Experience outdoor holiday fun 1800s style at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. This year, Conner Prairie is extending a bevy of holiday activities from Nov. 29 through Jan. 6 and is also offering a new outdoor event sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Bundle up for a ride across Conner Prairie on a horse-drawn wagon, take a candlelit tour of 1836 Prairietown, and sing around a campfire with the “Rowdies” to see firsthand how they live up to their nickname. Ward off that winter chill by participating in indoor activities, such as sharing a meal with Santa or exploring unique winter creations in our annual Gingerbread Village.
New this year, Conner Prairie is introducing Winter Fun Days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6. Guests will participate in outdoor activities at Lenape Indian Camp, Animal Encounters Barn and more. Visitors will also enjoy indoor fun, including games, puppet shows and more.
Conner Prairie holiday activities include:
Gingerbread Village
Nov. 29-Jan. 6 (Closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1); Thurs-Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Included with general admission
Visit our magical land of gingerbread houses, holiday characters and other real and imaginary winter scenes made entirely out of edible treats. Submit your own creation in our gingerbread competition by Nov. 26 and be eligible to win cash prizes in categories including creative, traditional, science-themed and more. For more information, log on to Gingerbread Village.
1836 Daytime Outdoor Adventure
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
$12/adult; $9/youth (ages 2-12); Free for members
Back by popular demand, 1836 Daytime Outdoor Adventure has returned for a second season. Select outdoor experience areas will open to the public. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride (additional fee), singing and storytelling around a bonfire, and help the Campbells prepare for their holiday party. Indoor areas will also be open.
Breakfast with Santa – Members Only
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22; 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
$15.95/adult member; $7.95/youth member (ages 2-12)
Reservations required at (317) 776-6006
Conner Prairie members can fill up on breakfast favorites, including scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, French toast sticks and muffins while enjoying the company of jolly old St. Nick. Design your own dessert by helping decorate Christmas cookies.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight
Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22; Start times for tours are staggered from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
$15/adult ($13/adult member); $13/youth (ages 2-12) ($11/youth member)
Group pricing (15 or more): $14/adult; $12/youth
Reservations required at (317) 776-6006
Set on Christmas Eve in 1836 Prairietown, take a 60-minute evening tour to see how different residents celebrate the holidays – all by candlelight. Join the Ullmans’ Hanukkah celebration, meet the German Pennsylvania Santa Claus, warm up around a bonfire shindig and sing and dance at the Campbells’ holiday party.
Dinner with Santa
Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22; Dinner seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$19.95/adult ($17.95/adult member); $9.95/youth (ages 2-12) ($8.95/youth member)
Reservations required at (317) 776-6006
Have dinner with the star of the season – Santa Claus himself – and share in a meal perfect for the holidays. Enjoy a selection of roasted turkey, whipped potatoes, sweet buttered corn, honey baked ham and more. You can design your own Christmas cookie (additional fee) or choose between apple cobbler and other desserts.
Winter Fun Days – New!
Dec. 26-Jan. 6 (closed Jan. 1); 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$12/adults, $9/youth (ages 2-12); free for Conner Prairie members
Avoid the post-holiday blues with some wintertime fun! Visit Lenape Indian Camp to learn about the science of baking, enjoy a chocolate-making demonstration and a story by the fire. Inside the Featherston Barn, guests will learn about winter survival skills like trapping and fire-starting. The Welcome Center will host puppet shows, singing and games. If you have ever wondered what our animals do during the winter, stop by the Animal Encounters Barn. And join us Dec. 26-29 when ANIMALIA will discuss and show off a variety of animals during Winter Critter Chat.
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park was created by Eli Lilly in 1934, and is Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 wooded acres including the newest exhibits, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana, the newly revitalized 1836 Prairietown and 1859 Balloon Voyage that takes guests 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon.
Visit connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836 for admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate. Connect with Conner Prairie on Facebook at facebook.com/connerprairie, Flickr at flickr.com/people/connerprairie, YouTube at youtube.com/user/ConnerPrairie and Twitter at twitter.com/connerprairie.
Facebook Comments: