| INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 29, 2025) – Santa came to town today, and dazzled children and parents from throughout Central Indiana as he rode on a fire truck down the tarmac at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). There he eagerly greeted Hoosiers gathered in Civic Plaza, ready to celebrate his first practice run of the holiday season.
“Every year I look forward to the warm, welcoming spirit Hoosier children and parents bring to this event at the Indy airport,” said Santa. “My reindeer and I cherish this inspiring moment to kick off our global tour to spread holiday cheer and goodwill around the world.”
This is the 14th year for Santa to make his practice run from the Indy airport.
“We’re so grateful the airport puts this on year after year,” said Emily Thrasher of Carmel. “It’s one of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season and make memories together as a family.”
Thrasher said they come to the airport for Holly Jolly as a big family, and her kids “absolutely love being in the airport,” writing letters to Santa and enjoying the crafts and games.
Patricia Finkley of Indianapolis and her daughter Miata come to Holly Jolly every year for the fellowship and entertainment.
“Miata is nonverbal but her smile is worth a 1000 words,” said Finkley about her daughter’s reaction to the Holly Jolly festivities. “Everyone is so nice and welcoming to her. The logistics behind the setup is perfect. Miata can stay in her wheelchair and everything is totally accessible for her.”
Families and children who attended today’s sold-out event enjoyed meeting holiday favorites like elves on stilts, the Grinch and the Sugar Plum Fairy. They also had their photos taken with Santa, created ornaments, wrapped care packages to benefit Indiana USO military families, enjoyed story time with the airport fire and police team members, wrote letters to Santa, and participated in other free, festive activities.
“I’ve worked here for the last decade, and participated in Holly Jolly as a single woman, a married woman and now as a mom of two, and there is a new magic to this event in each stage,” said Megan Carrico, Indianapolis Airport Authority senior director of public affairs. “As the biggest IND community event of the year, our team takes such pride in it, and my kids – like hundreds of others who attend each year – get to experience the airport in a fun and positive way even when they’re not traveling.”
Throughout the holiday season, passengers will be able to enjoy the decorations throughout the terminal or snap a photo next to the _NDY sign – with the holiday tree providing a festive backdrop – as travelers take off for their holiday travels.
December Rings in Holiday Cheer with Musical Performances
In December, the sounds of good cheer will fill the terminal with special holiday music and performances by local musicians and school groups.
Travelers can enjoy special performances daily Dec. 12 – 24 starting at 11 a.m. Each day will offer a unique musical experience, celebrating the season with a mix of jazz, gospel, classical, pop, country, and instrumental ensembles. Blair Clark will open the Indy airport’s 2025 holiday showcase, with young Hoosier pianists, and DJ Don’s yuletide playlists. Performers range from Elias Gomez, the Indy Flute Choir, country favorite Tim Wright, Indy Klez, Carmel High School vocalists, the Castlewood Singers, local jazz icons Brenda Williams and Valerie Phelps, pop newcomer Elizabeth Lee, and harpist Jan Aldridge Clark.
Visit the airport’s Facebook and Instagram pages for a complete lineup of the holiday music. |
