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INDIANAPOLIS — For the thirty-sixth consecutive year, the Athenaeum Foundation is hosting a celebration of German heritage and holiday spirit!

The 36th Annual St. Nikolaus Festival begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Historic Athenaeum on E. Michigan Street. A virtual live stream of the event starts at 2 p.m.

The event includes craft activities like paper stars and gingerbread houses, German folk dancing in the Basile Theatre, and the traditional Adzooks Pupper Show.

A limited-edition St. Nikolaus Festival ornament.

(Athenaeum Foundation)

The festival will conclude with a St. Nikolaus processional and tree lighting ceremony.

“We are excited to bring back an in-person St. Nikolaus festival, while still being able to accommodate our virtual guests,” said Athenaeum Foundation President Craig Mince. “We are especially excited to debut our St. Nikolaus prix fixe meal at the Rathskeller and our limited edition 2021 ornaments for families to enjoy.”

The St. Nikolaus prix fixe meal voucher costs $20. Menu options include various German specialties like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and rouladen, in addition to traditional American foods.

Adult tickets are $5 and children are $3. Virtual tickets are $8 each. Each family that attends the festival will receive a limited-edition Atheanaeum tree ornament.