Festival of Trees returns to Indiana History Center

INDIANAPOLIS — Get in the Christmas spirit at Indiana Historical Society's annual Festival of Trees.

The holiday extravaganza begins Friday, Nov. 11 and goes through Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Guests will see 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana.

"Our Festival of Trees is a must-attend annual event, and we are so excited to bring it back to the Indiana Historical Society," IHS President and CEO Jody Blankenship said. "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."

Festival of Trees will be open on the following schedule:

• Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Festival of Trees will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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. 

Click here to purchase tickets.

Guests have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. They can also help a child in need with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.

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.

As guests wander through the building, they can stop in the Cole Porter Room to sing holiday classics with "Caroling through the Holidays," sponsored by Citizens Energy Group.

Visitors can also check out a recreated scene from "A Christmas Story" — complete with a pink bunny onesie — sponsored by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre.

With paid admission, those 21 and over can sample a selection of Heaven Hill Brands bourbon, bourbon cocktails and special holiday bites.

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

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