Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 7, 2019) – The holiday season will kick off at the Indiana State Museum on Nov. 29, when Santa arrives via helicopter on the museum’s front lawn at noon.

WHAT: Celebration Crossing includes holiday fun for the whole family, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music from local bands and choirs, rides on the Santa Claus Express train, and tons of fun in Santa’s Workshop and Santa’s Front Yard. Visitors can help pack Santa’s sleigh full of presents, enjoy interactive storytimes, help train miniature reindeer in our reindeer flight school and more.

The L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ will also be open for holiday dining beginning Nov. 29, and will remain open through Jan. 5, 2020. Reservations are recommended for the tea room and can be made by calling (317) 232-1637.

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will perform at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall on Nov. 29, followed by Santa’s arrival by helicopter at noon. Meijer will be onsite to offer free cider and doughnut holes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHEN: Opening day will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29; Celebration crossing will remain open Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, including Mondays in December. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

WHERE: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

PRICE: Included with purchase of general admission; free for members. Admission is not required to dine in the tea room.

FOR MEDIA: If interested in covering Santa’s arrival and opening day, contact Hannah Kiefer at [email protected] or (317) 234-8146. For photos of Celebration Crossing from 2018, visit this link: http://bit.ly/2N5U3RN

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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.