Festival of Trees

Embrace your holiday spirit!

Experience the joy of the holiday season at the History Center! Ninety-two elaborate trees – a dozen more than last year – are packed into our grand building, creating a winter wonderland to delight people of all ages. We’ve had upside-down trees, trees made from unconventional materials like balloons, tires and books, and this year, our tree sponsors are going all out. You can vote for your favorites, but it will be a tough decision. This year, we’re decking out our 30-foot showstopper as a tribute to nature in Indiana.

Give Festival of Trees tickets to your favorite people. Click here to purchase.

The History Center is a Salvation Army Angel Tree location. Learn more here.

Holiday Hours

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Open until 8 p.m. Dec. 16 through 23
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

Stardust Terrace Cafe | Operated by Hoaglin Catering
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday
10 a.m to 6 p.m. Dec. 16 through 21

Daily

Elf on a Shelf – Where is Hoosier Buddy, the History Center’s Elf on the Shelf, today? Check our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages for a clue. Tell our Welcome Center staff you found him for a prize.

Where’s the Weihnachtsgurke? – See if you can spot the 10 pickle ornaments we have hiding in different trees all over the building.

Holiday Sing-Along – Jump into the holiday spirit in the Cole Porter Room and sing along with traditional carols.

Jolly Saturdays

Join us every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for games, crafts and fun for every age! Free with admission.

Nov. 16 | Deck the Halls

Nov. 23 | Holidays on the Homestead

Nov. 30 | Sugarplum Saturday – Supported by The Dance Refinery

Dec. 7 | All About Books – FREE ADMISSION

Dec. 14 | A Christmas Story Day

Dec. 21 | A Solstice Celebration

Dec. 28 | Reindeer Games

Saturdays and Sundays

Every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Santa strolls through the History Center from 1 to 4 p.m., handing out special treats to children of all ages. He’ll stop for breaks in the Multipurpose Room on the Canal Level at 1 and 3 p.m. for storytime with the little ones in the Citizens Energy Group Santa’s Reading Nook.

Trees By Night
The trees are so pretty in the twilight! Experience the holiday enchantment Dec. 16 through 23 when the History Center stays open until 8 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 20, join us for Friday Night Lights where you’ll enjoy complimentary wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates with paid admission. Additional wine will be available for $5.

Quiet Space
If you or someone in your party need some time out of the hustle and bustle, there is a quiet space available on the third level, east side. Ask anyone in a blue polo for assistance finding it.

Special Events and Programs

Holiday Author Fair
Saturday, Dec. 7 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free admission
Join us for a fun-filled day of mixing, mingling and book signing.

Sugarplum Saturday: The Sweet Experience SOLD OUT
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a morning of sweet treats, photo ops with characters from The Nutcracker and making your own wooden nutcracker ornament.

Good Beers and Ugly Sweaters
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Make merry by wearing your ugliest holiday sweater and trying out some great seasonal local beers. Compete in our ugly sweater contest!