Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools is shifting its annual holiday celebration indoors this year, a move driven by forecasts calling for rain and strong winds across the city. The change ensures that families can still gather safely and comfortably for one of the district’s most anticipated winter traditions. “Meet Me at the Winter Wonderland: Holidays with EverDriven” will now take place from 6–9 p.m. inside the Arsenal Technical High School Gymnasium, offering a sheltered setting without sacrificing the excitement and community spirit the event is known for.
Hosted by IPS Unified Student Supports, the Winter Wonderland celebration is designed as a district-wide gathering for K–8 students and their families. While the event was originally planned for outdoor spaces, organizers have focused on preserving its festive character even as activities move indoors. Holiday lights, music, student performances, and hands-on booths will fill the gym, turning the venue into a warm and colorful holiday environment where families can relax, explore, and participate in activities together.
The indoor layout allows IPS departments, schools, and community partners to host interactive stations where families can learn about support services, engage in holiday crafts, or simply enjoy seasonal fun. Children can ride a trackless train, check out decorated pedal cars, and enjoy refreshments throughout the evening. By keeping all activities under one roof, the district aims to create a welcoming experience that is accessible, safe, and fully inclusive.
This year’s Winter Wonderland also highlights the district’s broader efforts to connect families with critical services through the Say Yes 2.0 initiative. IPS continues to focus on removing barriers to learning by expanding outreach related to attendance support, mental and physical health, and overall family stability. The celebration offers families a chance to meet social workers, counselors, and health providers face-to-face while also receiving direct support from community partners such as local food banks, clothing closets, and resource centers.
Giving remains a central part of the event. More than 1,800 toys and holiday gifts will be distributed to IPS students, including Christmas wish lists fulfilled by EverDriven for 100 McKinney-Vento students. These gifts, organizers say, are more than simple holiday tokens—they represent ongoing work to support vulnerable students throughout the academic year and ensure they have access to the resources they need beyond the classroom.
Community partnerships continue to play a significant role in making the Winter Wonderland possible. EverDriven, Akers Group LLC, Special Olympics Indiana, and Indiana Black Expo are among the key contributors helping to sponsor, staff, and support the celebration. Their involvement strengthens IPS’s commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and equitable access for all students, particularly those who benefit most from added stability during the winter months.
Even with the weather forcing a venue change, the purpose of the event remains steady: to provide students and families with a moment of joy, connection, and support during a busy season. By moving indoors, IPS ensures that the Winter Wonderland continues to thrive as a safe, lively, and meaningful celebration for thousands of families across the district.
