Mass Ave Merry Mile

Overview

The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District and Merchants Association are celebrating the holidays in a brand new fashion this year and it’s called The Mass Ave Merry Mile! The mile-long strip of Massachusetts Avenue and surrounding district in downtown Indianapolis is home to holiday traditions for the whole family and is also a participant of Winter Wanderland by Downtown Indy Alliance.

Mass Ave will host both new and long-loved activities from shopping, parades, window displays, and other festivities for all hoosiers to enjoy.

Shoppers and Small Business supporters will want to mark their calendars for both Late Night Shopper (Friday, November 20) and Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 28)!

Late Night Shopper is Mass Ave’s longest running holiday tradition where participating shops, restaurants, and other establishments remain open until at least 10 p.m. so shoppers can tackle their gift list early with our beloved local merchants. Small Business Saturday begins at 9 a.m.. This event is a nationwide celebration to shop and support local businesses for the Holiday season. Rumor also has it that many shops are planning deals for customers to take advantage of - such as discounts, coupons, and goody bags!

Three events will take place through the Merry Mile, giving visitors ample time to schedule out their holiday calendars!

Indy Stage will host two festive-themed light shows on Friday and Saturday evenings: one to take place in the Davlan Greenspace (directly in front of Bru Burger at 410 Massachusetts Ave) and the other at the Cultural Trail Plaza (where Massachusetts Avenue becomes Bellefontaine Street, near BODHI restaurant at 922 Massachusetts Ave). The second ongoing activity will be Windows of Wonder. While strolling the avenue, visitors can view the Windows of Wonder where shops will unveil exciting window displays! The third event will be the Merry Mile Cocktail Competition! Bars and restaurants will compete to create the best holiday cocktail. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite window displays and cocktails on the Merry Mile webpage (to be updated soon with participants and voting information).

An exciting single-day event that will be particularly exciting to those on the nice list is the Polka Santa Parade in partnership with Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt on Sunday, November 29, 11 am-12 pm. This parade is a brand new Mass Ave tradition featuring the arrival of Polka Santa and friends in a short community procession starting at the Cultural Trail Plaza and ending at the Athenaeum (401 E Michigan St).

In addition to all of these activities, individual businesses and organizations will be hosting a variety of events all season long. The District Theatre has holiday shows lined up, and the Athenaeum will be hosting their Christkindlemarkt again in the Rathskeller Beer Garden beginning November 27. And many more!

The holiday season at the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District is going to be a festive series of events to offer traditions and memories for everyone! All are welcome to explore Winter Wanderland at the Mass Ave Merry Mile. Keep an eye out on the Mass Ave website event page and app to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings across Mass Ave this holiday season!