experience for the family!