Indianapolis Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Indianapolis and surrounding areas
Indianapolis embraces Winter 2025 with festive events around Monument Circle and Newfields, where Christmas lights and community concerts set a joyful tone. Attractions like Winterlights at Newfields, Christmas Nights of Lights at the Brickyard and local gift shows bring Christmas lights, Santa visits and family-friendly activities to the city. Explore seasonal markets, ice skating and cultural performances that create memorable holiday experiences in Indianapolis.
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Christmas Lights
21 eventsCentral Indiana's most beloved holiday festival
Christmas Markets
20 eventsOne-stop holiday shopping with over 375 vendors.
Christmas Shows
18 eventsClassic holiday ballet performance
Other Christmas Activities
15 eventsFestive farm holiday experience
Editor's Picks (6)
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A Merry Prairie Holiday
(Fishers)
Central Indiana's most beloved holiday festival
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Christmas Gift + Hobby Show
One-stop holiday shopping with over 375 vendors.
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Christmas on the Farm
(Lafayette)
Festive farm holiday experience
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Indiana Ballet Conservatory's The Nutcracker
(Carmel)
Classic holiday ballet performance
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A Christmas Carol
(MUNCIE)
Live theatrical adaptation of a classic holiday story
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Franklin Holiday Lighting and Winter Market
(Franklin)
Downtown winter market and courthouse lighting ceremony
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Indianapolis
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Indianapolis.
Breakfast with Santa at the Indianapolis Zoo
Members-exclusive breakfast with Santa and holiday entertainment.
11th Annual Santa Stumble Bar Crawl
Indianapolis's largest holiday bar crawl with themed bars and charity donations.
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The biggest annual events include Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Winterlights at Newfields. Additionally, the Circle of Lights ceremony downtown is a long-standing holiday tradition.
Indianapolis is known for its Circle of Lights event on Monument Circle, a community gathering that marks the start of the holiday season with a large Christmas tree lighting and festive entertainment unique to the city.
Popular neighborhoods for Christmas lights include areas near Broad Ripple and Irvington, where residents often create elaborate neighborhood displays that attract visitors looking for festive walking or driving tours.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at Indianapolis City Market and various artisan markets held throughout the city and nearby neighborhoods, especially during weekends in November and December.
Free or budget-friendly options include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Circle of Lights event, and exploring public holiday decorations downtown. Many markets and community events also offer free admission and affordable seasonal entertainment.
Family-friendly picks include Christmas Nights of Lights for a cozy drive-through experience, Winterlights at Newfields for interactive walking trails, and Christmas at the Zoo, which combines holiday lights with animal exhibits and activities for children.