Published November 26, 2019

Get ready for Santa’s landing at the Indiana State Museum

The week of Thanksgiving is upon us, and we all know what comes right after: the official kick off to the holiday season.

On Nov. 29, 2019 your family can welcome the holidays at Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum, when Santa arrives by helicopter on the front lawn at noon. Watch him circle the city as he comes in for landing, and enjoy doughnut holes and hot cider from Meijer.

New this year, you’ll get to meet Cookie McJingles – an elf who is Santa’s head baker at the North Pole. She’ll fly in with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and she’ll also share some of her favorite cookie recipes throughout the run of Celebration Crossing.

Once Santa lands, the fun will continue inside as Santa lights the 92 County Tree and officially opens his house to visitors for the season. Visitors can then enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, share their wish lists with him and build snowman, roast fake marshmallows and more in Santa’s Front Yard.

New this year, enjoy a gingerbread house make-and-take activity on Level 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. And of course, don’t leave until your family takes a ride on the Santa Claus Express train on the third floor.

Celebration Crossing is open Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, including Mondays in December. The museum is closed Christmas Day.

Holiday programs galore are offered for all ages throughout this time frame. Preschool Fridays are perfect for families with little ones ages 2 to 5, where you can experience the wintry fun during a special early opening – and ride the Santa Claus Express train. Bear’s Winter Dream is another great option, as an interactive play created just for families with little ones. Santa’s Holiday Breakfast is a delicious option for the whole family. Or, if you’re looking for adults-only fun, there’s Adults Night Out for those ages 21 and up, where you can experience the magic of Celebration Crossing – without the kids, and with a cocktail or two.

You can learn more about Celebration Crossing and get details on all of our programs by clicking below.

Get your jingle on