Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Museum kicks into holiday mode Nov. 25 when Santa Claus’s bright red helicopter lands on the front lawn to officially begin Celebration Crossing, which remains open through Jan. 1, 2023.

After Santa’s arrival at 11 a.m., come inside the museum to watch him light the 92 County Tree – which this year will feature 60 new ornaments designed and made by artists around the state. Then take a ride on the Snowfall Express, the museum’s 18-passenger train, visit Santa in his house, have your photo taken and explore Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn. (Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the tree are free; other activities are free with museum admission.)

“We’re looking forward to seeing the museum beautifully decorated, hearing the Snowfall Express making its run around the third floor and watching families make memories,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

Other events on the Celebration Crossing schedule are:

Lunch in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™
Wed. through Sun. Nov. 25 – Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27
$28.50/adult (ages 13+), $16.75/youth (ages 3-12), free for children younger than age 3

Treat friends and family to a decadent and nostalgic lunch buffet in the beloved L.S. Ayres Tea Room at the Indiana State Museum, where you can indulge in favorites including chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts and more. Seating at 11 and 11:15 a.m., 12:30 and 12:45 p.m., and 2 and 2:15 p.m. Gift certificates available for purchase.

Santa’s Holiday Breakfast in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™
Nov. 26 and Dec. 10 & 18 | 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., 9 to 9:45 a.m. or 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
$40/adults (ages 13+), $30/youth (ages 3-12), free for children ages 2 and younger
25% discount for members

Experience an elegant buffet breakfast full of holiday nostalgia in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Enjoy live holiday music and décor as children receive a special holiday gift from Santa’s helpers. They also may choose a surprise from the toy chest. Breakfasts are close to being sold out, but there is a waitlist option. Call 317-232-1637. Check the Santa schedule to see which Santa will be present during your breakfast.

Santa’s Holiday Breakfast in the Great Hall
Nov. 27 and Dec. 3, 4, 11 & 17 | 9 to 9:45 a.m.
$35/adult (ages 13+), $25/youth (ages 3-12), free for children ages 2 and younger
25% discount for members

Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast among the holiday splendor in the spacious Great Hall. Relax with family and friends while listening to holiday music as children receive a special holiday gift from Santa’s helpers. Check the Santa schedule to see which Santa will be present during your breakfast.

Holiday Sounds
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7 & 8, 14-16 | 10 to 10:30 a.m., 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Included with admission

Enjoy the sounds of the season in a holiday atmosphere as school and community
choirs, bands, ensembles and soloists perform holiday music in the Great Hall.

Magical Mornings (ages 5 and younger)
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 9 to 10 a.m.
Included with admission

During this early-opening hour for families with young children, you can visit with Santa, engage
in interactive story times (9:15 and 9:45 a.m.) with North Pole elves, and experience Santa’s
Front Yard. Check out the Reindeer Barn to learn more about these four-legged wintry friends, plus take a ride on the Snowfall Express!

Putting on Ayres: Tales of the Tea Room (ages 15+)
Dec. 4 & 11 | 3 to 4:30 p.m.
$24-$34/person
Relive holiday traditions and stories from days gone by as you experience (and taste!) the
history of the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™. Soak in nostalgia as museum staff share items from
our collection associated with the original department store Tea Room. Enjoy a festive
dessert buffet including mini pecan ice cream balls, lemon berry mascarpone cake
and miniature pastries, plus add a Clown Cone or Snow Princess option. Registration
required three days prior to program.

Supper with Santa and Friends
(Members Only!)
Dec. 8 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.
$30/member (ages 13+), $16/youth (ages 3-12), free for children ages 2 and younger

Join Lafayette Santa and Mrs. Claus and friends during this festive and family-friendly holiday buffet. Visit with Santa, play in Santa’s Front Yard and enjoy a ride on the Snowfall Express to see and hear the sights and sounds of a winter wonderland. The first 100 families to register receive a free keepsake photo with Santa. Space is limited. Registration required by Dec. 4.

Celebration Crossing Sensory Friendly Afternoon
Dec. 11 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Included with admission

Experience the magic of the holidays in a sensory-friendly environment for families with children and adults with autism, or individuals with other sensory or developmental needs. During this time, Celebration Crossing will be made more welcoming by reducing overhead music, dimming lights and providing sensory-based activities throughout the experience. This program is presented in partnership with the Autism Society of Indiana who will be present to assist families as needed.

Snowflake Pajama Party
Dec. 13 | 6 to 8 p.m.
$12/person, 25% discount for members, $5/Access Pass members, free for children younger than age 2

Explore Celebration Crossing during a night full of fun just for the little ones at the Indiana State Museum. Take a ride on our Snowfall Express and see woodland animals preparing for wintertime. Plus, get a special photo moment and one free printed photo with Santa – all while dressed in your PJs during this evening filled with wonder. There will be plenty of hands-on holiday activities too! Santa Josiah and Mrs. Claus will be here for the Snowflake Pajama Party. Recommended for children ages 6 and younger.

Family New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31 | 6 to 9 p.m.
$18/person (ages 3+), 25% discount for members, $8/Access Pass members, free for children younger than age 3

Ring in the New Year and welcome 2023 with glittering tattoos, music, a dance party and more! Explore all three levels of the museum and visit activity stations in the galleries. Strike a pose at one of the photo ops, get your face painted, ride the Snowfall Express and so much more. End the night with a balloon drop and countdown celebration at 8 p.m. This is an alcohol-free event.

Celebration Crossing is made possible by the Ayres Foundation Inc. and is supported by Geico Philanthropic Foundation.