Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Nov. 8, 2018) – The holiday season will begin at the Indiana State Museum on Nov. 23, when Santa arrives via helicopter on the museum’s front lawn to open Celebration Crossing.

Celebration Crossing is the museum’s holiday experience, featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their house, holiday music from local bands and choirs, rides on the Santa Claus Express train and other interactive activities.

New this year, visitors can tinker in Santa’s Workshop on the second floor, where they can create on the elves’ workbenches, map the flight of Santa’s reindeer around the globe and help pack Santa’s sleigh full of presents. Also new this year, on the first floor visitors can explore Santa’s Front Yard outside his house, where they’ll build a snowman, create fake snowballs, decorate trees and more.

“The holidays are a time for making memories with friends and family,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “After spending time with us, our visitors will remember what the holiday season is all about.”

The L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ will also open for holiday dining on Nov. 23 and remain open through Jan. 6, 2019. Reservations are recommended for the tea room and can be made by calling (317) 232-1637.

Opening day for Celebration Crossing is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 23. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will perform at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall, followed by Santa’s arrival at noon.

Celebration Crossing will remain open Nov. 23 through Jan. 6, including Mondays in December. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 22) and Christmas (Dec. 25). Celebration Crossing is included with purchase of general museum admission.

FOR MEDIA: If interested in covering Santa’s arrival via helicopter at 12 p.m. on Nov. 23, contact Hannah Kiefer at [email protected] or (317) 234-8146. For photos of Celebration Crossing from 2017, visit this link: http://bit.ly/2DkMQtL

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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.