New Year's Celebrations: Indianapolis Indy 500 Car Drop and More Festivities

Our celebration of New Year’s continue's by sharing traditions from around the globe. And, right here in Indiana we ring in the New Year on Georgia Street with family and friends!

In the spirit of racing, Indianapolis invites race fans from around the world to join them on Georgia Street for a countdown to the New Year with a unique twist; Indy 500 Car Drop.

Before the countdown to midnight you’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy at the interactive sports zone in Entry Pavilion at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with the Pacers, Fever, Colts, Indians, Fever, Indy Eleven and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As for music, there are plenty of parties where you can hit the dance floor or just enjoy great music and welcome in the New Year.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis host popular New Year's events. This is a chance to end the year with a bang with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank and Judy O'Bannon Great Hall.  There will be face painting, stilt walkers, clowns and music throughout the evening. A balloon drop takes place at 8 p.m. which is ideal for letting the little ones to celebrate the New Year in style. 

Everyone can celebrate the New Year at parties to join in and around Downtown Indy. These are among some of the festivities to enjoy:

• The Family New Year’s Eve, Indiana State Museum
• New Year’s Eve at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
• New Year’s Eve at the Slippery Noodle Inn

What is your favorite way to ring in the New Year?

Plan Your New Year's Activities:

These are just a sample of the exciting festivities to enjoy. There are many attractions, sites, and tasty treats at local restaurants to enjoy on your visit to Indy so visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Bureau website to plan your trip.

Also visit Indianapolis Downtown Inc. at www.indydt.com for more events and news for your trip.

Photo Credits: Visit Indy

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Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Presents A Festival of Carols

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir are preparing for the annual tradition presentation of a Festival of Carols. Tickets for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s annual holiday performances are on sale now, with performances beginning this weekend.

The upcoming performances of Festival of Carols feature the 200-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, which is among the largest and oldest choruses in the nation, and will be joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. This year, Festival of Carols also features two Spotlight Choirs: Center Grove High School, performing at the Schrott Center, and Avon High School performing at the Palladium. The Spotlight Choir series works to benefit high school choral music programs and achieve a balanced, complete education for young people.

Although the Symphonic Choir is best known for performing classical music, Festival of Carols features a selection of fan-favorite and traditional holiday music performed by chorus and orchestra. Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley will join the 2017 lineup at all five performances as a special guest soloist. Ripley is no stranger to Indiana; she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and performed professionally for the first time at the Red Barn Summer Theatre in Frankfort, Ind. 

“Words barely capture the excitement I have with a star-studded cast like this for our 2017 Festival of Carols performances,” shares Artistic Director Eric Stark. “With a Tony Award-winning singer like Alice, combined plus full chorus and orchestra, the magic of the holiday season leaps off of the stage and into our audience’s hearts and memories.”

“The Symphonic Choir’s Christmas concerts have grown significantly, especially in the past 5 years,” states Executive Director Michael Pettry. “Part of the concert series’ growth stems from our strategy of using radio and television broadcasts, CDs, iTunes and other media to expand our audience reach. At the same time, it really comes down to the beauty and joy of holiday music that draws audiences to the performance. There’s nothing else like it!”

Order your Tickets To The Festival of Carols

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is honored to be one of the nation’s established and dynamic musical institutions. The Choir reaches in excess of 25,000 people each season with more than 25 performances and a comprehensive educational outreach program. For news about the Symphonic Choir and to order your tickets for upcoming performances visit the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir website.

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Spooky Fun For Families At The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House

For some fall fun in Indianapolis you must visit the Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House - Wicked Woods. They've been cooking up some chilling fun for families for 54 years, and it kicks off again on Oct. 7th.

This is not your typical hike in the woods. The museum’s head witches have plenty of tricks of their sleeves, and invite you to hike through the foreboding forest as you encounter campfires and caves, creatures and cabins, terrible tales and haunted trails. Grab your packs and get your gear ready!

They do have not so scary hours or IPL’s Lights-On Hours that are designed for children who scare easily. Then, there are the AAA's Frightening Hours for children and adults who dare to be scared. So, you'll have several options to celebrate the season with some spooky fun and more at the Children’s Museum!

Use this link to learn some creepy make tips.

Plan your Visit To The Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House:

Tickets are $8 at the door. All tickets are available at The Children’s Museum Box Office. Check their website for local discounts and times.

For ticket information and hours for the Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House visit https://www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house.

To discover the amazing exhibits and other events to enjoy at the Children's Museum visit www.childrensmuseum.org.

Learn about the history of the Children's Museum Guild's Haunted House.

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