Experience the magic of the holiday season in Indianapolis, IN, where traditions and festive fun abound. From the transformative Circle of Lights at Monument Circle to the enchanting Christmas at the Zoo, this city offers a wide array of seasonal delights. Immerse yourself in global holiday traditions at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, capturing the essence of a European Christmas right here in Indiana.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the diverse array of events ensures everyone can find something to enjoy. Marvel at twinkling lights, revel in the festive atmosphere, and make memorable holiday moments in Indianapolis.
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The Top Christmas Events in Indianapolis
- Circle of Lights
- Christmas at the Zoo
- Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
- Festival of Trees
- Winterlights at Newfields
- Holiday Mart
- Christmas Nights of Lights
- IPL Yuletide Celebration
- Christmas Gift and Hobby Show
- Christmas at the Lilly House
Indianapolis Holiday Light Displays
Circle of Lights
What to Expect:
Massive holiday light display on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Description:
The Circle of Lights transforms Monument Circle into a dazzling spectacle. This Indianapolis tradition dates back to 1962, when the Soldiers and Sailors Monument first donned its holiday attire. Visitors can marvel at the 4,784 LED lights adorning the 284-foot tall monument, creating a stunning 242-foot tall Christmas tree effect. The event kicks off with a grand lighting ceremony, complete with live performances and appearances by local celebrities. You can capture unforgettable photos of this iconic display, which serves as a beacon of holiday cheer in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
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Christmas at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration at one of the nation's oldest zoos
Description:
The Indianapolis Zoo comes alive with holiday spirit during Christmas at the Zoo. This beloved event, which began in 1967, holds the distinction of being the first zoo-based holiday lights event in the nation. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, encountering both exotic animals and festive displays. The zoo's historic carousel, dating back to 1917, offers a charming ride adorned with twinkling lights. Animal lovers will delight in watching sea lions frolic in their wintertime habitat. The event also features an opportunity to meet Santa's reindeer and learn about these magnificent creatures.
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Winterlights at Newfields
What to Expect:
Immersive light experience on the grounds of an art museum
Description:
Winterlights at Newfields illuminates the historic grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art with over 1.5 million lights. This dazzling display transforms the 152-acre campus into a luminous landscape. Visitors can wander through glowing gardens, where trees and sculptures are adorned with synchronized light shows. The event, which debuted in 2017, seamlessly blends art and nature. You'll encounter towering light sculptures and interactive displays that encourage playful exploration. The highlight is the Landscape of Light on the Lilly House lawn, where lights dance in time to classic holiday tunes, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience.
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Christmas Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Christmas Nights of Lights immerses visitors in a symphony of light and sound. This drive-through experience features over a million LED lights synchronized to holiday music, which plays through your car's radio. Visitors can enjoy the show from the comfort of their vehicles as they wind through a 2-mile course. The event, which began in 2015, has quickly become a new holiday tradition for many families. You'll encounter towering light sculptures, animated displays, and tunnels of twinkling lights. The show's creators use cutting-edge technology to program intricate light sequences that dance in perfect harmony with beloved holiday tunes.
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Indianapolis Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Mart
What to Expect:
Curated shopping experience featuring local and national vendors
Description:
Holiday Mart brings together a carefully selected array of vendors for a unique shopping extravaganza. This event, organized by the Junior League of Indianapolis, showcases an eclectic mix of local artisans and national brands. Visitors can peruse booths offering everything from gourmet foods to handcrafted jewelry. The mart, which has been a staple of Indianapolis holiday shopping for over 50 years, supports community projects through its proceeds. You'll discover one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal decor items not found in typical retail stores. The event also features cooking demonstrations and fashion shows, adding an interactive element to the shopping experience.
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Christmas Gift and Hobby Show
What to Expect:
Massive exhibition of holiday gifts and hobby supplies
Description:
The Christmas Gift and Hobby Show fills the Indiana State Fairgrounds with a vast array of holiday shopping options. This expansive event features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from handmade crafts to the latest in hobby gear. Visitors can explore aisles filled with unique gift ideas, home decor, and specialty foods. The show, which has been a staple of Indianapolis holiday shopping for over 70 years, offers demonstrations of new products and crafting techniques. You'll find an eclectic mix of items, from artisanal soaps to high-tech gadgets. The event also includes a Santa's Workshop area where children can participate in hands-on activities and meet St. Nick himself.
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Indianapolis Holiday Shows and Entertainment
IPL Yuletide Celebration
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performance with Broadway-style production
Description:
The IPL Yuletide Celebration combines the power of a full symphony orchestra with the spectacle of a Broadway show. This annual event, presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, features world-class musicians, vocalists, and dancers. Visitors can revel in the rich sounds of holiday classics performed by the orchestra while enjoying elaborate stage productions. The celebration, which has been a highlight of Indianapolis' holiday season since 1986, showcases a different theme each year. You'll witness breathtaking aerial acrobatics, dazzling costumes, and appearances by beloved holiday characters. The event also includes a touching salute to military service members, honoring their sacrifices during the holiday season.
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Indianapolis Other Holiday Activities
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
What to Expect:
Elaborate model train display featuring iconic Western landmarks
Description:
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure whisks visitors on a miniature journey through the American West. This intricate model train display at the Eiteljorg Museum showcases replicas of famous landmarks, all crafted from natural materials. Tiny trains chug past miniature versions of Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, and even Indianapolis' own skyline. The exhibit, which began in 2010, has grown to include over 1,200 feet of track. Visitors can watch in awe as the trains navigate through this meticulously crafted landscape, complete with working waterfalls and erupting volcanoes. The display offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and Western heritage.
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Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcase of creatively decorated Christmas trees
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms the Indiana Historical Society into a forest of holiday creativity. This annual event features dozens of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each telling a story through its ornaments and design. Visitors can admire trees adorned with themes ranging from historical events to pop culture icons. The festival, which began in the 1990s, has become a cherished Indianapolis tradition. You'll discover trees that push the boundaries of traditional decorating, incorporating unexpected materials and innovative lighting techniques. The event also includes live performances by local choirs, adding a melodious backdrop to the visual spectacle.
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Christmas at the Lilly House
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period holiday style
Description:
Christmas at the Lilly House offers a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. This event transforms the elegant 1930s mansion on the grounds of Newfields into a time capsule of vintage yuletide charm. Visitors can explore rooms adorned with period-appropriate decorations, reflecting the holiday styles of the early 20th century. The house, once home to Indianapolis philanthropist Josiah K. Lilly Jr., showcases the opulence of a bygone era. You'll discover how the wealthy celebrated Christmas during the Great Depression, with each room telling a story through its decor. The event also features guided tours that delve into the history of the Lilly family and their holiday traditions.
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Nearby Events
Carmel Christkindlmarkt (Carmel)
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt brings a slice of Old World charm to central Indiana. This German-inspired holiday market showcases traditional crafts, foods, and entertainment. Visitors can savor the aroma of freshly baked strudel while browsing handcrafted ornaments and gifts. The market's centerpiece is an authentic German Glühwein Pyramid, a multi-tiered structure that serves as both decoration and beverage dispenser. You'll find yourself transported to a European Christmas celebration as you explore the wooden huts filled with unique treasures. The market also features performances of traditional German music and dance, adding to its cultural authenticity.
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Santa Claus Express (Fishers)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa Claus
Description:
The Santa Claus Express transports passengers back in time on a festive railway journey. This unique experience, offered by the Indiana Transportation Museum, features a ride on a beautifully restored vintage train. Visitors can enjoy the clickety-clack of the rails as they travel through the scenic Indiana countryside. The train, which includes cars dating back to the 1940s, is decked out in holiday finery. You'll have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus as he makes his way through the train, greeting passengers and listening to Christmas wishes. The journey also includes storytelling, caroling, and hot cocoa, creating a nostalgic holiday atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.