A HARRY POTTER CHRISTMAS
Hop on your broomsticks and join the Hamilton East Public Library for A Harry Potter Christmas from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Guests (ages 8 and older only) will make Hogwarts-inspired ornaments, drink butterbeer and enjoy other holiday treats. Dressing up is encouraged.
TALES AT THE HOLIDAYS: LETTERS FROM THE CIVIL WAR
Free for members and with paid general admission to the museum, guests of Conner Prairie can enjoy this event at 12:30, 2 and 3:40 p.m. Dec. 23. During the Civil War, soldiers on both sides yearned for letters from home, especially during the holidays. Many regiments sent out an average of 600 letters a day. The mail couriers became a courageous band of messengers, heralding news to and from the battlefields. Visitors will witness songs, stories, dance and puppetry. For more, visit connerprairie.org.
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
Through Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, and from Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, guests of Conner Prairie can see a variety of gingerbread masterpieces created by amateurs and professionals. For more, visit connerprairie.org.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
From 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 23, have breakfast, decorate cookies and visit with Santa at Conner Prairie. Then, join Santa in song and listen to his beloved rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Breakfast items include scrambled eggs, mini muffins, honey-glazed ham, waffles and more. Reservations are required and can be made online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000. Cost is $21.95/adult non-members, $18.95/adult members, $12.95/youth non-members (age 2-12) and $9.95/youth members.
DINNER WITH SANTA
At 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23, enjoy a traditional holiday dinner, decorate cookies and visit with Santa at Conner Prairie. Wine and beer are available at additional cost. Reservations are required and can be made online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000. Cost is $25.95/adult non-members, $23.95/adult members, $13.95/youth non-members (age 2-12) and $11.95/youth members.
CONNER PRAIRIE BY CANDLELIGHT
At 6 p.m. Dec 22 and 23, take a family friendly, 90-minute walking tour, which takes you back in time to 1836 Prairietown where it’s the night before Christmas. Meet a variety of characters in their homes, and learn how new settlers to Indiana’s frontier carried on their family traditions. This program is recommended for ages 7 and older. Reservations are required and can be made online at connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and run every 12 minutes until 9 p.m. Cost is $16/adult non-members, $14/adult members, $13/youth non-members (age 2-12) and $11/youth members.
‘GIFTED’ EXHIBIT
Nickel Plate Arts’ “Gifted” exhibit is back for its fourth year and is the annual holiday exhibit and gift market. Shop early for holiday cards, ornaments, gifts and more at the Nickel Plate Arts campus in downtown Noblesville. The exhibit runs through Dec. 30. It is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
FEDERAL HILL COMMONS ICE PLAZA
Through Dec. 24, the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. The rink will close at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Regular hours will change from Dec. 26 to Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. On Dec. 22, the parks department will host “Cake & Skate” where guests can dress like an elf or sugarplum fairy. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m., guests also can enjoy local food trucks.
SKATE ‘N’ SLOPES
Through Feb. 28, and depending on weather, show your receipt from the Ice Plaza at Federal Hill Commons or Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes at Strawtown Koteewi Park, 11800 Koteewi Dr., and receive a discount at the other. Present your receipt from the Ice Plaza to receive $4 off a two- or three-hour experience at Koteewi Run. Present your receipt from Koteewi Run to receive $2 off the general admission rate at the Ice Plaza.
