We’ve reached the last page of the calendar, and it might be the best one yet. It has jingles and reindeers, parties with loud music and quiet church tours.
Find merry comedies, eat latkes, meet Kwanzaa Claus or dance Dominican bachata.
On First Friday, Dec. 5, artist Li Montalvo invites you to see their geometric paintings designed to make you slow down at 10 East Arts Hub. Photographer Deanna Dikeman’s new exhibit at Aurora PhotoCenter, “Relative Moments,” documents her Midwestern family doing everyday activities.
December is whatever you want it to be, but we have some ideas and possibilities right here. Use this list to stay busy and cheerful all month long.
Dec. 1-7 🔝
Disney’s “Newsies”
🗓️ 2:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Dec.1-14
📍 Footlite Musicals, 1847 Alabama St.
🎟️ $15-25
Footlite Musicals brings Disney’s “Newsies” to life, telling the story of Jack Kelly and his band of newsboys. Seize the day with high-energy songs, thrilling dance and a timeless tale of standing up for what’s right.
“A Very Phoenix Xmas XVII: Sleigh, Girl, Sleigh!”
🗓️ Dec. 1-21
📍 Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, 705 N. Illinois St.
🎟️ $17-52
“A Very Phoenix Xmas XVII” is a tradition that brings holiday cheer with comedy, music, and playful twists on tradition. Expect clever sketches, original songs and seasonal mischief.
Stuff of Thoughts
🗓️ Dec.1-5
📍 Re:Public, 2301 E. 10th St.
🎟️ Free
Artist Li Montalvo said they’re not trying to tell a story or represent a subject through their geometric paintings. Instead, Montalvo wants their artworks to invite the viewer to “slow down.” The exhibit opening is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.
For A Moment
🗓️ 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
📍 COMPANION, 3715 Washington Blvd.
🎟️ $150
Come for a family-style dinner prepared by Alan Sternberg, chef at Bluebeard, and also check out Julian Jamaal Jones’ small drawings and abstract quilts in “Let Me Calm Down.” The setting is intimate and limited to 14 guests.
December Open Rehearsal
🗓️ Noon Wednesday, Dec. 3
📍 Dance Kaleidoscope, 1125 Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a dance piece comes together at this free open rehearsal hosted by Dance Kaleidoscope, a contemporary dance company based at the Factory Arts District.
Winter Party with Kwanzaa Claus
🗓️ 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
📍 Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Free
Children can bring their holiday wishes and take a photo with Kwanzaa Claus. Every child will receive a free goodie to take home.
Organize a Watch Party
🗓️ 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
📍 Indianapolis Liberation Center, 1619 Prospect St.
🎟️ Free
Join the Naptown watch party for “Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur.” The new documentary follows the life of Shaka Shakur, who has been incarcerated in Indiana since 2002. Shakur has been fighting to get his conviction overturned.
Merry Movie Nights
🗓️ Dec. 4-11
📍 Heartland Film, 8950 Otis Ave.
🎟️ $8.38
Heartland Film will screen six films including, “Frozen,” “Gremlins,” and “White Christmas.” Each screening will be paired with an activity like gift wrapping or wine tasting. You can also donate a toy for Riley Children’s Hospital patients and families.
“WONDERS”
🗓️ Dec. 4-21
📍 The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
🎟️ $21-43
Every carol has an origin. In his new musical “Wonders,” Ben Asaykwee reimagines Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, “A Christmas Carol.” The story is told from the perspective of the three spirits, who lead Ebenezer Scrooge to redemption.
First Friday: Re.Creation
🗓️ 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
📍 1000 Words Gallery, 3328 E. 10th St.
🎟️ Free
Ayanna Tibbs, founder of 1000 Words Gallery, will include artworks with toys, sand and magnets in her new exhibition to pay homage to her time as educator and nanny.
First Friday: Scrap Social Series
🗓️ 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
📍 Maker’s Alley at The Stutz, 1060 N. Senate Ave.
🎟️ $20, must be 21+
Whether you’re into junk journaling, or making zines or mood boards, find something to create with Connection Club and Writing From Her Corner. Your ticket includes a craft journal, one non-alcoholic drink, and access to scissors, glue, tape, pens and a variety of magazines.
First Friday: TINY 14
🗓️ Dec. 5-Jan. 8
📍 Indy Arts Council’s Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.
🎟️ Free
Indy’s “biggest small art show” is packed with more than 400 pieces of original artwork by over 100 local artists. All pieces are 6-by-6 inches or smaller and most cost less than $100. The first–and best—chance to shop is during the First Friday reception 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Gallery 924.
