Indiana Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Tradition The Festival of Trees – Tickets on Sale Now!

The Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) 2024 Festival of Trees will be celebrating its 11^th anniversary as one of central Indiana’s biggest annual holiday traditions for families and people of all ages.

The 2024 Festival of Trees will run from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, and features 85 elaborately decorated trees, special programs, and holiday-themed dining and shopping options. The winter wonderland of tree-light-fully decorated trees represent individuals, families and organizations from all around Indiana. In addition, guests can enjoy a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree in the center of Eli Lilly Hall that is viewable throughout most of the building.

Back by popular demand, Twilight Nights has been expanded to both Tuesdays and Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These evenings feature special extended hours (5-8 p.m.) for those who wish to see the trees by night, including some special performances on select nights. Twilight Nights are a great option for a date night or an after-work team outing. 

In addition, Festival of Trees will also feature classic holiday songs in the Cole Porter Room and a scene from the iconic film A Christmas Story, the story of which was written by a Hoosier and set in Indiana. There will also be a friendly competition for which tree is the fan favorite, and each guest will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. The winning organization/tree will be honored with a special trophy made by ArtMix.

Throughout Festival of Trees, the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s will offer extended hours and additional menu options, including special holiday-inspired treats and tasty specialty beverages for both children and grown-ups. Visitors can also take part in scavenger hunts for the Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtsgurke (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building). Festival of Trees guests can enjoy additional programming and performances, and all IHS exhibits will be open for viewing.

IHS will also auction off unique Tabletop Designer Trees. Developed and uniquely decorated by top central Indiana designers, the 36” trees will be displayed in the Herbst Gallery Nov. 14 through Dec. 20.

Visitors may bid on their favorite tree(s) online or by using the link next to each tree. Bidding will close on Dec. 20, and the person with the highest bid can take home their tree on Dec. 21.

Guests can also get their holiday shopping done from the comfort of their home or at Festival of Trees by shopping at the Basile History Market online or in-person. Shop Hoosier hoodies, IHS Press books, whimsical Hoosier ornaments and so much more. IHS members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.

Other IHS events to get you into the holiday spirit this year include:

• Holiday Author Fair: On Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m., Author Fair attendees can mix and mingle with more than 60 authors of books about everything from sports and biographies to fiction, children’s books and politics, along with Indiana history. More info available here for this event presented by Printing Partners.
• VIP Sweet Experience: On Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., return to the wonder of winter trees, grand parties, sweets and magic for a super sweet experience with The Dance Refinery’s vignette performance of The Nutcracker. More info available here.
• Good Cheers and Ugly Sweaters: On Friday, Dec. 20, from 6 to9 p.m., wear your ugly sweaters or other themed apparel and enjoy sipping on complimentary local seasonal beverages, including craft beer, spirits, cocktails and more. More info available here.

The 2024 Festival of Trees is presented by Sullivan Hardware & Garden, and supported by The Mothershead Foundation, OneAmerica Financial, Printing Partners, and MacAllister Machinery, Inc. The media sponsor is WTHR. Festival of Trees is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 6, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

For tickets, more information and more, visit www.indianahistory.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door; however advance tickets are strongly encouraged and offer additional savings. IHS members can take advantage of their complimentary admission benefit by reserving their tickets online. Special offers are available for those who become an IHS member during their visit to the Festival of Trees.

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