The
holidays officially kick-off in the capital city at the Circle
of Lights at Monument Circle, followed by a wonderful array of
other family entertainment to be had around Indianapolis.
There are
shop windows aglow everywhere, but don't miss the holiday fun
at the zoo and children's museum, especially if you have a gaggle
of kids in tow!
Discover what
else is "hot" in December in Indiana with small town
holiday charm in Zionsville, a Victorian holiday extravaganza
in Mooresville, or where to find the best cut-and choose Christmas
tree farms throughout the state ...
DID YOU KNOW? Indiana Christmas fun facts
A holiday lights event at a city zoo was the first in
the
nation when introduced in Indianapolis in 1967.
• Although now popular from coast to coast, the nation's first holiday zoo lights spectacular was introduced at the Indianapolis Zoo in 1967. Adding to its success, today the original Christmas at the Zoo event features thousands of twinkling lights, a nighttime visit with zoo animals, and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• The holiday movie classic, A Christmas Story, is set in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana based on author Jean Shepherd's childhood memories of growing up in Hammond, Indiana. Each year, the author's hometown attracts scores of film fans to the seasonal "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit offering animatronic window displays and recreated film sets.
• Back in 1856, the name Santa Fe had already been taken, so the local community opted for Santa Claus, Indiana. Today, the Santa Claus post office receives a half million letters addressed to Santa and, in the spirit of Christmas, each one is responded to individually by a group of volunteers known as Santa's Elves.
More information about Christmas in Indiana around the Web:
Downtown Indy Circle
of Lights - Check out the annual holiday hoopla at Monument Circle, always scheduled for
the day after Thanksgiving in Indianapolis, featuring thousands
of lights, gigantic candy canes and toy soldiers welcoming in
the season.
Christmas
Gift & Hobby Show - A holiday shopping extravaganza
at the Indiana State Fairgrounds with hundreds of vendors offering
unique crafts and gifts plus a Christmas entertainment venue.
Check out this year's schedule, printable coupon, directions and
parking info.
Christmas
in Zionsville - Small town charm awaits with caroling
and town criers at the annual Christmas tree lighting, along with
the annual Gingerbread Houses on Parade, and Christmas in the
Village attractions.
Christmas
Tree Farms in Indiana - Click on the interactive map for the big directory of choose-and-cut
Christmas tree farms throughout the state, browseable by Indiana
county and featuring contact details, directions and special seasonal
attractions.