First Friday: Relative Moments
🗓️ Dec. 5-Jan. 23
📍 Aurora PhotoCenter, 1125 Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free
Deanna Dikeman’s photographs show the small moments of life that build a family and bind it together. The artist has documented her Midwestern family for over 45 years, capturing everyday activities, including washing dishes, mowing the lawn and cleaning gutters.
All Decked Out
🗓️ Dec. 5-6
📍 Factory Arts District, 1125 Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free admission
Tackle your gift list by shopping for art from local artists. The two-day market will feature music, festive drinks and an opportunity to explore the entire Factory Arts District.
Indy Bachata Weekender
🗓️ Dec. 5-7
📍 Latin Expressions Dance Company, 502 N. Captiol Ave.
🎟️ $45-180
Level up Indy’s bachata scene with three days of artists, dance workshops and themed social outings. Grab tickets to an exclusive master class with choreographer duo Carlos and Susan, who teach Dominican bachata, merengue and salsa.
Defiance Comedy’s “Christmas Vacation”
🗓️ Dec. 5-21
📍 The Basile Theatre at IF Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St.
🎟️ $22-37
Defiance Comedy’s “Christmas Vacation” is a new parody musical stuffed with original songs and big laughs. Expect sibling showdowns, neighborhood warfare, rom-com sparks, and the kind of heart that sneaks up on you right after the punchline. There will be some adult language, so it’s recommended for audiences age 13 and up.
Breakfast with the Mean One
🗓️ 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6
📍 La Flaca at the Square, 3733 Commercial Drive
🎟️ Free for children 2 and under, $43.27 for kids 3-15, $32.90 for parents
The furry green man is back! Families will get a hot breakfast complete with build-your-own breakfast bowls, a cereal bar, pudding parfaits, fruit display, a hot cocoa bar and kiddie cocktails — parents can have the real thing. Every 30 minutes there will be a raffle for a chance to win presents.
Party of the Century
🗓️ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
📍 The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St.
🎟️ Free with museum admission
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th birthday. Families will be able to play I Spy with 10 plush hidden dinosaurs, meet critters in Hedgehog Hannah’s animal show, get a free caricature drawn and more.
Indianapolis Holiday Church Tour 2025
🗓️ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
📍 Various locations
🎟️ $11.75-22.50; free for kids 5 and under
Explore the architecture of five historic churches in and around the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood. On the go-at-your-pace tour, get an inside look at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, New Circle Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Phillips Temple CME Church and Broadway United Methodist Church. Tourgoers are responsible for their own transportation between stops.
Zen Feast
🗓️ 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
📍 10 East Arts Hub, 3137 E. 10th St.
🎟️ Pay what you can
Celestial Creative Collective is hosting this wellness fest and potluck. Guests should bring a dish and delve into arts and crafts, massage therapy, dance workshops and yoga.
I Love P.S.
🗓️ 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
📍 Murphy Arts Center, 1043 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Pay-what-you-can
Local rapper P.S. Maldonna will host a combined birthday and listening party for his new mixtape, “STRAIGHT CA$H” and to debut his music video for the single, “SIDE2SIDE.”
A correction was made on Dec. 3, 2025: The event’s location and admission free were changed.
Tuggle’s Sunday Crafternoons
🗓️ 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
📍 Tuggles Gifts & Goods, 1029 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ $30
Lean into the magic of the season by making a one-of-a-kind holiday village house. You’ll get all the supplies, including paint, accessories and fake snow, to turn a wooden birdhouse into your new favorite holiday decor.
Dec. 8-14 🔝
Steeped
🗓️ 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
📍 Tea’s Me at IU Indy, 420 University Blvd.
🎟️ $5
Bring your mat, a resistance band, water and socks for a 40-minute Pilates flow designed to calm your body and mind. Stay after the class for a warm cup of Tea’s Me tea.
Holiday Skate
🗓️ 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
📍 Skateland, 3902 N. Glen Arm Road
🎟️ Free
Wrap up the year with a night of roller skating. Tamika Catching’s Catch the Stars Foundation is sponsoring free skate rentals and admission for the first 200 guests.
Chat N Chew
🗓️ Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
📍 The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
🎟️ Free
Mirror Indy reporter Enrique Saenz doesn’t just cover the westside; he lives there, too. And he’d like to hear about the stories you think he should cover. He’ll be sitting at a table in the AMP; grab some lunch or bring your own, pull up a seat and chat with him.
Drag Bingo
🗓️ 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.10
📍 Metazoa Brewing Company, 140 S. College Ave.
🎟️ $12.51 per table, must be 21+
Get ready for drag, craft beer and six rounds of bingo, each with a different set of coverage rules. During the final “Full Coverage” round, players have to fill the entire board to win.
