2024 Dates:
Fridays through Sundays, November 29 – 30 and December 6 – 22
Below is important and helpful information to know before you arrive.
Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330
WHERE IS CONNER PRAIRIE LOCATED?
The museum is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers, Indiana, 46038.
With the Welcome Center undergoing a transformation, where do I enter for A Merry Prairie Holiday?
You will still enter through the Welcome Center entrance to go out on the grounds for the festival. Just follow the snowflakes!
WHAT FAVORITES ARE RETURNING THIS YEAR?
Highlights of fan favorites returning this year include:
- Reynolds Christmas Lights.
- The William Conner House will be transformed into a magical 3D projection mapping holiday show that will capture the feel and nostalgia of the holidays. Bring the whole family to see our presentation of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," and see how 3D projectors can be used to transport you 200 years back into the story.
- North Pole Village You can take a selfie with Santa and find out how Mrs. Claus and the elves are getting ready for the big night.
- Historic Holidays Be a part of Christmas Eve traditions of the 1800s in 1836 Prairietown. Visit with the Zimmerman Family at the Golden Eagle Inn as they share their holiday traditions. Stop and enjoy our popular holidays from around the world crankie show, and enjoy a spirited reading of the final chapter of Charles Dickens’s classic, A Christmas Carol.
- Polar Bear Plunge Grab a tube and zoom down our 150-foot snowless tubing hill.
- Frosty’s Skating Rink Leave you skates at home because this skating rink is sock-only. Take a spin at Frosty’s Skating Rink where you can slide around like you are skating on real ice. Socks are not provided, but the fun is!
Learn more about all of our festival activities that we have to offer.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A WEATHER CANCELLATION?
The festival is planned to take place on all nights. If threatening weather is in the area, or if snow, ice, or heavy rains prevent the festival from opening, Conner Prairie reserves the right to cancel an event due to inclement weather. If Conner Prairie cancels the event due to weather on your selected night, you will have the option to reschedule or apply the value of your tickets toward a future ticketed activity or a membership within one year from the original event date. You may check the website and Conner Prairie’s social media platforms to see our weather updates and cancellation postings. Tickets will not be refunded for events that are not canceled by Conner Prairie.
WHAT ARE THE DATES AND TIMES OF A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY?
Fridays through Sundays, November 29 – 30 and December 6 – 22
Admission gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. Activities continue for attendees inside the gates until 9:30 p.m.
WHAT ARE THE TICKET PRICES FOR A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY?
Ticket reservations are required.
- Guest: $26 (ages 2 and older)
- Member: $13 (ages 2 and older) Learn more about our membership
- Available for Access Pass participants
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ADMISSION PRICE? DO I NEED EXTRA SPENDING MONEY?
The cost of your ticket covers all of the activities and attractions except beverages, food, and $5 Make & Take candle dipping. Conner Prairie does not have an ATM on the property.
CAN OUR FAMILY USE OUR ACCESS PASS FOR REDUCED ADMISSION INTO A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL?
Access Pass participants may purchase tickets for $5 per eligible person for events on any of the event nights. Access Pass tickets may be reserved in person at Conner Prairie or online at connerprairie.org for cardholders who have registered their Access Pass with Conner Prairie for an online account. The number of Access Pass tickets available per evening is limited. Advance reservations are recommended. Valid Access Pass card, photo ID, and event tickets are required at the gate for entry.
ARE THE ATTRACTIONS ADA ACCESSIBLE?
A Merry Prairie Holiday is fully accessible to attendees living with disabilities. However, buildings and walkways are authentic to the 19th century, which may pose certain restrictions. Stone and dirt paths in some areas may be difficult for wheelchair travel especially in December weather. Guests must be able to transfer from their wheelchair into Kringle’s Carousel and Polar Bear Plunge Snow Tube Run. For those with sensory sensitivities, flashing lights will occur during this festival.
If you have specific accessibility concerns, call Guest Services at 317-776-6000 for more information. Handicapped parking is available close to the Welcome Center.
HOW EARLY CAN I ARRIVE TO THE FESTIVAL?
You will attend the program on the specific date(s) and time that you select. Dates and times are listed on all ticket orders.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EXPERIENCE THE ENTIRE FESTIVAL?
Activities continue through 9:30 p.m. Attendees usually participate in several activities. Most attendees spend at least 1.5 hours at the festival. The time you spend at A Merry Prairie Holiday may vary depending on crowds, the size of your group, the ages of your children, waiting times, and the weather.
IS ALL OF CONNER PRAIRIE OPEN DURING THE EVENT?
Conner Prairie's daytime experience areas have been modified to fit the program. For everyone's safety, Conner Prairie asks that you refrain from venturing off lighted paths and attempting to explore areas of our grounds that are closed for the night.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A Merry Prairie Holiday is mostly an outdoor event in late November and throughout December. Attendees should plan accordingly. There are some indoor areas, several hearths, patio heaters, and outdoor fire pits to warm up. We also recommend proper footwear in preparation to walk on gravel roads and uneven terrain.
MAY I TAKE PICTURES?
Feel free to bring your camera or smartphone with you. However, photography equipment like tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks are not permitted. We suggest that you leave valuables at home, keep your smartphones secure in your pockets, and be cautious when getting on and off the attractions. Conner Prairie is not responsible for misplaced or lost items.
CAN I RIDE IN THE 1859 BALLOON VOYAGE DURING A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY?
The 1859 Balloon Voyage will not be offering flights at this program.
WILL THE LINES BE LONG?
Conner Prairie offers many attractions at A Merry Prairie Holiday. Depending on the crowd size, on any given night, there may be lines that form for Kringle’s Carousel, the Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, and Selfies with Santa. With a variety of activities to experience, you may not be able to see everything in one evening. Conner Prairie does not guarantee that guests will be able to participate in all activities.
HOW MUCH DOES PARKING COST, AND WHERE DO WE PARK?
Parking is free. Enter Conner Prairie off of the main entrance from Allisonville Road and you will be directed to the nearest parking space. Accessible parking is available with the applicable handicap hang tag or license plate.
WHAT TYPES OF FOOD ARE AVAILABLE?
A Variety of seasonal favorites are available throughout the event. Enjoy specialty hot beverages from Rose and Lois near the tram pick up area and tubing hill, try comfort foods from Smokey Blue BBQ near Santa’s Workshop, and delight in sweet treats at the Prairie Grill near our sock skating rink! Our Café on the Common will also be operating for your dining pleasure at the Bandstand. Throughout the event you’ll also find hot beverage stations to warm your spirit… with lots of spirits to choose from!
IS THE APPLE STORE OPEN?
The Apple Store will not be open.
IF I HAVE QUESTIONS, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If you have any questions, contact us at info@connerprairie.org or call at 317-776-6000.