A Central Indiana holiday adventure
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Celebrate and win free stuff. Photo: Courtesy of Visit Indy and Visit Hamilton County
If the Mariah Carey music playing in your shopping center wasn't enough, Central Indiana's events calendar makes it clear that we are knee-deep in the holiday season.
Why it matters: The end of the year in Indy means the return of more than a dozen iconic annual celebrations in Marion and Hamilton counties like the Athenaeum and Carmel Christkindlmarkts, Christmas at the Zoo and Circle of Lights.
The big picture: This year, going to any of those events could win you some free swag.
Driving the news: Visit Indy and Visit Hamilton County have launched the Holiday Adventure Pass, a seasonal rewards program that encourages people to explore local holiday attractions.
- The free pass is available through Dec. 24.
- Register at this link.
How it works: To earn points, users must enable location services to check in via GPS or PIN at the 15 following locations:
- Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt: Nov. 29-Dec. 22.
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Nov. 23-Dec. 24.
- Children's Museum: WinterFaire: Nov. 16-Jan. 5
- Civic Theatre: various dates
- Conner Prairie: A Merry Prairie Holiday: Nov. 29-Dec. 22.
- Eiteljorg Museum: Jingle Rails: Nov. 16-Jan. 20
- Indiana Historical Society: Festival of Trees: Nov. 15-Jan. 4
- Indiana Repertory Theatre: various dates
- Indiana State Museum: Celebration Crossing: Nov. 29-Jan. 5
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: various dates
- Indianapolis Zoo: Christmas at the Zoo: Nov. 23-Jan. 5
- Monument Circle: Circle of Lights: Nov. 29-Jan. 11
- Nickel Plate Express: Holiday Train: Nov. 16-Dec. 23
- Newfields: Winterlights: Nov. 23-Jan. 5
- The Palladium: various dates
Zoom in: Points can then be redeemed for holiday-themed prizes.
- One stop gets you a commemorative sticker featuring festive local art.
- Three gets you a limited edition ornament.
- Five stops gets you a green beanie with the Holiday Adventure Pass logo.
What they're saying: "This partnership allows both destinations to create an enriching holiday experience for residents and visitors," Ashley Ledford, marketing and promotions director of Hamilton County Tourism, said in a statement. "From beloved annual traditions to fresh new highlights, each stop celebrates our communities' unique charm and spirit, creating memories that will last well after the holiday season."
What's next: When pass users are done stacking their points, they can visit The INDEX at Pan Am Tower or the Carmel Christkindlmarkt to collect their prizes.