Christmas happenings in Indiana

The Sugar Plum Fairy, an Indiana book party, a gallery full of 6-inch art—your favorite holiday art traditions are back! This week’s Indy Arts Guide celebrates the power of reconnecting with friends and family at your go-to places and spaces.

Yet…’tis the season for a change of scenery or tradition with a twist? We have some ideas for you, too.

Holiday Traditions to look out for this season

Dec. 2-5 | Butler Ballet: The Nutcracker | Clowes Memorial Hall

Butler Ballet‘s family tradition returns with live performances brought to life by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.

Dec. 2 & 3 | Bright Lights Holiday Nights | Stutz Business & Arts Center

Featuring live music, food vendors, and holiday cheer, the annual open studios celebration will highlight local talent at the historical building. 

Dec. 3- Jan. 7 | TINY 10 | Indy Arts Council’s Gallery 924

Great art at your fingertips! Shop from 425 original pieces, created by 124 local artists, all 6”x6”x6” or smaller, and typically priced under $100.

Dec. 4 | Indianapolis Holiday Church Tour | Indiana Landmarks

Take yourself to church—10 of them, to be exact—on the Old Northside, and marvel at the historic steeples, spires, and stained-glass windows.

Dec. 4 | 2021 Holiday Author Fair | Indiana Historical Society

Shop for the book lovers on your list, and for an extra-special touch, get those books signed by the 60+ authors who will be on hand.

Dec. 4 | Holiday Open House | James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home

Have yourself a Victorian little Christmas at the home of the great Hoosier poet, soundtracked by carols tinkling out of a 1906 self-playing piano.

Dec. 12 | Herron Winter Market | Herron School of Art + Design

Discover Indy’s next great artists and shop for affordable artwork created by Herron student artists and designers.

Making new traditions:

Dec. 1| Holiday Open House | Latinas Welding Guild

Have a heavy-metal experience and support the next generation of Latina welders while shopping for holiday gifts, and enjoying tours and class demos.

Dec. 2 | YJP’s Menorah Lighting and After-Party | Indiana War Memorial

Last year, Young Jewish Professionals of Indianapolis made history with the first-ever lighting of the menorah on Monument Circle. This year, they’re in a different downtown location, and a party with cocktails and a fully-stocked latke bar will follow at Visionloft.

Dec. 4 | Black-Owned Holiday Bazaar | Art Haus Balloon Company LLC

Given the array of dresses, candles, and nibbles from 15 Black-owned local businesses, you may want to block out the whole afternoon for shopping and sampling at this second annual event.

Dec. 4 | Bonfire Jam | 10 East Arts

Live music, open mic, and s’mores roasting over a fire pit. Please bring gently used coats or blankets to be donated to people in need.

Dec. 4 & Dec. 11 | Christmas Carol: Unscripted (A “Nice” Family Performance & A “Naughty” 18+ Performance) | Theater at the Fort

ComedySportz Indy puts Dickens’ classic tale of redemption through the irreverent wringer—audience suggestions set the arc—at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort.

Dec. 18 | Holiday Artists Open House | 201 Studios

Wander through studios in an old industrial building on the Eastside to meet artists and makers and buy locally made art and crafts.