Children’s Museum offering array of holiday-themed events

Although you’re still wondering what to do with all your leftover turkey, it’s officially Christmastime.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has a season of activities to help families celebrate. Here are a few activities coming up before the holidays.

Meet Santa

Santa Claus’ big arrival takes place at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.Santa arrives to the museum in an IndyCar driven by IndyCar owner and driver Ed Carpenter. Families can participate in holiday activities and a fun family singalong. At 10 a.m. be among the first to explore the Jolly Days exhibit, ride the Yule Slide, and visit with Santa.

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Jolly Days

Nov. 25 to Jan. 8Slide into fun

Zip down the two-story Yule Slide to see who can make it to the bottom of the 47-foot long slide. Rumor has it the inside track is faster.

Children and families will be greeted by a galley facilitator or guild member dressed as the Head Elf. They will be encouraged to earn their elf ears by gaining experience with the various winter activities in the gallery. Once they complete the interactions together within the gallery, they can return and test their new knowledge with the Head elf to earn a pair of their own elf ears and their Elf name — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Snowball Fight

Children and families can play in a safe snowball fight on the ice skating pond using 3-inch craft pom-poms. As the game continues, new rules and demands will be placed on the teams — 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. daily.

Atrium Snowball Fight

Interpreters dressed in referee shirts will lead children and families in a safe snowball fight in the sunburst atrium using the snowballs sold from the museum store. As the game continues, new rules and demands will be placed on the teams, such as: no right hands or kids vs. grown-ups. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Winter Characters

Characters such as Mrs. Claus, Zazzles the Elf and Jack Frost will enhance the guest experience with special appearances in Jolly Days and around the Mezzanine. They might engage in casual conversation related to their character’s story or they may perform a short story, song or activity based on visitation levels, space within the gallery and guest interest. — 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily.

Sing-Along Extravaganza

Popular up-and-coming singing duo, Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe are hitting the Jolly Days scene to share some of their favorite holiday carols and lead a sing-along in the Sunburst Atrium. Families will join in singing well known holiday tunes and enjoy the sweet sounds of this group as they make a stop on their tour to greet fans right here in Indianapolis.

More events and Jolly Days information available at childrensmuseum.org.