Winterfest at the Indiana History Center, Dec. 26-29, Jan. 2-5

Indiana History Center. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2010, all rights reserved.

By Amy Lamb
Indiana History Center
http://www.indianahistory.org/

Even though Christmas will be past, the future is bright for families looking for affordable activities with the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS’s) Winterfest, which will take place Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 2-5. IHS is offering free admission during the first week of the celebration at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and its Indiana Experience, at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Guests can enjoy family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting and special performances each day from jugglers, magicians, dancers and musicians. The History Center will still be decked out in holiday style, offering opportunities to step into a scene from A Christmas Story for a fun photo op with the infamous leg lamp—with or without bunny suits. Visitors can also enjoy Eli Lilly Hall’s holiday transformation into a gorgeous tree-filled white winter wonderland featuring beautiful handmade star lanterns.

Included with Winterfest is the IHS’s award-winning Indiana Experience, which uses cutting-edge technology and interactive elements to bring the wealth of IHS’s extensive collections to life in meaningful and enjoyable ways. Guests can step back into particular moments from recreated historic photographs with You Are There, take virtual time-travel journeys with Destination Indiana, try their hand at conservation work in the W. Brooks Fortune History Lab and have songs sung live for them upon request in the Cole Porter Room.

The Rose McKee Lanham Gallery on the fourth floor offers a look at IHS collections materials on the Civil War, from the firing on Fort Sumter to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The IHS’s Basile History Market will feature many great post-holiday deals on Indiana-related products, and the Stardust Terrace Café (operated by Hoaglin To Go) will offer kid-friendly cuisine throughout the celebration.

The 2012 Winterfest performance schedule includes:

Wednesday, Dec. 26 (1 p.m. and 2 p.m.)
Elliot Feltman

The Blue Monkey Sideshow founder and member stumps and stupefies guests with his unique brand of juggling and magic.

Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28 (11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
Mike and Suzie DeSante, Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Zionsville 
Celebrate the winter season with a unique mix of holiday-themed ballroom dance lessons, including the Foxtrot, Waltz and Swing, as well as exhibition dancing by the instructors.

Saturday, Dec. 29 (1-3 p.m.)
Radio Disney 

Radio Disney entertains guests with games, prizes and music.

Wednesday, Jan. 2 (11 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.)
Connor Ebbinghouse 
This state and regional yo-yo champion entertains with skills demonstrations.

Thursday, Jan. 3 (1 p.m.)
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Indianapolis

MYO features talented middle and high school musicians.

Friday, Jan. 4 (11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
Zach Kelley
Join this White Lick Elementary teacher and founder of Juggling Masters for an afternoon of plate spinning and juggling—including lessons!

Saturday, Jan. 5 (12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.)
Magician Ryan Demler
Be filled with intrigue and wonder by his magical works!

Winterfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is included with admission to the Indiana Experience, which will be complimentary Dec. 26-29. Winterfest is presented by Macy’s with support from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. For more information on IHS offerings, call 317-232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.