Ten Unique Santa & Holiday Time Experiences on the Southside...& Beyond

Well, looks like I waited too long this year to make our Breakfast with Santa reservations with Oak Hill Mansion. We made it last year and were so impressed and had wanted to do it again. We put our names on the wait list in case something comes open, but in the meantime am working up a plan B and thought I would share the ideas as I came across them. Thankfully there is so much we can still do to make some magical memories - even if it wasn't the first couple of things that came to mind. (Had also looked into the French Lick Polar Express which is also sold out by now).

Thankfully I have a long bucket list of holiday experiences I want to do with my kiddos - and thankfully that list keeps growing as I find out more amazing events going on right under my nose.

1. Breakfast with Santa at the Children's Museum - There is always breakfast with Santa at the Children's museum, with Christmas crafts, including decorating a big bag to ride down the holiday slide. Breakfast and a chance to sit and visit and take a picture with Santa and a chance to ride down the slide a time to two early before the big lines start to form for the day.

2. Tuesday, December 2 Starting at 6:30PM: Santa by appointment at Toodleydoo Toys
We visited and fell in love with Toodleydoo Toys last year and their Santa is ADORABLE. Forget crowds and long lines at the mall to visit a wore out Santa -- instead make a date to visit Toodleydoo Toys, be amazed at their toy selection, and walk down the beautifully decorated downtown Franklin streets. (Insiders Hint: take time to make a quick visit to neighboring Anna's Boutique for Mom - their control top fleece lined leggings are the best!)
$18 a child (includes craft, and gift bag) & $5 per additional child

3. Santa at Home Depot in Greenwood off 135: This is a new-to-us one we may try out this year. We love taking part in their free Kids Workshops building everything from bird houses to piggy banks on scheduled Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM. Matt took the kiddos this morning and picked up this flyer while he was there.

4. Tea with Mrs. Claus at Sassafras Tea Room in Greenwood: We have been to their Mother's Day Brunch and would love to do this with the girls if we have time to squeeze it in.
Monday, December 14, 4PM: $18 Includes gifts for the kids, desserts, tea, tax, and gratuity.

5. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt in Cincinnati: This is more of a day trip but would love to go to something like this! Touted as the most authentic German Christmas Market in Cincinnati features Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and hot chocolate, Christian Moerlein beer, traditional baked goods, holiday gifts and decorations, and live entertainment!  First three weekends in December.
Cincideutsch Facebook Page

6. Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg Museum: Delaney has always loved trains and this one has been on our list for a few years now. With our Oak Hill Mansion mishap, this one is now on top of my list. A visit to the Jingle Rails Exhibit and maybe a short carriage ride around downtown with Yellow Rose Carriage off Monument Circle (after dropping off a letter to Santa's Mailbox and grabbing some hot chocolate at either Starbucks or Southbend Chocolate Company of course!)
November 21 - January 18, 2015 Admission: $12 adults. $6 youth. Kids 4 & under are FREE.
Mon–Sat: 10AM–  5PM. Sunday: 12noon –5PM 

7. IUPUI Alumni Association Holiday Night at the Children's Museum
Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-9:00 PM

We can bring the little ones and enjoy music, good food, SANTA!, and get crowd free access to the carosel and Jolly Slide! 

Adult (Alumni Association Members) - $20.00
Adult (Alumni Association Non-Members) - $25.00
IUPUI Students - $20.00 (with dinner)
IUPUI Students - $10.00 (without dinner)
Children aged 3 - 12 - $15.00
Children 2 and younger - Free

*Children's Museum Membership admission privileges may not be applied to this event*

Cost includes admission ticket (at a discounted rate), a buffet, drinks, and dessert. Make sure to drop off a non-perishable food item for IUPUI's Paws Food Pantry at The Central Indiana Alumni Chapter table.

8. The Magic Snowman performance at Lilly Theatre in the Children's Museum:Free with museum admission. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 a.m. at the Lower Level ticket booth. Members can reserve tickets in advance online or by calling 317-334-4000. Day-of tickets are available only at the Lower Level Ticket Booth.

Located on the Lower Level.
The Magic Snowman
Performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Nov. 27–29, Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 22–23, 26–27, 29–31, and Jan. 1–3, 1 and 3 p.m.
Christmas Eve performance at 11:30 a.m.
ASL-interpreted performance, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m.

45 minutes; ages 4+

9. Mail Santa a Letter on Monument Circle and Downtown Indianapolis Yellow Rose Carraige Ride: Include a return stamp with your letter and mail by December 17 to Santa to get a letter back! $50 for 25 min carriage ride around downtown Indianapolis to see the festive lights, bundled up tight and warm with your loved ones.

10. Ornament Making at Johnson County Libraries: Putting up tree is always so nostalgic, looking at all the ornaments we have bought, received and made throughout the years is always so sweet. To add to our 2015 collection we love to visit the library on their ornament craft days.