15 Must-See Holiday Events in Indianapolis

Photo looking up at the Circle of Lights on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Photo courtesy of Downtown Indy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A blanket of snow coats the trees. Twinkling lights fill the city streets, and Hoosiers are decking the halls for a very merry holiday season. 

Indianapolis always comes alive this time of year—with a dazzling array of events that capture the magic of the holidays. From light shows and seasonal markets to ice skating and carol singing, the city transforms into a true winter wonderland filled with fun, family-friendly events to explore.

Best of all, most of these holiday attractions are open for the entire month of December (if not longer!) So, whether you’re a Hoosier looking to embrace the spirit of the season or simply a visitor in town for the holidays, don’t miss out on Indy’s best winter festivities!

Check out our guide to the Top 15 Holiday Events in Indianapolis to find your new favorite family tradition! 

The Festival of Trees | November 15 – January 4

Looking for some decoration inspo? The Festival of Trees is a stunning, seven-week holiday extravaganza at the Indiana Historical Society, where you can admire 85 unique Christmas trees. These trees were each decorated by local families and companies, creating a vibrant collage of Hoosier holiday culture. 

The Festival of Trees also features special performances and dining options, in addition to their usual exhibits on Indiana history. Tickets are on sale now, and IHS members can get complimentary admission by reserving a spot online. 

WinterFaire at the Children’s Museum | November 16 – January 5

If you have little ones, WinterFaire is easily the best kid-centric event in town—hosted by the world’s largest children’s museum! Every year, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis creates a one-of-a-kind, carnival-like exhibit with hands-on games, activities, art, and more. This indoor play space keeps kids engaged, while also teaching them about winter holidays around the world. 

On November 29, you can even celebrate Santa’s arrival by participating in the biggest indoor snowball fight in Indiana! Just make sure you check the WinterFaire schedule, so you can plan for the perfect snow day trip! 

Reindeer Ride Express | November 16 – December 23

All aboard! The Reindeer Ride Express in Noblesville invites families to join Santa Claus for a 75-minute train ride through the Indianapolis suburbs. During the adventure, passengers can meet Santa’s helpers, join fun holiday sing-alongs, and even write a special letter to give to Santa. 

Guests also receive a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and a delicious cookie treat. Tickets for the event usually sell out, so make sure you grab your seats soon if you want to catch a ride on this train!

Carmel Christkindlmarkt from Above

Photo courtesy of Roben Bellomo

Entryway to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Photo courtesy of Roben Bellomo

Carmel Christkindlmarkt | November 23 – December 24

Discover the beauty of a traditional German Christmas at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt! This event’s been voted USA Today’s #1 Holiday Market for the last 4 years in a row, making it a local legend and a fairytale destination for visitors near and far. 

Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Christkindlmarkt offers a variety of authentic German foods, drinks, and gifts sourced directly from German-speaking nations. Guests can also enjoy fun, interactive events, including games at the Kids’ Corner, ice skating sessions, and concerts at the Winter Pavilion. 

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has something for everyone, so be sure to stop by and see what all the buzz is about! And while you’re there, don’t forget to grab a special edition 2024 Gluhwein mug made exclusively for the market!

Newfields’ Winterlights | November 23 – January 5

This year, Newfields has once again bedazzled their grounds for the 8th Annual Winterlights celebration! This holiday light show transforms Newfields’ beautiful gardens into a scenic snowscape, artfully decorated with nearly three million lights. 

At Winterlights, you can wander winding trails of sparkling lights and marvel at larger-than-life ornaments and baubles. Their dazzling display also dances in time to holiday music performed by our very own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra! 

And what’s a wonderland without treats? The Garden Terrace offers a Culinary Campsite full of s’more kits, gingerbread popcorn, and giant chocolate chip cookies. Meanwhile, the adults can try holiday-themed beers from Sun King or a spiced plum cider from Ash & Elm. Advanced tickets are required, so make sure you grab them fast!

Christmas at the Zoo | November 23 – January 5

Since 1967, Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo has been a timeless Hoosier tradition. In fact, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to host a holiday lights event, bringing the Christmas spirit to their wild animal encounters! 

New to this year’s event is Santa’s Magic Cottage, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the home of Kris Kringle. You’ll meet a colorful cast of holiday characters, on top of jolly wintertime animals like reindeer, penguins, and more!

Christmas at the Zoo tickets are included with regular admission. And for more sensitive kids, the zoo will offer sensory-friendly nights on December 3 and 10.

The 62nd Annual Circle of Lights | November 29

It’s not Christmas in Indianapolis without the Circle of Lights! Every year, Downtown Indy invites the city to gather around Monument Circle and celebrate the start of the holiday season. This Indy tradition features fun concerts and activities, all building up to the moment Santa flips the switch and lights up the Soldiers and Sailors Monument!

But don’t worry! If you can’t make it downtown, the entire show will air on WTHR Channel 13 starting at 6 PM—with the lighting ceremony starting right after 6:50 PM.

Winterlights at Newfields

Photo courtesy of Newfields

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Photo courtesy of Visit Indy

A Merry Prairie Holiday | November 29 – December 22

Travel back in time and experience holiday traditions from the 1800s with A Merry Prairie Holiday! This family-friendly festival welcomes kids to Conner Prairie for some holiday fun while they learn about our history. 

