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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Can't wait for holiday excitement in Indianapolis? Dive into our guide for all the festive activities! From Indianapolis natives to holiday explorers, our guide helps everyone enjoy the season's festivities.

Popular events include the enchanting "Indiana Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker," where timeless ballet meets holiday magic. Featuring vibrant performances and a beloved score, it captures the spirit of Christmas. There's also "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," showcasing an unforgettable musical experience filled with classic tunes and dazzling dance numbers. And definitely don't forget "A Christmas Carol," which brings Dickens' cherished story to life with captivating performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Indianapolis Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Awards for best holiday-themed entries and most hometown-inspired displays.

Description:

The Noblesville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting feature a nighttime holiday parade with illuminated entries, awards for best holiday-themed entries, and a tree lighting ceremony with holiday music and special guests. The event also includes an outdoor ice skating rink, walking light tour, and holiday market.

Where: Noblesville | More Info: Noblesville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Tree Lighting Ceremony with live music and attractions.

Description:

Westfield in Lights is a FREE Holiday festival featuring Pictures with Santa, food vendors, Frosty and Snowman, Carnival Games with prizes, Caricature Artists, a Llama Walking Attraction, Live Music, and a Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Main Stage.

Where: Westfield | More Info: Westfield in Lights

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What to Expect:

Synchronized light display on a historic monument.

Description:

The Circle of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition in Downtown Indianapolis, featuring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument illuminated with 4,784 colored lights and 52 garland strands. The event includes live music, holiday activations, and festive food and beverages, making it a vibrant celebration of the holiday season.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Circle of Lights

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What to Expect:

Personal journey to the North Pole with Santa's Magic Cottage.

Description:

The Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas at the Zoo features twinkling lights, a light sprinkling of snow, and new holiday decor. Guests can explore Santa's Village, including Santa's Magic Cottage, where families can meet Santa and receive a special gift. The event immerses visitors in the holiday spirit with festive activities and attractions.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Indianapolis Zoo’s Christmas at the Zoo

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What to Expect:

Vibrant light displays on historic park structures.

Description:

Holiday Lights at Fort Harrison features a spectacular display of festive lights and decorations illuminating the park's historic buildings and trails, creating a beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Holiday Lights at Fort Harrison

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What to Expect:

Natural materials used in the model train display.

Description:

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is a breathtaking model train display featuring nine G-scale trains traveling through spectacular landscapes and past famous landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West. Each scene is masterfully crafted from natural materials and adorned with holiday decorations and twinkling lights.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure

Event Organizer?

Indianapolis Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Authentic German food and beverage offerings from over 60 huts.

Description:

Stroll through the Carmel Christkindlmarkt to enjoy authentic German food and beverages from over 60 huts, shop for unique gifts, and experience holiday music performed by artists from around the world. Watch German artisans and craftsmen demonstrate their creations, and enjoy activities like ice skating and festive events for all ages.

Where: Carmel | More Info: Christmas in the Village

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What to Expect:

Authentic German holiday market with traditional food and crafts.

Description:

Carmel Christkindlmarkt is an authentic German holiday market featuring over 60 wooden huts selling traditional German food, beverages, and unique gifts. Enjoy holiday music, watch artisans demonstrate their crafts, and explore the Kinderecke for family activities.

Where: Carmel | More Info: Carmel Christkindl Village

Event Organizer?

Indianapolis Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Behind-the-scenes insights into the artistic process through staff-led Artist Conversations.

Description:

A Christmas Carol, adapted by Thomas Haas, is an uplifting tale of one man's journey to redemption, shining a light on the power of kindness and love. This holiday tradition features a cast of beloved characters and a story that warms the heart through song and story.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Adapted for sensory sensitivities.

Description:

A sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of the performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all audience members, and sensory supports are available.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Sensory Friendly Performance of A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Live orchestral performance of the timeless Nutcracker score.

Description:

The Indiana Ballet Conservatory's production of The Nutcracker features a heartwarming tale of a young girl and her beloved Nutcracker, battling off evil and learning the value and resiliency of the human spirit. This version is closest to the original Nutcracker ballet that debuted over 100 years ago in Russia, with the timeless score played live by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Indiana Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Dazzling score featuring well-known Irving Berlin standards.

Description:

Irving Berlin's White Christmas is a heartwarming musical adaptation featuring 17 Irving Berlin songs, set in the post-World War II era. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge owned by their former army commander. The show includes well-known standards like "Blue Skies," "I Love A Piano," and "How Deep Is the Ocean."

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

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What to Expect:

Hosted by 10-time Yuletide Celebration host Sandi Patty in her final year.

Description:

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Yuletide Celebration is a holiday tradition featuring Sandi Patty, Curtis Bannister, Expressenz dance troupe, and Sherry Hong, with performances including American Sign Language Interpreter and audio descriptions.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: Yuletide Celebration

Event Organizer?

Indianapolis Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Sensory Friendly Area for children and families with special needs.

Description:

Fishers Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly event featuring children's activities, ice carving demonstrations, a petting zoo, and live music at the newly renovated Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m., and a Sensory Friendly Area is available for children and families with special needs. The event also includes opportunities to donate new adult and children's socks to benefit the Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County.

Where: Fishers | More Info: Fishers Winter Wonderland

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Natural materials used in the model train display.

Description:

The Eiteljorg Museum's Jingle Rails is a breathtaking model train display featuring nine G-scale trains traveling through spectacular landscapes and past famous landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West. Each scene is masterfully crafted from natural materials and adorned with holiday decorations and twinkling lights, creating a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Where: Indianapolis | More Info: Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Self-guided, low-lighting tour to admire seasonal decorations.

Description:

The Seiberling Mansion is transformed annually for Christmas, artfully decorated by local organizations and individuals. This year's theme is "Holiday Memories." The event includes an Opening Night Lighting Ceremony, free evening hours, and a Candlelight Tour.

Where: Kokomo | More Info: Christmas at the Seiberling

Event Organizer?

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