HAMCO HAPPENINGS: DEC 9- 15, top free family events this week in Hamilton County Indiana

The holiday season is in full swing, and Hamilton County is bursting with activities for the whole family every day of the week. From holiday markets, Santa meet-and-greets, The Nutcracker performances, and light displays, we have you covered!

Some of the top free family events this week in Hamilton County, Indiana are highlighted below. More events and details are at www.freetimefamily.com. We hope you and your family have a fantastic week exploring Hamilton County together!

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MONDAY

Winter Themed Wood-Slice Coasters Crafting - Westfield Library

Teens can create coasters in the Teen Room. Great to keep for home use or gift during the holiday season. Register here.

Pups and Pints Meet Santa - Clay Terrace

Bring your pet to visit Santa, pose for festive photos, and get a FREE caricature drawing. Enjoy holiday drinks while your dog makes new friends. This event happens again on December 16. Learn more.

TUESDAY

The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups - Carmel Library

These are stunning shows and a great way to introduce The Nutcracker to young children without committing to a full performance they they might not be able to sit through. Watch our video from the performance we attended here.

Two of these events already took place in November. Here are the remaining dates/times:

December 10 at 10:00–10:30am with a performance by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble

December 11 at 6:30–7:30pm with a performance by Metropolitan Youth Ballet (formerly Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy)

Pre-K Explorers - Fishers Library

This hour-long event takes place on most Tuesday afternoons in Fishers and Thursday afternoons in Noblesville. The program incorporates stories, songs, crafts, and interactive activities. We thoroughly enjoyed the pumpkin-themed class we attended in November. It was a great way to continue learning on days off from preschool. Watch our program video here.

Story Time at Titus - Titus Bakery Westfield

Join one of their free story reading events December 10, 17 and 23 where goodie bags and treats will be provided for the children. Call to reserve a spot. Learn more.

WEDNESDAY

Carmel Christkindlmarkt - Carter Green Carmel

This European-inspired festival takes place every Wednesday - Sunday through Christmas Eve. You'll find delicious food and drinks, artisan gifts, children's activities, ice skating and more. Watch our video here, and view the full schedule of events here.

The Nutcracker: 4 Magical Performances by 4 Ballet Groups - Carmel Library

These are stunning shows and a great way to introduce The Nutcracker to young children without committing to a full performance they they might not be able to sit through. Watch our video from the performance we attended here.

Two of these events already took place in November. Here are the remaining dates/times:

December 10 at 10:00–10:30am with a performance by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble

December 11 at 6:30–7:30pm with a performance by Metropolitan Youth Ballet (formerly Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy)

THURSDAY

Pre-K Explorers - Noblesville Library

This hour-long event takes place on most Tuesday afternoons in Fishers and Thursday afternoons in Noblesville. The program incorporates stories, songs, crafts, and interactive activities. We thoroughly enjoyed the pumpkin-themed class we attended in November. It was a great way to continue learning on days off from preschool. Watch our program video here.

Holiday Open House & Santa Photos - The Yard at Fishers District

The third annual Holiday Open House and photos with Santa on December 12 and December 19 from 6 - 8pm takes place in the heart of Fishers. Bring your own camera and take free photos with Santa in The Yard! Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, holiday music, horse and carriage rides, and make a holiday craft too. Learn more.

FRIDAY

Winter Wonderland - Carmel Library

Drop in for stories about the winter season and enjoy activity stations and a craft! We love flexible events that let you arrive on your own time, because we all know that getting out the door with young children can be a challenge! No tickets are required. Stories and rhymes will be read aloud at 10am and repeated at 11:15am.

Winter Wonderland Walkthrough - Fishers Police Department

The Fishers Police Department will host a Winter Wonderland Walk-Thru Event in the Sally Port on December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Come see Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, and Jovi, his girlfriend, as you are transported to the North Pole. The event will repeat Saturday evening. Learn more.

Cocoa at Seminary Park - Noblesville

Get into the holiday spirit at the Cocoa at Seminary Park event! Join for a cozy evening of free hot cocoa and festive fun while walking through the parks' holiday light displays!

Learn more.

Friday Funday: Happy Holidays - Westfield Library

Drop in or pre-reserve a take & make kit of digital book recommendations, songs or rhymes, educational activities, crafts and coloring pages all based around this month's theme - The Holidays! Register here.

SATURDAY

Noblesville's North Pole - Federal Hill Commons

Join for a magical day at Noblesville’s North Pole! Experience Santa’s village and enjoy a visit with live reindeer, festive crafts, photo opportunities, elf training, and more. Admission and activities are all FREE! Come back in the evening to enjoy the light displays in the dark. Learn more.

Fishers Holiday Market - Downtown Fishers

Fishers Night Lights is expanding to include a holiday market on select Saturday evenings. Shop for handmade, artisan goods, from art and home decor to sweet treats, stocking stuffers, and holiday gift options. Learn more.

December 14 - Winter Wonderland Weekend

December 21 - Fire & Ice Weekend

Carmel Holiday Trolley - Carmel City Center

Ride the festive Carmel Holiday Trolley as you shop local boutiques and galleries in the Arts & Design District, Indiana Design Center and City Center. Rides are free and include gifts. Fridays 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturdays 2 - 9 p.m. Learn more.

SUNDAY

Christmas Market - Bier Brewery Noblesville

Meet in the Biergarten Saturday and Sunday December 14th & 15th for a festive weekend with 24 local vendors! Free to attend, family-friendly, and dog-friendly too! Learn more.

Hot Chocolate and Photos with Santa - Kilwins Fishers

Sample r amazing hot chocolate made in a copper kettle and get your photo with Santa. Dates and times: Sunday 12/15, 2p-4p and Friday 12/20 4p-6p. Learn more.

Holiday Concert - Le Macaron Fishers

Get into the holiday spirit with free concerts in the café! Musical friends will perform from 6-8PM. Learn more.

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