Wine & Yoga Night
🗓️ 6:30-8 p.m Thursday, Dec. 11
📍 JCC Indianapolis, 6701 Hoover Road
🎟️$25-$35
Unwind during the holiday season with wine, snacks and all-levels yoga.
The Recorder Women’s Auxiliary 75th Diamond Jubilee
🗓️ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
📍 Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St.
🎟️ $65
The Recorder Women’s Auxiliary was established in 1950 to help families in need during the holidays. To celebrate 75 years, lots of things are on the menu at the jubilee, including a fashion show, food and performances.
Winter Arts Market
🗓️ Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
📍 Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive
🎟️ Free admission
Still need to find a gift for someone special in your life? Can’t go wrong with hand-crafted items from local artists. Snacks and drinks from Parkside Public House will be available.
Joy To The World: A Funky Good Christmas
🗓️ 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
📍 Asante Art Institute, 4233 Lafayette Road
🎟️ $12.51
For more than 30 years, Asante Art Institute has used acting, singing, dancing and storytelling to empower Black youth in Indianapolis. At this holiday concert, get ready to have a funky good time as their students lead a high-energy performance.
Indy Folk Series
🗓️ 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
📍 Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, 615 W. 43rd St.
🎟️ $25
Critics have called Krista Detor’s songs “soul-punching.” This year, the singer-songwriter and pianist, who is from Bloomington, will perform new music, as well as songs from the past, with a full band.
Big Gay Holiday
🗓️ Dec. 13-14
📍 The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
🎟️ Free
Expect two days of over 100 LGBTQ+ vendors, local queer talent, handmade goods, art and holiday cheer. The event is part of Indy Pride’s Frost Series.
Real Life, Revised
🗓️ 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
📍 Indiana Humanities, 1500 N. Delaware St.
🎟️ Free
Spend a Sunday afternoon with poetry, storytelling and conversation. Five local poets and writers — including Ariana Beedie, Mirror Indy’s community journalism director, and Ebony Chappel, director of brand and community strategy for Free Press Indiana — will read their works. Snacks will be provided.
This Could Be Everything
🗓️ 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
📍 White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St.
🎟️ Pay-what-you-can
This marks the fourth edition of “This Could Be Everything,” a night of performances and artworks by over 14 visual artists and musicians.
Dec. 15-21 🔝
Meet a Reindeer
🗓️ 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
📍 West Perry Branch, 6650 S Harding St.
🎟️ Free
Meet a reindeer and other animals, ask your questions and take a picture with the critters.
“Kwanzaa Claus” Play
🗓️ 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17
📍 Stage Academy, 2307 Dr. MLK Jr. St.
🎟️ Pay-what-you-can
A full cast will do a reading of Austin Dean Ashford’s new play “Kwanzaa Claus.” There will be drinks and light refreshments, so come early.
Holiday Book Swap
🗓️ 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
📍 Loudmouth Books, 212 E. 16th St.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP
Bring a gently used copy of your favorite book and enjoy a free cider from Ash & Elm.
A Taste of Hanukkah
🗓️ 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
📍 Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St.
🎟️ Free, but must RSVP
After Kabbalat Shabbat Services for the annual Hanukkah Palooza — this year’s theme is “A Taste of Chanukah” — guests can dip latkes into sour cream and apple sauce.
Eiteljorg Kids Clay Train Workshop
🗓️ 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
📍 Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
🎟️ $27.72-$33
All aboard for creativity! Kids will create their own trains out of polymer clay, inspired by the museum’s holiday exhibit, “Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.”
Neurodiverse Meet Up
🗓️ 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
📍 Fort Ben library branch, 9330 E. 56th St.
🎟️ Free
Looking to build community with other neurodiverse people? Bring your crafts, your special interest or just yourself. No talking is required.
Origami Workshop
🗓️ 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21
📍 Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
🎟️ Free, but must register
Learn to make origami ornaments with instructor Yukiko. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Paper and materials are provided.
Dec. 22-28 🔝
What’s in a Pellet?
🗓️ 4-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22
📍 West Indianapolis library branch, 1216 S. Kappes St.
🎟️ Free
Kids can dissect a real owl pellet, learn about owl population dynamics and make a cool craft to take home.
Made Man Improv Show Finale
🗓️ 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27
📍 Madam Walker Legacy Center, 614 Indiana Ave.
🎟️ $33.85, must be 21+
J Bland announced on Facebook that the Made Man Improv Show will perform for the last time on Dec. 27 after seven seasons. Come ready to reminisce, laugh, cry and salute the cast as they go on to focus on other creative projects.
Dec. 29-31 🔝
Winter Open Activities
🗓️ 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30
📍 Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
🎟️ Free
If you’re nervous your kiddos will become restless during winter break, the library has something for them. Families can check out the library’s technology, play a game or do a cool winter craft.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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