Downtown
This holiday season, the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is offering two fantastic ways to experience its 2020 Festival of Trees holiday exhibit — in-person or virtually!
Visitors can get into the holiday spirit by enjoying the exhibit in person at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis. Or you can take part in the new virtual experience online.
“We’re happy we can provide an online addition to our amazing onsite Festival of Trees experience,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. “The virtual experience is beautifully designed, and we’re excited for online attendees to check it out. It only enhances the tradition of this beloved event. Having an indoor and remote option for visiting the Festival of Trees really opens this event up to a wider audience, which we’re grateful to have this holiday season.”
For those visiting on site, this year’s Festival of Trees features a winter wonderland of 50 elaborately-decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. This year will feature a new theme — Life Is a Gift — that will be seen and felt from the 30-foot centerpiece tree to decorative features throughout the building. Select Friday evenings will offer extended hours for those who wish to see the trees by night. Guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree.
On-site visitors can also take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurke (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building). Hints on locations will be available on IHS’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profiles.
As guests wander through the building, they can stop in the Cole Porter Room for live holiday music and enjoy a virtual story time with Santa. All exhibits will be available for guests, including the recently opened You Are There 1920: Celebrate Indianapolis!
See the Festival of Trees lights at night! Our celebration is open until 8 pm three Friday nights - December 4, 11 and 18, - so be sure to join us for a night-time experience you won’t forget.
We’re also partnering with the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) December. 11 and 12. Come meet Breezy, and learn how ICAN helps train and provide service dogs for Hoosiers with disabilities.
