INDIANAPOLIS – Tickets are now on sale for the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees, returning for its 13th season Nov. 13 through Jan. 2 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. This year, visitors can explore more than 75 trees decorated by local businesses, non-profits, and community groups, including a 30-foot centerpiece tree celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Every ticket also includes Freedom’s Framework, an exhibit commemorating the milestone, along with a full season of holiday offerings.
Expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors, Festival of Trees offers seasonal favorites including Twilight Nights, the Holiday Author Fair, and the VIP Sweet Experience, along with family activities throughout the season.
“Festival of Trees is a tradition that brings families together year after year, and we want every visit to be memorable,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. “This season, guests can experience the magic of the holidays while also discovering the stories that shaped our nation. With Freedom’s Framework included in every ticket, there’s more than ever to explore at the History Center.”
Holiday programming
In addition to decorated trees, Festival of Trees offers special events and activities throughout the season.
- Twilight Nights: Visit the festival after hours on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, when the History Center stays open until 8 p.m. Twilight Nights are Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 and 22.
- Holiday Author Fair: On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 12 to 4 p.m., visitors can mix and mingle with more than 60 authors. The fair is included with Festival of Trees admission.
- VIP Sweet Experience: On Dec. 12, The Dance Refinery will perform vignettes of The Nutcracker at 3 p.m. Performances are open to the public, while VIP guests can enjoy a lounge with a sparkling toast, hot chocolate, and photos with the dancers. VIP tickets start at $10 and include Festival of Trees admission. Advance registration is required.
- Cookie Decorating Drop-Ins: Families can decorate cookies Dec. 20 to 23 from 1 to 3 p.m., with a bonus evening session Dec. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cookie decorating is an optional add-on with a separate fee.
Freedom’s Framework: Every Festival of Trees ticket includes Freedom’s Framework, an exhibit that explores the people, events, and ideas that shaped the United States. Featuring historic artifacts, immersive spaces, and firsthand accounts, the exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to connect with American history as the nation marks its 250th year.
Tickets and visitor information
Festival of Trees runs Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, with extended hours until 8 p.m. during select Twilight Nights in December. While usually closed on Mondays, Festival of Trees will be open on Monday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Indiana Historical Society is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Tickets are $20 for adults (18 to 59), $19 for seniors (60 and over) and $5 for children. Children 5 and under get in free, as do IHS members, veterans, active military, teachers, and nurses (with ID at the door). Buying adult or senior tickets online in advance saves $2 per ticket, and every ticket includes admission to all IHS exhibits.
The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center is located at 450 West Ohio Street in downtown Indianapolis. Free parking is available with admission in the IHS lot on New York Street, a half block east of West Street.
Tickets and event details are available at indianahistory.org/events/2026-festival-of-trees.
Sponsors
Festival of Trees is presented by OneAmerica Financial Foundation and supported by The Mothershead Foundation and Printing Partners.
