Experience the Magic of Celebration Crossing

Visitors of all ages can experience the holiday season filled with magic, wonder and cherished memories as Celebration Crossing returns to the Indiana State Museum.

With traditions that date back nearly 35 years, this beloved wintertime experience will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily from Nov. 28-Jan. 4, closed only on Dec. 25.

On opening day, families can enjoy hands-on activities and sip hot beverages on the museum’s front lawn as they await Santa Claus’ grand entrance by helicopter at 10:30 a.m. Accompanied by live holiday singers, Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome visitors into the museum to illuminate the magnificent 92 County Tree, officially marking the start of the holiday season.

Throughout the event, Santa will meet with visitors daily through Dec. 24 inside his fanciful house, filled with vibrant decorations based on the illustrations of local artist Candice Hartsough. Her inviting artwork is also featured throughout the Snowfall Express, the centerpiece of Celebration Crossing. This 18-passenger train offers an indoor journey through a snowy forest filled with music, movement and wonder. Children will watch as charming woodland critters come to life within the whimsical wintertime scenes — and it actually snows!

Elsewhere at Celebration Crossing, little ones will enjoy sitting by the fireside to share stories in Santa’s Front Yard and learning about Rudolph and his famous friends in the Reindeer Barn. Visitors can also see the original Santa Claus Express train and animated holiday window displays that came from the downtown Indianapolis L.S. Ayres store in 1991. Plus, special performances by local choirs and ensembles at Holiday Sounds will add to the festive atmosphere.

A focal point at the museum’s Washington Street entrance since 2008, the 92 County Tree will be adorned with handcrafted ornaments representing each of Indiana's counties. An interactive lighting display will help visitors locate their county's ornament and learn about the artist behind its creation.

Celebration Crossing is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth (ages 3-17) and $21 for seniors.

The museum also offers many special events and experiences that guests can add on to enhance their visit to Celebration Crossing. Open exclusively during the holidays, the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ will serve up a hearty helping of nostalgia along with a decadent buffet featuring signature dishes like chicken velvet soup, tea sandwiches, desserts and more. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Happening on select dates, events such as Santa’s Holiday Breakfasts in the Great Hall and the Snowflake Pajama Party are perfect for families.

Visitors can take part in the Kwanzaa Community Festival on Dec. 28, featuring African drumming and dancing, storytelling, cultural vendors, family-friendly activities and more. This event is held in partnership with the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church.

As 2025 draws to a close, visitors can start their new year’s celebration early during Family New Year’s Eve from 6-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Along with the festivities of Celebration Crossing, this family-friendly event will feature activity stations in the museum’s galleries, special character appearances, music and dancing, face painting, photo ops and a big balloon drop to end the evening.

Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to purchase tickets, reserve programs and learn more about the holiday happenings at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ other locations across the state.