INDIANAPOLIS— The Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) 2024 Festival of Trees will celebrate its 11th anniversary as one of central Indiana’s biggest annual holiday traditions for families and people of all ages.
The 2024 Festival of Trees will run from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, and features 85 elaborately decorated trees, special programs, and holiday-themed dining and shopping options. The winter wonderland of tree-light-fully decorated trees represents Indiana’s individuals, families, and organizations. In addition, guests can enjoy a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree in the center of Eli Lilly Hall that is viewable throughout most of the building.
Back by popular demand, Twilight Nights has been expanded to Tuesdays and Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. These evenings feature special extended hours (5-8 p.m.) for those wishing to see the trees by night, including special performances on select nights. Twilight Nights are a great option for a date night or an after-work team outing.
In addition, Festival of Trees will also feature classic holiday songs in the Cole Porter Room and a scene from the iconic film A Christmas Story, the story of which was written by a Hoosier and set in Indiana. There will also be a friendly competition for which tree is the fan favorite, and each guest can vote for their favorite tree. The winning organization/tree will be honored with a special trophy made by ArtMix.
Throughout Festival of Trees, the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s will offer extended hours and additional menu options, including special holiday-inspired treats and tasty specialty beverages for children and grown-ups. Visitors can also participate in scavenger hunts for the Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtsgurke (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building). Festival of Trees guests can enjoy additional programming and performances; all IHS exhibits will be open for viewing.
IHS will also auction off unique Tabletop Designer Trees. Developed and uniquely decorated by top central Indiana designers, the 36-inch trees will be displayed in the Herbst Gallery from Nov. 14 through Dec. 20.
Visitors may bid on their favorite tree(s) online or by using the link next to each tree. Bidding will close on Dec. 20, and the person with the highest bid can take home their tree on Dec. 21.
Guests can also do holiday shopping from the comfort of their homes or at the Festival of Trees by shopping at the Basile History Market online or in person. Shop Hoosier hoodies, IHS Press books, whimsical Hoosier ornaments, and so much more. IHS members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.
Other IHS events to get you into the holiday spirit this year include:
- Holiday Author Fair: On Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m., Author Fair attendees can mix and mingle with more than 60 authors of books about everything from sports and biographies to fiction, children’s books, and politics, along with Indiana history. More info is available here for this event presented by Printing Partners.
- VIP Sweet Experience: On Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., return to the wonder of winter trees, grand parties, sweets, and magic for a super sweet experience with The Dance Refinery’s vignette performance of The Nutcracker. More info is available here.
- Good Cheers and Ugly Sweaters: On Friday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., wear your ugly sweaters or other themed apparel and enjoy sipping on complimentary local seasonal beverages, including craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and more. More info is available here.
The 2024 Festival of Trees is presented by Sullivan Hardware & Garden, and supported by The Mothershead Foundation, OneAmerica Financial, Printing Partners, and MacAllister Machinery, Inc. Festival of Trees is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 6, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours for the Festival of Trees are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m., Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, and 19, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Twilight Nights).
For tickets, more information, and more, visit www.indianahistory.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door; however, advance tickets are strongly encouraged and offer additional savings. IHS members can take advantage of their complimentary admission benefit by reserving their tickets online. Special offers are available for those who become an IHS member during their visit to the Festival of Trees.
