By Beth Taylor
Warm up to the holidays at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. Special seasonal programs take place starting the last weekend in November to help families put the cheer in this season of togetherness.
Breakfast with Santa:
“The kids get to have breakfast with the jolly elf himself, decorate a cookie and have a special moment to talk with Santa,” said Kelly Backus, Conner Prairie holiday program director. Breakfast options, such as French toast or prairie scramble eggs, appeal to both children and adults. Reservations are required.
November 29 and 30
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Saturdays: 9 to 11 a.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. to noon
$19.95/adult, $16.95/adult member
$10.95/youth (2-12), $8.95/youth member
Reservations: 776-6000
Holiday Adventures:
Experience what the holidays were like in the 1830s with a trip through Prairietown. “This is a great program for ages 2 and up,” said Backus. Observe characters preparing for the holidays and find out what festive treats, gifts and games would have been included in family celebrations. Kids can make a craft that celebrates traditions from around the world.
November 28, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 26-31 January 2-4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$12/adult; $9/youth (ages 2-12)
Free for members and youth under age 2
Lunch options available in the Overlook 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight:
Experience the night before Christmas in a 90-minute guided tour of Prairietown. “Families come to this program year after year and make this a traditional part of their Christmas season,” said Backus. Meet a variety of characters in their homes as they prepare to celebrate the holidays. “This is a longer program, so we recommend it for children ages 7 and up,” added Backus. Reservations are required.
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
$16/adult, $14/adult member
$13/youth (2-12), $11/youth member
Groups (15+) $15/adults, $12/youth
Tour start times are staggered every 10 minutes between 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Gingerbread Village:
Marvel at the sweetly enticing works of art as you stroll through the Gingerbread Village.
“It’s amazing to see the creativity that people have. We’ve seen beautiful houses, an Eiffel Tower and fairy tale themes,” Backus said. Creations are not limited to houses.
The gingerbread house competition awards winners with cash prizes in several categories and competitors can enter individually or make it a group effort.
November 28-30, December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 26-31, January 2-4
Holiday closings: 12/24, 12/25 & 1/1
$7/per person
Free for members and youth under age 2
Lunch options available in the Overlook 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Planning and research for the holiday events starts in early summer. “We always think about what engages our audiences,” said Backus.
