Spend Christmas Eve making memories instead of watching the clock. On Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, families can enjoy free admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closing early for the holiday.
With five floors of indoor fun, it’s an easy way to let kids burn off energy, explore favorite exhibits and soak up a little holiday magic before evening celebrations begin.
How Free Tickets Work
Advance tickets are required for Christmas Eve, even though admission is free.
- Free advance tickets will be available online starting Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.
- Tickets are limited and usually go quickly every year, so set a reminder or alarm to log on right at 9 a.m.
- Everyone in your group will need a timed-entry ticket to enter the museum.
- The museum closes at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, so plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.
For the most up-to-date details and ticket reservations, visit the museum’s
official Christmas Eve Free Admission information.
What to Do on Christmas Eve
Whether this is a brand-new tradition or something your family does every year, there’s plenty to explore:
- Discover five floors of indoor fun – From science labs to dinosaurs, there’s something for every age.
- Step into WinterFaire – Visit the whimsical winter carnival world of WinterFaire and make a lantern to take home. (Get a deeper look in our feature: WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum.)
- Zoom down WinterSlide – Kids and grown-ups alike will love this seasonal slide experience.
- Visit Santa (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – Share those last-minute wish lists with Santa before he heads out for his busiest night of the year.
- See “Aesop’s Fables and Tales” in Lilly Theater – Enjoy a family-friendly performance included with your visit.
- Snap a selfie in Dinosphere® – Say hello to the sauropods and grab a dino-sized family photo.
- Ride the iconic Carousel – Go ’round and ’round on one of the museum’s most beloved attractions.
- Ignite curiosity in Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks – Experiment, build and explore hands-on science.
- Dig for clues in National Geographic Treasures of the Earth – Channel your inner explorer while uncovering hidden stories.
- Launch your imagination in Beyond Spaceship Earth – Learn about real astronauts and life in space.
Part of a Bigger Tradition of Free Museum Days
Christmas Eve is one of the museum’s annual free days, along with special free admission days like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Juneteenth Jamboree and Fiesta de la Familia. If your family loves a good deal, bookmark our guide to Free Museum Days in Indianapolis to find more opportunities to visit top local museums at no cost.
Plan Your Visit
Want more tips on where to park, what to pack and how to make the most of your time? Check out our Insider’s Guide to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis…