Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees an Affordable Annual Tradition for All Ages

The Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) 2022 Festival of Trees is making spirits bright as one of central Indiana’s biggest holiday traditions for families and people of all ages.

From November 11 through January 7, visitors can take part in the annual holiday extravaganza at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis. This year’s winter wonderland features 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana.

Whenever they visit, guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. They will also have the opportunity to help a child in need with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. While Festival of Trees tickets may be purchased at the door, buying advance tickets is strongly encouraged.

“Our Festival of Trees is a must-attend annual event, and we are so excited to bring it back to the Indiana Historical Society,” said IHS President and CEO Jody Blankenship. “As is tradition, we will have an amazing centerpiece tree and dozens of elaborately decorated trees. We’re pleased to be making spirits bright while also remaining an affordable option for friends and families alike. There really is something for all ages — our youngest guests enjoy hunting for Hoosier Buddy (our Elf on a Shelf) and 10 hidden pickle ornaments hidden in trees around the building as well as looking at all the trees. We also have special programs to get people into the holiday spirit.”

Visitors can take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurken (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building). And as guests wander through the building, they can sing holiday favorites in the Cole Porter Room, with Caroling through the Holidays, sponsored by Citizens Energy Group. In addition, visitors can check out a recreated scene from “A Christmas Story,” complete with pink bunny onesie, sponsored by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre.

Throughout Festival of Trees, the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s will offer extended hours and additional menu options, including holiday-inspired treats and tasty specialty beverages for both children and grown-ups. Members receive a 10 percent discount on café purchases.

Back by popular demand, Twilight Tuesdays offer an after-hours experience from 5-8 p.m. for those who wish to see the trees by night. And with paid admission, those 21 and over can sample a selection of Heaven Hill Brands bourbon. Bourbon cocktails and special holiday bites will also be available to purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s. Visitors will have the chance to register to win a Heaven Hill Distillery trip for six. Twilight Tuesdays are November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20. There will be a special performance by Capital City Chorus on December 13 as well.

Plus, enhance your visit to the Festival of Trees with additional events to get you in the holiday spirit. These special events include:

• On Saturday, December 3 is our favorite book event of the year — the Holiday Author Fair! Mix and mingle with more than 60 authors during this annual event from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission to the Author Fair is included with general admission to the Indiana Historical Society. Presented by Printing Partners. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/3Nv68Oj.
• On Saturday, December 10, the Dance Refinery will present vignettes from “The Nutcracker.” The performances at 1 and 3 p.m. will last about 45 minutes each. Performances are included with admission to the History Center. As an additional treat, participants can register for The Sweet Experience and join Clara and her friends for a morning of sweets, holiday crafts and a story reading. Participants will have the opportunity for an exclusive photo with Clara and the Nutcracker as well as a reserved VIP seat at the Nutcracker performance at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/3NCtlhl.
• On Friday, December 16, Good Cheers and Ugly Sweaters takes place from 5:30 to 8 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. Soak up the season while strolling through the winter wonderland of Festival of Trees and campaign to win the best — or worst — holiday attire. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/3SUoN6Z.

Festival of Trees hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Select Tuesday evenings will have extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Festival of Trees is presented by The Salvation Army, with support from The Mothershead Foundation, Citizens Energy Group, Printing Partners and MacAllister Machinery, Inc.

 Twilight Tuesdays are sponsored by Heaven Hill Brands; and Caroling through the Holidays is presented by Citizens Energy Group.

For tickets, a detailed schedule of hours and a schedule of programs, visit www.FestivalofTreesIndy.org. Festival of Trees will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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