Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum :: CityMoms report
With so. many. holiday. openings. slated this week, we had CityMoms here and there and everywhere all over Indianapolis these past few days! In this CityMom report, Abby dishes on Celebration Crossing, the Indiana State Museum's turn for holiday fun.
Watching Santa fly in to the Indiana State Museum was like pure magic. I even found myself excited for his arrival! As you start to hear the helicopter flying overhead, you can’t help but get thrilled and start looking in all directions...
Yup, it was officially time for the opening of Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum! Opening day is always such a treat at the Museum - despite all of the ways Santa could arrive, this is the only location in Indianapolis where the big guy comes via helicopter to truly mark the kickoff of the holidays.
The Indiana State Museum holiday experience, Celebration Crossing, is now open through January 6, 2019 and you will love it.
We've been boasting about the Museum's newest programming this season including The Art of the Brick LEGO exhibit and the Cardboard Engineering experience - now with the opening of Celebration Crossing it makes for the perfect bang for your admission buck AND a great outing for the entire family.But back to Celebration Crossing: Three levels of the Indiana State Museum welcome you in with a multitude of holiday fun.
On the 3rd level:
Ride the Santa Claus Express train. It's a free and fun ride through a teeny holiday village - and this ride isn't just for kids! Moms {and big ole dad butts!} can definitely fit in the cars as well. Afterward, hop over to the Cardboard Engineering where they have cardboard Gingerbread men if you ask!
On the 2nd level:
Take a peek into Santa’s workshop where kids can create 3D holiday trees, light up ornaments, letters and emails to Santa, map out Santa’s flight around the globe, and practice loading up a sleigh with packages! Second level bonus mention: If you haven't visited the Peewinkle's Puppet Studio yet, um, DO. Also, their Christmas at the Puppet Studio performances kickoff on December 2.
One the 1st level:
And lastly, but most importantly, make sure to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus {shouts to the Missus!} in their home which is located on the first level. They're available for hellos, photos and visits during regular business hours. While you are waiting, let the kids play in Santa’s front yard where they can build a snowman, have a “snowball” fight, roast pretend s'mores, and more. From a parent's perspective, it's such a treat that the Museum has this play area for kids tired of waiting in line and moms who don't want to share their smart phone {distractions? Yes please!}.
Finally, the downtown IMAX Theatre is also located on the first level at the Museum. We love it for the many 3D movies and family-friendly documentaries they host throughout the year - keep close watch on their schedule for announcement of their annual "Polar Express in your PJs" holiday shows.
There’s so much to see at the ISM this holiday season and Celebration Crossing is sure to make it to the top of your holiday favorites. And don’t forget to find your county’s ornament on the 92 County Tree and visit the amazing other exhibits while you are there! There are so many great things going on this season and you can find a list and details of them all here.
MORE INFO: The Indiana State Museum is located at 650 W. Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. Celebration Crossing runs at the Indiana State Museum thru January 6, 2019. All of the amenities of Celebration Crossing are included in general Museum admission {BONUS: Buy your tickets in advance online and save $1!}. For more details, check out the Museum website or call 317.232.1637.