A Merry Prairie Holiday
Guests can explore holiday traditions of the 1800s in Prairietown, watch a 3D projection show of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas at the William Conner House, and stroll through thousands of illuminating LED Reynolds lights. Inside the Merry Marketplace, visitors can glide across Frosty's Sock Skating Rink, hear stories from Mrs. Claus, and visit Santa at his Sleigh Barn. Outdoor attractions include the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, Kringle's Carousel, and performances by Dickensian Carolers.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring historic traditions, light displays, and sock skating.
Event Details
Duration
Most attendees spend at least 1.5 hours at the festival; visit length can vary.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Conner Prairie
Food & Drink
The event offers seasonal favorites, specialty hot beverages, savory foods, festive treats, and Santa’s favorite cookie at the café; food and drinks are not included with admission.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Members: $15; nonmembers: $26. Member presale begins October 6; Access Pass and General Admission tickets go on sale October 13. Admission covers all activities and attractions except beverages, food, and $5 Make & Take candle dipping. Professional holiday photos with Santa are $15 per image. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is free. Enter from the main entrance off Allisonville Road; guests are directed to the nearest parking space. Accessible parking is available with the applicable handicap hang tag or license plate, and handicapped parking is close to the Welcome Center.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking is available near the Welcome Center, though 19th-century stone and dirt paths may be difficult for wheelchairs.
Tips & Advice
- Bring socks for Frosty's Sock Skating Rink, because socks aren't provided and you slide around in them like you're on real ice.
- Wear sturdy shoes and dress for an evening mostly outdoors, because the paths include gravel roads and uneven ground.
- Visit Santa's Sleigh Barn before December 23, because it closes from that date while Santa gets ready for Christmas Eve.
- Leave tripods, monopods and selfie sticks at home, because they aren't allowed. Keep your phone secured in a pocket on the rides.
- Come prepared to pay for food, drinks and candle dipping, because they aren't covered by admission and there's no ATM on the property.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the Merry Marketplace has gift shopping, festive food and drink, a face-painting booth, and Frosty's Sock Skating Rink, which has moved indoors to the Museum Experience Center.
- The Reynolds lights display has moved to The Junction, just past the covered bridge.
- Make & Take candle dipping and professional photos with Santa cost extra.
- Santa's Sleigh Barn closes starting December 23, while Santa gets ready for his big night.
- Stays at the Prairie Guest House across the street are discounted with the promo code MERRYPRAIRIE.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does admission cover?
All activities and attractions are included except food, drinks and Make & Take candle dipping. There's no ATM on the property.
How long should we plan to stay?
Most people spend at least an hour and a half. It depends on crowds, group size, your children's ages, wait times and weather.
What should we wear?
The festival is mostly outdoors, so dress for late-fall and December weather. Wear shoes that can handle gravel roads and uneven ground. You can warm up at the indoor areas, hearths, patio heaters and fire pits.
Can I bring a camera?
Cameras and smartphones are fine, but tripods, monopods and selfie sticks aren't allowed.
Which attractions get lines?
Depending on the crowd, lines can form for Kringle's Carousel, the Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill and Selfies with Santa. You may not get to everything in one evening.
More Christmas Events Near Fishers
More Christmas Events near Fishers
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.