BE INDYPENDENT

Need more ideas?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Museum memberships - Museum memberships offer discounts and access to special events and programs. It's a gift that will keep giving all year long!

2. Gift certificates - A gift certificate to a gallery or theatre lets your loved ones decide which events they'd like to attend. Many arts organizations and galleries offer gift certificates to make your holiday giving simple.

3. Tickets - The 2010 season of theatre, music and dance is available here.

4. Art classes - Sign up your adventurous friends and family for an art class so they can explore their own creativity. For a listing of community art classes, visit Be Indypendent's Resources page.

5. Season tickets - Buy season tickets for the theatre, music or dance lover in your life.

6. Commission an original piece of art - Check out the Arts Council's artist database that includes more than 600 artists. You're sure to find an artist who can create that special one-of-a-kind gift.

Experience Holiday Events

Museum Memberships | Gift Ideas | Be Indypendent Holiday Art Sale

Get in the holiday spirit with these local arts events.

EXPERIENCE HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 27
Santa's Big Arrival
The Children's Museum
Santa makes his traditional entrance down the Yule Slide.

Nov. 28
Santa's Landing! Celebration Crossing
Indiana State Museum
Enjoy the Indianapolis Children's Choir at 11 a.m. then gather on the museum's front lawn to witness Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival by helicopter.

Dec. 3-6
The Nutcracker
Butler Ballet
A newly choreographed party scene and an old favorite -- longtime Dance Professor Bud Kerwin -- dancing the role of Herr Drosselmeyer will highlight Butler Ballet’s 2009 production of The Nutcracker. Enjoy Tchaikovsky's magnificent score performed by the Butler Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

Dec. 4
Student Show Opening Reception
Indianapolis Art Center
from 6-8 p.m. Art Center members drink free. This juried show presents works in youth categories and four adult categories: beginning, intermediate, advanced and professional. Art mediums include painting/drawing, ceramics, glass, photography, printmaking, metal sculpture, woodworking, fiber arts and jewelry. Most works are for sale. Timeframe at www.IndplsArtCenter.org/exhibitions

Dec. 4-6
The Nutcracker
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble
CIDE presents the two act, classical version of this treasured holiday production with a cast of over 100 dancers from Central Indiana.

Dec. 4-6
The Nutcracker
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
Featuring a cast of over 100 young dancers, including G2, this modern version of the holiday classic is filled with beautiful music, movement and color!

The Nutcracker
Indiana Ballet Company
The enchantment begins when the mysterious Herr Drosselmeier arrives at the Stahlbaum's Christmas party bearing exciting gifts and magic for all.

Dec. 14
Rhythm! Discovery Center Holiday Celebration
Rhythm! Discovery Center
As part of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association's "12 Days of Christmas" campaign, Rhythm! Discovery Center is offering free admission to all guests on Monday, December 14.

Dec. 18-20
The Nutcracker
Indianapolis School of Ballet
ETA Hoffman's charming holiday tale is brought to life in a traditional classical ballet presentation in the beautiful setting of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater. ISB Artistic Director Victoria Lyras' interpretation of the holiday classic starts with a festive Victorian gathering in scenic designer C. David Higgin's replica of the Morris-Butler House parlor, a Historic Landmarks of Indiana museum house.