The Irvington Business Association presents the 18th annual Irvington Holiday Open House Friday, December 8 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy an evening of shopping and dining with many activities along the way at one of Indianapolis’ most historic neighborhoods. Many retailers, restaurants and shops will be open late hours and feature specials, refreshments and other holiday goodies.
While this event is centered around supporting local merchants and restaurants in Irvington for the holiday, it is also about giving back to the community. This free, kid friendly event is filled with family fun activities for the whole family. The event will begin with the Circle City Ringers performing at 5 p.m. at the Irvington Public Library, 5625 E. Washington St. There will be cookie decorating at Snips (5731 E. Washington), pictures with Santa at George Thomas Florist (5609 E. Washington), ornament making at Line+form (5612 E. Washington), selfies with the Grinch at Black Sheep (5626 E. Washington) and crafts for kids at the Irving Theater (5505 E. Washington St.). Irvington Preparatory Academy will be hosting their holiday choral performance at the Irving Theater at 6:30 p.m. After their performance, Mayor Joe Hogsett will be there to help the Black Hat Society present the checks for local charities The PourHouse, Helping Paws and the Juvenile Diabetes Camp — funds raised by the group from the sale of their calendars (there’s still some left, so get yours for gift-giving throughout Irvington at Snips, Lincoln Square, Tye Dye Grill, the Magic Candle, ad here at the Weekly View office, 195 N. Shortridge Rd. Suite D!). The 8 Bit Audio Live will be performing at the Coal Yard (5547 Bonna Ave.) starting at 6 p.m. Coal Yard Coffee will also be hosting their Second Annual Toy Drive. The Black Hat Society witches will also be participating, showing up at many locations, and several groups will be singing on the sidewalks to add to the cheer of the season.
Drop by Bookmamas, 9 Johnson Ave. for the Gingerbread House contest display, and a book signing by Jane Ammeson, author of Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest and Murders That Made Headlines: Crimes of Indiana. Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon, will be open and taking donations for Gaia Works to help the kids at Coburn Place this holiday season (bring an unwrapped new gift). The Bonna Shops, 202 Audubon, will be open and fully stocked with new and vintage items for everyone on your gift list. Maria and Bernadette Dufour will be at the Antique Mall of Irvington (corner of Ritter and East Washington) selling and signing copies of Blessings in Our Soup from 6-8 p.m.
This year, there will be the free Scenic Trolley Tours through Irvington. Tours will begin in front of the entrance to the Irvington Library running every half hour starting at 5 p.m. Each ride will last approximately one hour and will include a scenic tour of beautiful homes decorated for the holidays with a 20 to 25 minute stop at the Central Ace Hardware to enjoy their greenhouse holiday light display, 20% off Storewide Sale and a cup of hot coco (Donations accepted to support ICAN — Irvington Community Advocacy Network). The trolley will then return to the library to drop off guests. The trolley is sponsored by Central Ace Hardware and Irvington Community Council.
While in Irvington, drop by one of the local restaurants for a bite, including Lincoln Square, IXCA (1/2 off appetizers), and Batters (1/2 off desserts).
