About Indianapolis
Indianapolis may be best known as the home of the Indianapolis 500 car race, which is held annually in the city. But Indianapolis is much more than a car racing capital. The city boasts many stunning parks, fascinating museums, historical sites, and a thriving downtown core that holds a myriad of shops, galleries, and delicious independent eateries.
With a population of just under 900,000, Indianapolis is the most populous city in Indiana. While it certainly boasts all the amenities of a large city, like an international airport and a plethora of exciting activities and events, it still has plenty of the down-to-earth midwestern charm you would expect in this part of the country.
Looking for an Indianapolis holiday party venue? In this exciting city, the options are plenty!
Holiday Party Options in Indianapolis
Planning a holiday party is no small feat. Even a simple event will require food, beverage, and decorations of some sort. Whether you plan to host a DIY event or hire out many of the services, you’ll likely need assistance from some Indianapolis party planning professionals at some point.
- Catering
Food is an essential part of any party, but planning a menu can be a challenge. Work with a local Indianapolis caterer to help devise a menu that offers options for your guests’ unique tastes and dietary requirements. A skilled caterer will help you plan a delicious menu that will accommodate and delight every attendee.
- Equipment Rentals
From tables and chairs to AV equipment and decor, you’re bound to find yourself in need of a few items for your Indianapolis holiday party venue. Fortunately, Indianapolis is home to many professional equipment rental services that will be happy to help you source exactly what you need.
- Bartender
Having a bartender on-site to serve your party guests helps ensure nobody is over-served and streamlines the serving process. Work with a local bartender to design the bar menu for your event, from selecting the liquor options to crafting a signature drink.
- Florist
Flowers are a fantastic way to add some personality to your event venue. Whether you’d like to order centerpieces or have other floral motifs in mind, a local Indianapolis florist can help you select a design that fits the theme of your event.
- Decorator
If you want to take your holiday party to the next level, work with a professional decorator. They will help you design a theme for your event and select decor items that bring your vision to life. A professional decorator will take care of every aesthetic detail from the furniture to the flowers and beyond.
Holiday Party Companies in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is home to all kinds of professionals who are prepared to help you put on a holiday party to remember.
- Blue Llama Events
This Indianapolis wedding and event planning company is committed to planning meaningful and memorable events. They specialize in multicultural events, and all of the team members bring strong backgrounds in design, art, or event planning. This team is dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind events that will delight your guests.
- Shadeland Flower Shop
This family-owned Indianapolis flower shop has been serving clients since 1963. They offer arrangements for every occasion under the sun, and they will be happy to work with you to create custom arrangements if you prefer.
- Diamond Soiree Event Planners
This full-service event planning service has been operating since 1980. They will help develop events of all sizes and can help with everything from event production to organizational management and beyond.
Pros and Cons of Holiday Parties in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is a wonderful city, but there are some potential obstacles to consider before you get too far into planning your holiday party. Factors like safety, inclement weather, and walkability may all play a role in choosing the right venue for your event.
Advantages
- Diversity of venues
From parks and historical sites to hotels, museums, and more, Indianapolis offers a huge range of different venues to choose from.
- Lots to do
Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, museums and culture, shopping, or something else, Indianapolis has no shortage of fun activities to take part in.
- Excellent food
Indianapolis has a burgeoning restaurant scene with many independent operators offering farm-to-table and other bespoke dining experiences.
- Plenty of green space
Indianapolis has many lovely parks which provide a fantastic respite from the city.
- Walkable downtown
Downtown Indianapolis is easily walkable and has tons of appealing attractions, including parks, museums, bars, and restaurants.
Disadvantages
- Extreme weather
Be prepared to contend with the elements in Indianapolis: the summers can be incredibly humid and hot, while snowstorms are common in winter.
- Sometimes crowded
Major events like the Indy 500 and other large-scale events, Indianapolis can occasionally become crowded, making it difficult to find vacancies in venues or accommodation.
- You need a car
While some areas of the city are walkable, ultimately, a vehicle is the best way to get around Indianapolis.
- Crime
While safe overall, Indianapolis does have some gritty neighborhoods. Research the location of your venue carefully before you commit.
- Tornados
Though rare, tornados can be a concern in Indianapolis, and the frequency of these storms is increasing year after year.
Famous Locations in Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis is pretty much synonymous with the Indy 500, a popular car race that takes place at this very speedway. The 500-mile race has occurred annually since 1911, with the exception of two hiatuses, one during World War I and the other during World War II. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has a capacity for over 350,000 fans, making it the world’s largest sporting venue. In addition to hosting races, the IMS also holds an interesting museum dedicated to the history of car racing.
- Central Canal
Once an important transportation system, the Central Canal is now a scenic waterway that cuts through Indianapolis’s downtown core. Visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards to cruise along the canal or stay on land and enjoy the sights from the three-mile Canal Walk that borders the waterway. Either way, the Central Canal is a scenic spot in the city. Book a party venue nearby so you can snap some festive photos in the area!
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
This impressive art museum holds the largest collection of Neo-Classical Impressionist paintings in North America. You’ll find pieces from Cezanne, Rembrandt, Picasso, and many other significant artists. The collections include pieces from antiquity through to the present day, and there is a fascinating selection of rotating exhibits. Anyone with even a casual interest in art should take the time to visit this fascinating museum.
