Ever wondered what it’d feel like to step back in time and experience the season as it might have been celebrated back in the early 1800s? In Hamilton County, Conner Prairie’s “A Merry Prairie Holiday” festival gives guests the chance to do just that.
A lighted giant Santa just outside the entrance greets visitors for the evening, setting the tone for all kinds of Christmas fun to come.
Once through the gates, guests can bear right to walk through the whimsical Reynolds LED light display and admire John Deere, IndyCar and Indianapolis Colts themed vignettes as well as classic Christmas trees, Santa Claus, penguins, toy soldiers and more. Halfway around the loop, little visitors can ditch their shoes to slide across “Frosty’s Skating Rink” in socked feet. And what holiday experience would be complete without a St. Nick selfie at the North Pole Village?
On the opposite side of the property, the Christmas spirit is alive and well throughout 1836 Prairietown, where “residents” welcome guests into their candlelit homes and places of business to chat about the seasonal traditions of days gone by. Feel free to join in the festive caroling around the bonfires.
For a quick breather, sit down to enjoy the “Twas the Night Before Christmas” 3D projection-mapped presentation across the front façade of the William Conner House every 15 minutes.
The bridge to the 1863 Civil War Journey leads to more dazzling holiday light displays and the charming Kringle’s Carousel; another light tunnel guides guests to the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge Tubing Hill for downhill adventures.
If it gets too cold (or younger visitors start to get hangry), a little live music, hot chocolate and a snack at Blitzen’s Bandstand are the perfect way to warm up and ward off any chill.
“A Merry Prairie Holiday” runs weekends at Conner Prairie between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To reserve tickets or for more information, go to connerprairie.org.
