INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum is preparing for an action-packed season of holiday celebrations, festive family experiences, and engaging early childhood learning programs supported by Indiana529.
From the return of Celebration Crossing to specialized toddler workshops and explosive art classes, the museum has rolled out its full calendar of upcoming fall and winter events.
Celebration Crossing and Holiday Events
The holiday season officially gets underway with the opening of Celebration Crossing on November 27, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as Santa arrives via a grand helicopter entrance on the front lawn at 10:30 a.m., followed by live music, dancing elves, games, and a festive fashion show.
Families can also take advantage of several special holiday experiences:
Magical Mornings: Held on December 4, 11, and 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., this program gives children ages 6 and younger (accompanied by an adult) exclusive early access to Celebration Crossing. Activities include visiting Santa, interactive story times, riding the Snowfall Express train, collaborative art, and holiday play spaces. Included with museum admission.
Santa’s Holiday Breakfast in the Great Hall: Scheduled for November 29 and December 5, 6, 13, and 19 at 9:00 a.m., featuring a festive buffet breakfast, a special appearance from Santa with his wagon of gifts, a visit to Santa’s house and Reindeer Barn, and a ride on the Snowfall Express train.
Snowflake Pajama Party: Set for December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring family photos with Santa, Snowfall Express train rides, holiday games, hot chocolate, snacks, and a live animal show.
Upcoming Programs for Little Ones
In addition to holiday festivities, the museum offers hands-on educational programs tailored for toddlers and young children in Firefly Landing:
Toddler Time: Halloween Hullabaloo (Ages 18–36 months): Sessions take place October 24 (9–10 a.m.) and October 28–29 (10–11 a.m.), featuring spooky sensory play, pumpkin art, and story time. Cost is $13 per child (members receive a 25% discount).
Stay and Play (Ages 18 months–6 years): Held October 24 and November 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering 90 minutes of open play, sensory experiences, STEM activities, and music. Cost is $13 per child (or $5 for Access Pass members).
Small Wonders: Explosive Art (Ages 3–5): Scheduled for November 4 and 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., letting children experiment with firework art, chemistry experiments, and sensory play. Cost is $13 per child.
Young Explorers: Space Explorers (Ages 4–6): Set for November 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., where kids can design astronaut suits, build Mars rovers, and create star-inspired art. Cost is $14 per child (or $5 for Access Pass members).
All early childhood program fees include museum admission for the child along with a $4 parking validation, and accompanying family members receive 50% off general museum admission.
For more information, full schedules, or to secure tickets and reservations, visit the Indiana State Museum website.