Guests can enjoy sock skating on Frosty’s Skating Rink, sliding down the Polar Bear Plunge, and exploring Santa’s North Pole Village with thousands of twinkling lights. The historic William Conner House will also feature a 3D presentation of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” transporting you 200 years into the past! 

Tickets are required and can be purchased online. And for guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, Conner Prairie is offering special ASL tours on December 13 and 21.

Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt | November 29 – December 22

Mass Ave is known for its fine dining and iconic entertainment, and one of their coolest hidden gems is the Athenaeum. This historic German “house of culture” is home to the Rathskeller Biergarten, local performing arts troupes, and the annual Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt.

This event turns the Rathskeller Biergarten into a festive winter market packed with handcrafted gifts, lively music, and the delicious scent of authentic German food. They even celebrate holiday traditions from across the globe, including Krampusnacht, Sankt Nikolaus Fest, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Hanukkah.

The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is open every weekend Friday through Saturday, and entrance to the event is completely free!

Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum | November 29 – January 5

Santa Claus is landing in Indy! You can watch his grand entrance on November 29, when he arrives in a helicopter on the front lawn of the Indiana State Museum

This helicopter ride will kick off their annual Celebration Crossing exhibit, where guests can hop on an indoor train trip, visit Santa’s reindeer barn, and meet the big man himself! The Indiana State Museum makes an effort to give every child a chance to talk with Santa, so check out their Santa schedule to find the perfect time to visit! 

And for the adults, the Indiana State Museum is hosting a 21+ Sippin’ with Santa event on December 7! This after-dark event allows you to indulge in childlike wonder, climbing aboard the Snowfall Express while sipping specialty cocktails. 

A Lawrence Christmas | November 30 – January 5

On November 30, head over to Lawrence, Indiana, for A Lawrence Christmas! This day-long celebration will include a holiday parade, a community variety show, and a stunning tree lighting ceremony. Families can look forward to free cookies, ice skating, and plenty of vendors to shop from.

“A Lawrence Christmas” kicks off the city’s annual Winterfest—a month of hot chocolate and ice skating to bring the community together. And be sure to check out the Historic Fort Ben Winter Market for locally made goods and foods all season long!

AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration | December 6 – December 23

One of Indiana’s most beloved Christmas traditions is the annual Yuletide Celebration at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra! This show is a true holiday spectacular that rejoices in both the songs and the spirit of the season. 

For the final time, singer Sandi Patty will host the celebration, bringing her beautiful voice to the halls of Hilbert Circle Theatre. Joining her will be stage performer Curtis Bannister, nationally acclaimed dance troupe Expressenz, television star Susie Mosher, and—of course—our city’s exceptional orchestra!  

Tickets are available online until sold out. And if you’re hard-of-hearing, there will be an ASL interpreter and audio descriptions during the evening show on December 10 and the afternoon matinee on December 14.  

Christmas on the Farm at Traders Point Creamery | December 7

Experience Traders Point Creamery unlike ever before this holiday season! This local farm-to-table favorite is opening the barn doors for you to explore their 170-acre farm, while enjoying holiday lights, old-world crafts, and s’mores around the campfire. 

Families can swing by the North Pole to write a letter to Santa and check out their one-of-a-kind handmade Gingerbread Barn. And if you’re in need of a treat, the Jingle Bell Café is serving up festive snacks, craft cocktails, and the creamery’s own hot chocolate and eggnog. 

Tickets are only available in advance, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable day at Indy’s most festive farm!

Circle City Athletics Santa Stumble Bar Crawl

Photo courtesy of Circle City Athletics

CCA Santa Stumble Bar Crawl (21+) | December 7

The largest holiday bar crawl in Indianapolis is back! Join Circle City Athletics (CCA) and over 1,000 “stumblers” for a fun un-athletic night at the 10th Annual Santa Stumble Bar Crawl!

Participants will stumble through the streets of Broad Ripple, sharing good drinks and good times across nine local bars. Tickets include free cover at all Christmas-themed bars, two free beer tickets, access to drink specials, and a custom Santa Stumble mug—that scores you a $2.50 beer refill at all the bars. 

Best of all, a portion of the proceeds goes right back to the community, supporting local nonprofits like IPAAW, Friends of Riley, IndyHub, and Teenworks.

Zionsville’s Christmas in the Park | December 14

Elves have taken over Zionsville for Christmas in the Park! Down at Elm Street Green Park, children ages 2-12 can sign up for Elf Boot Camp and join the ranks of Santa’s little helpers. Kids can attend the Elf Academy to learn about wintertime animals, while families enjoy hot chocolate, delicious food trucks, and make-your-own Reindeer food. 

Registration is required, so grab your tickets for Christmas in the Park here on Zionsville’s Winterfest website.

Find your holiday cheer right here in Indianapolis!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Indianapolis offers endless opportunities to make your holidays merry and bright. From sipping warm cocoa under sparkling lights to meeting Santa in unexpected places, the city’s festive events promise cherished memories for all ages. 

You won’t want to miss the enchantment that awaits! So, bundle up, grab your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the magic of Indy this holiday season. And be sure to share your experiences by tagging @yourlifeinindy on social media!