It's time to celebrate. The winter holidays are in full swing around town, giving Hoosiers of all backgrounds and belief systems opportunities to gather with their loved ones and observe meaningful traditions.

Here's a helpful guide to a few events that can help you get into the Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule spirit.

Carmel's Christkindlmarkt hosts a variety of winter holiday events, including a beautiful menorah lighting service. | Photo by @carmelchristkindlmarkt

Hanukkah

Celebrating Hanukkah | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Free | This event presents holiday activities, sweet treats, and traditional music, including a special performance by the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s 65th Street Klezmorim.

Fishers Chanukah Celebration | Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Billericay Park Center | Free | Enjoy a light dinner, crafts, a menorah lighting, live music, and more. Pro tip: Keep an eye on The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis' events calendar for other Chanukah parties + similar events.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa Community Celebration — Roots and Rhythm: Living Kwanzaa 365 | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 12-3 p.m. | Celebration Crossing | Indiana State Museum admission | Watch African drumming and dance performances, explore vendor booths, and participate in arts and crafts + activities for the whole family.

Light a candle and sing along at the Indy Winter Solstice Celebration. | Photo by @zemlinphoto

Yule

Yule Market Festival | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis | Free, donations welcome | Shop from 20+ local artisans offering handcrafted creations, make your own specialty drink at the hot chocolate bar, and bring optional donations of new, unwrapped toys for Riley Hospital for Children or cash for spay + neuter assistance for feral cats and dogs at FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic.

Indy Winter Solstice Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 18-Friday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis | Free, donations welcome | Celebrate the return of the sun with a night of songs + storytelling, concluded by a delicious potluck feast. Plan ahead: The event tends to hit capacity, so show up as early as 6 p.m. to mingle in the lobby and make sure you get a seat.

We know we've probably missed some exciting events — tell us about them.

For next year, Kwanzaa at Winterlights: Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa with warm refreshments, live performances, and local shopping.
Kwanzaa Claus Visits Indy Reads | Thursday, Dec. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Indy Reads | Free | Celebrate the season by taking a photo with Kwanzaa Claus + picking up merchandise to support literacy for all. Each child will also get surprise goodies to take home.