Holidays? In this economy? Providing gifts, food and entertainment can feel not-so-merry-and-bright when the spending piles on. But we’re here to show you that it’s not all bah humbug. There’s lots to enjoy in our city for $25 or less.
Walk by the big tree, buy yourself something nice
Totally free: Downtown Indy’s Circle of Lights. Attend the lighting ceremony on Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving, or visit any other night before Jan. 11 and get a treat from the businesses by Monument Circle.
See 85 trees representing Indiana
The Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees is free for kids and $20 for adults. Twilight Tuesdays and Twilight Thursdays offer extended hours, 5-8 p.m., for night-ish owls. Now through Jan. 4.
Winterlights
Bask in the glow of 3 million lights during Winterlights at Newfields, Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025. New: Value nights, where tickets cost $25 or less.
Take a photo with Santa
The Indiana State Museum has four Santas scheduled for photo sessions between Nov. 29 and Dec. 24. It’s free and first-come, first-served, but keep in mind that Santa takes lunch each day from 1-2 p.m.
Ridiculous holiday sketch comedy
A Very Phoenix Xmas 16: “It’s a Wonderful Die Hard Life Story Actually” is local playwrights having a good time and spreading cheer Nov. 30-Dec. 22. $15 and up.
Christmas Carol: Unscripted
Improvisers from Comedysportz will take the Charles Dickens classic tale of redemption and turn it on its head at The Wit Theater. There will be all-ages and adults-only performances Nov. 30-Dec. 28. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for students with a school ID.
Herron School of Art & Design Winter Market
Support student artists and designers by shopping for their affordable, handmade holiday gifts from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 3.
Seasonal dad humor
Dad Bod’s comedy show “Improvised Jumanji” puts on a holiday spin 8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the White Rabbit Cabaret. $10-$12.
A classic Christmas Carol
Agape Theater Company is presenting an hour-long Broadway version of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge at Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort. There are five performances — the one at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 is sensory-friendly and has ASL interpretation. Tickets range from $5 to $15. Dec. 5-8.
Get merry at the movies
Heartland Film’s movie nights Dec. 5-8 are $7 for adults and $5 for kids at the Basile Event Center, 8950 Otis Ave. And they aren’t just movies – you can sing along to “White Christmas,” decorate a gingerbread house while watching “Elf” or enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting during the “Last Holiday.” Plus, they’re collecting toys to check off the wishlists of patients and families at Riley Hospital.
TINY 13
There’s only one place where you’ll find more than 500 small-sized artworks created by the city’s top artists for $10 to $100 – and that’s this art fair at Indy Arts Council’s Gallery 924. Shop from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. Hint: Get there early.
Christmas and holiday music
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church offers three Christmas concerts, performed by 150 singers, on Dec. 6. $10.
Amanda’s Winter Market
Enjoy artisan, handmade and vintage goods from over 60 vendors, plus live music, food and drinks. Be at The Stutz from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7.
Holiday resource fair with free gifts for kids
Music and treats, photos with Santa and free gifts, as well as health, education, childcare and employment resources are all planned for Patchwork Indy’s Holiday Bazaar and Resource Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. To volunteer, sign up here.
Joy for your heart and ears with holiday soul
Listen to festive soul music from J’Sol, 4CAST, Men In The Fire and the Rodney Stepp Experience at the Madame Walker Legacy Center theater, 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. Tickets for Holiday on the Ave.: A Soul Revue start at $19.99.
Wholesome retro fun
Bring the kids to the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 for the Victorian Holiday Open House. Listen to carols played on a 1908 piano player, meet Mr. Riley as he prepares for a Hoosier holiday, visit Santa and shop for artist-made gifts. Free, but please RSVP.
Kwanzaa Claus visits Ujamaa
Meet the man himself, take photos and see new book selections from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Free.
Winter Art Sale at Indy Art Center
At Indy Art Center’s Winter Art Sale, you can find handmade, one-of-a-kind ceramic mugs, jewelry, stockings, paintings, posters and stationary at affordable prices. Noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 7.
Indianapolis Holiday Church Tour
Explore four historic churches in the Irvington neighborhood during this go-at-your-own-pace tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Hosted by Indiana Landmarks. $20 adults; $10 kids; free for kids 5 and under.
Christmas Celebration Concert
Get into the spirit with UIndy’s student choirs, symphonic wind ensemble and orchestras. Free concerts are 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Dec. 8.
Butler University Latin Ensemble
Enjoy music from Cuba, Columbia and the Dominican Republic at this free concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Schrott Center for the Arts.
Meet a real reindeer
A group of animals that includes a reindeer will stop by the Indianapolis Public Library’s Eagle Branch Dec. 10 and at the Southport Branch Dec. 16.
A market where everything is free
The Really Really Free Market has teas and toys, cups and capris. Cool blenders and other goods you can give or receive. As you guessed, this is free to attend from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Re:Public on the near eastside.
Idea Club Winter Show at Re:Public
See artworks by members of the Idea Club Collective from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13. Free.
Winter feast for the eyes
Black Wolf Enterprises, Side Show Indy and Idea Club Art Collective are putting together the “Winter Show” art show 4-9 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Free.
Indianapolis Children’s Choir “A Vintage Christmas”
Gather ‘round all generations to hear holiday songs that are timeless and traditional Dec. 13-15 at Second Presbyterian Church. $16. Free for kids 5 and under.
Show your Center Township ID to have breakfast with Santa
At this breakfast with Rudolph “the red-nose reindeer’s” BFF on Dec. 14, you have to show proof of residency and bring birth certificates for each child to get free breakfast and gifts.
Enjoy a free art market with workshops
Centro cultural Hispano will be at The AMP at 16 Tech 3-7 p.m. Dec. 14 with vendors, workshops and dance performances.
Indy Hackers Holiday Social
Break all the rules with “programmers, nerds, geeks and hackers” from 7-10:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Liter House in Broad Ripple. Free.
Have a worldly holiday
“Joy to the World: Holiday Concert” at Indy’s Global Village Welcome Center will have market vendors and craft activities, food and warm beverages, Santa Clauses from around the world and the “World of Trees” exhibit. 3-6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, tickets are $15 but free for youth under 12.
Celebrate the Solstice
Indy Winter Solstice celebrates the return of the sun Dec. 20 and 21 with singing and storytelling at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis. It’s free, and open to all ages and all beliefs. It starts at 7 p.m., but come early to make sure you get a seat. Bring finger food to feast on after the ritual.
Air your grievances
As seen on TV! With a donation to FACE clinic, you can go no-filter at A Festivus Celebration with the Airing Of Grievances! 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at Mayfair Taproom.
Bite-sized holiday classic
“Nutcracker Sweets” is an abbreviated, hour-long, no-intermission version of “The Nutcracker.” It’s for kids, but also a cheery matinee for antsy grownups, Dec. 27-30 at The Tobias Theater at Newfields. $25 and up.
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