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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Start a New Winter Tradition with WinterFaire
Make Lasting Memories in Our New Magical Winter Wonderland
INDIANAPOLIS (November 14, 2023) – WinterFaire - a brand-new magical indoor winter wonderland is coming to the world’s largest children’s museum and is sure to become a new tradition for all this season. Visitors can expect to see a festive, carnival-like atmosphere complete with fun games, hands-on activities, adorable animal characters, special visits with Santa and of course our iconic 47-foot-long WinterSlide is back with a delightful twist.
Once inside our enchanting new winter forest, museumgoers will meet five adorable animal characters. At the entrance, a fluffy red fox named Ember will welcome families with a smile. In the center of the space, visitors will find Indigo, a mystical and knowledgeable chameleon perched on a magical fountain. When children and their grown-ups work together to touch symbols on the fountain, its frozen plumes will change colors – touching all 6 at the same time will make Indigo’s body light up too. Energetic and carefree, a harbor seal named Flip will get kids of all ages excited to play a variety of games. The brave and adventurous ice phoenix, Storm, greets visitors at the ice cave where children will discover activities designed around building, jumping, climbing, and balancing. Last, but not least, meet Gerty, a sweet and creative beaver who presides over the Artisans Corner. Not only will visitors find objects made from a variety of materials from around the world on display, but they will have the opportunity to grab an apron and create a bright, colorful design or play shopkeeper in the store. During select times, programs are offered in Gerty’s Workshop and families can begin a new tradition by designing a lantern to use during a WinterFaire-y Tale. Then, they can take the magical memento home! WinterFaire will be open November 18, 2023 – February 11, 2024. And, the WinterSlide opens November 18, 2023, and closes January 7, 2024.
Santa’s WinterFaire Welcome
Mark your calendar for a special visit by the one and only Jolly Old St. Nick to WinterFaire. A magical dance party will welcome Santa to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on Friday, November 24 from 9:30 – 10 a.m. Visitors can share their wish list with Santa and pose for a photo. - Visitors are encouraged to check childrensmuseum.org/visit-santa to see the select days and times when he will be at the museum. And remember—Santa’s final day at the museum is Dec. 24.
Additional Winter Season Fun Includes:
Gingerbread Houses - 12:30 p.m. on November 18, 2023
It is time to break out the sugar and gumdrops! Take part in this timeless tradition of decorating a gingerbread house. Ticket prices range between $4 - 25.
Santa’s WinterFaire Welcome - 9:30 – 10 a.m. on November 24, 2023
Ring in the season with the arrival of the museum’s jolliest celebrity! Be among the first to explore the new winter wonderland, WinterFaire, and visit with Santa. Included with admission.
The Museum Store Discount - 8:30–10 a.m. on Nov. 24, 2023
Only Santa’s good little shoppers can save big bucks! The Museum Store will offer a
30 percent off Black Friday discount on all purchases made before 10 a.m.
Toymaker’s Workshop - 9:30 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. on December 2 & 3, 2023
Calling all crafters and creators! Visit an adorable Toymaker’s Workshop and select a project from a menu of buildable toys. The museum provides the tools and materials; families provide the creativity needed for a masterpiece. Ticket prices range between $4 - $25.
Whimsical WinterFaire – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2023
Embrace the magic of the season with little ones! Join us for early access to WinterFaire and the WinterSlide, then explore activities designed specifically for grownups and their children five-years-old and younger. Ticket prices range between $4 - $25.
Winter PJ Party at the Manor - 9:30 a.m., 1 or 3:30 p.m. on December 9, 2023
Wear your coziest pajamas and get “snowed in” at the historic Manor next door to the museum. Each door opens a new adventure. Encounter rooms taken over by woodland creatures, enjoy an indoor snowball fight, make holiday treats and more. Ticket prices range between $4 - $25.
Santa’s Magical Morning – 8 – 10 a.m. on Dec. 10, 16 & 17, 2023
Join us for an exclusive morning with unlimited access to the WinterSlide, open exploration of WinterFaire, photos with Santa and special activities with family and friends. Ticket prices range between $24 - $41.25.
Countdown to Noon - 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31
Celebrate the final day of 2023 with activities, live music from Zak Morgan, and countdowns at noon and 1 p.m. that will allow families to experience the excitement of a countdown at a reasonable hour for the youngsters! Receive festive favors for the big moment (while supplies last).
Llouie the Llama’s Winter Adventure: Lost in the Woods Written by Jeffrey Bowen
Llouie the llama wakes in a deep forest, lost and experiencing some memory loss. With the help of woodland creatures, he pieces together memories of his farm. During Llouie’s journey, he encounters a fox who mistreats him and learns how to handle a bully. By the end, Llouie has made new friends who work together to help him find his way home. This one-of-a-kind experience debuts in the Lilly Theater within The Children’s Museum on November 24, 2023. See the museum’s website www.childrensmuseum.org/theater for additional dates and times.
Gift Memberships
Give experiences, not more stuff!! A membership to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis lasts for a year. Better yet, the memories will last a lifetime! Who knew a year of fun could fit into a stocking?
The museum offers free admission to children and families on December 24, 2023. Please note the museum is open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on that day. There will be plenty of programming during this festive time so that families can always experience something new: See the programs happening the day of your visit on the museum’s online calendar (childrensmuseum.org/calendar).
Please note: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will be closed on December 25, 2023.
WinterFaire is presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers and is supported by Delta Dental of Indiana and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
The WinterSlide is presented by Corteva Agriscience.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, TikTok@childrensmuseum, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.
