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Ring those sleigh bells, the winter celebration known as Jolly Days Winter Wonderland opened a week earlier in 2013 to give families more time to enjoy the magic and fun of this holiday tradition while staying toasty-warm.
Jolly Days starts Saturday, November 23, 2013 and runs through January 5, 2014-plenty of time to give good little boys and girls an opportunity to take a ride or two down the Yule Slide and enjoy all of the other fun activities.
“We are thrilled that Jolly Days has become such a valued family holiday tradition,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “This year, because Thanksgiving falls so late in the month of November, we will open this celebration a week early. We are hopeful the extra week will give families the opportunity to spend more quality time together during this special, but often hectic time of year.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the museum a week later because they want to continue their tradition of enjoying Thanksgiving dinner together. On November 29, 2013, the day after Thanksgiving, Jolly ole’ St. Nicholas will zoom into the museum in very grand style in a two-seater Dallara Factory IndyCar driven by 2013 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter, Ed Carpenter.From 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. there will be a free youth admission with each paid adult.
Other Jolly Days Winter Wonderland activities and events include:
Jolly Days Daily Fun
Take part in a number of seasonal favorites including skating in socks on an indoor “pond,” climbing and sliding on the Snow Castle, “ice” fishing, and pretend-baking holiday goodies in the Tradition Kitchen. For many visitors, a highlight of their trip to Jolly Days includes a visit and photo with Santa who will be waiting to hear what’s on the wish lists of young museum visitors.
Museum Store Black Friday Discount
Between 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., the Museum store will be offering a 30 percent Black Friday discount on all purchases. Before shopping, be sure to take a look at the list of Kid-tested, Kid-approved toys for this year’s best gift ideas straight from the kiddos. Don’t forget that museum membershipsmake great holiday gifts for the entire family.
Jingle Arrgh the Way! A Christmas Pirate Adventure - Nov.29-Jan. 5, various dates and times
After discovering a mysterious message in the crow’s nest, Captain Braid Beard and the pirates are back! They enlist the help of young Jeremy Jacob to find the “Christmas treasure.” Upon arrival at the North Pole Jeremy and the crew are welcomed by Santa, who helps them discover the “real Christmas treasure.” The music and magic of this delightful tale make it a wonderful holiday show for the family.
SpaceQuest® Planetarium – November 23 – January 6, 2013
Visit The Children’s Museum’s SpaceQuest® Planetarium for our special offerings this holiday season including Season of Light! Enjoy this special journey through the winter holidays and discover many cultural celebrations. Find out how some of our holiday traditions got started, where some of the holiday decorations come from, and how they are tied to light and the change of the seasons. 35 minutes. Ideal age: 6 + . And Cosmic Canopy reveals how to find stars and planets in the Indiana night sky. Season of Light takes you on a special journey through the winter holidays and its many cultural traditions. Go to childrensmuseum.org/planetarium to see the full list of show times.
Target Free Family Night: Toys and Traditions – Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m.
Come discover The Children’s Museum’s rich collection of holiday toys during this free admission evening! Sponsored generously by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children’s Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m.
Christmas Eve Free Admission – Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In celebration of the season, The Children’s Museum presents a free admission day on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children are invited to visit Jolly Days to get in those last-minute wishes with Santa before he leaves in his sleigh!
Countdown to Noon – Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Families are invited to participate in the excitement of an early countdown by celebrating the New Year with a Water Clock countdown to Noon! Activities will begin at 10 a.m. with an exciting countdown taking place in the Sunburst Atrium at a reasonable hour for the younger members of the family.
The Dallara IndyCar Factoryis an interactive Facility where the public can learn how IndyCars are designed and built! Everyone can have the opportunity to see and take photos with IndyCar Show cars, and even take a ride around town in a street legal two-seater Indycar!
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.
