Discover 21 verified christmas lights in Indianapolis and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Indianapolis Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city comes alive with festive glow each winter. Whether you're new to the area or a longtime local, exploring these sparkling scenes is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Among the beloved neighborhood favorites, two standout experiences are Winterlights at Newfields and Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Both offer unique ways to enjoy holiday lights, from walkable trails to immersive drive-through displays near Indianapolis.
This guide covers a range of options including free displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walking trails. I hope you find the perfect spots to enjoy the season’s magic and make lasting memories.
Winter wonderland of over 80 decorated trees
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at the Festival of Trees, where over 80 uniquely decorated trees transform the Indiana Historical Society into a festive spectacle. This seven-week holiday extravaganza offers a magical experience with special programming, including workshops and...
Miniature train wonderland of Indianapolis and the American West.
Embark on a captivating journey with Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a spectacular G-scale model train exhibition. This immersive experience features miniature replicas of downtown Indianapolis landmarks alongside iconic natural wonders and architectural marvels of the American West, including...
Nation's first zoo holiday lights event, now in its 57th year.
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas at the Zoo, a cherished tradition since 1967. This year, experience new decor and enchanting activities, including Santa's Magic Cottage for a personal visit with Santa. Enjoy dazzling light...
Nearly two million lights in a garden setting
Experience the magic of Winterlights at Newfields, a beloved holiday tradition transforming The Garden with nearly two million dazzling lights. Wander through illuminated trees and witness lights dance overhead. Inside the historic Lilly House, discover charming Dickens Villages and delightful...
Drive-through synchronized holiday light display
Prepare for a magical holiday experience at the Christmas Nights of Lights at the Brickyard. This spectacular drive-through event transforms the Indiana State Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling light displays synchronized to beloved Christmas music. It's a perfect...
Free illuminated trail at Greenwood Amphitheater
Experience the magic of the Lighted Trail in Greenwood. This enchanting, free event transforms the Greenwood Amphitheater into a winter wonderland with a stunning illuminated path. It's the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a festive evening...
17th year of holiday magic on a working farm.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas on the Farm at Traders Point Creamery, celebrating its 17th year! This beloved event invites families to a festive wonderland featuring holiday lights, cheerful music, and hands-on crafts. Visitors can interact with the farm animals,...
Drive-through holiday light display
Embark on a magical journey through NPT Night Lights, a spectacular drive-through holiday light display. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the night, synchronized to cheerful holiday music. This enchanting event offers a dazzling...
Magical holiday stroll with lights and campfires
Experience a magical holiday season at Kelsay Farms' Holiday Stroll. Wander through enchanting lights and festive trees, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Cozy up by a warm campfire with a cup of hot cocoa, and don't miss the heartwarming live...
Central Indiana's most beloved holiday festival
Central Indiana's most cherished holiday festival returns, transforming Conner Prairie into a magical winter wonderland. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, experience historic holiday traditions in Prairietown, and be captivated by a dazzling 3D projection mapping show. Enjoy festive entertainment,...
Annual Main Street Park holiday light illumination
Celebrate the season at Merry at Main, where Main Street Park is illuminated with festive lights. This annual event promises a delightful experience for all ages, featuring family fun activities and a chance to embrace the holiday spirit. More details...
Annual holiday celebration with tree lighting and attractions
Join the annual Westfield in Lights celebration to officially kick off the holiday season. This festive event features live performances on the Main Stage, a variety of retail and gift vendors, and delicious hot chocolate and food options. Families can...
Spectacular holiday light drive-through experience
Prepare for a magical holiday experience at the Danville Winterland Holiday Light Show. This enchanting event transforms the night into a wonderland of festive lights, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the holiday spirit. Drive through a spectacular...
Community decorated trees with public voting
Experience the festive spirit of Greenfield with the 'Festival of the Trees' hosted at the Hancock County Arts Gallery. Local businesses and non-profit organizations are invited to decorate trees, transforming the gallery into a dazzling holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll...
Magical holiday train ride with Santa and festive entertainment.
All aboard for a magical Christmas experience on the Reindeer Express! This festive train ride takes passengers on a 75-minute journey through northern Hamilton County, complete with Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and cookies. Meet Santa's elves, write a letter to...
Drive-through holiday lights at a state park.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Mounds State Park's Nights of Lights. This enchanting drive-through event transforms the park into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays. Visitors can also admire creatively decorated campsites, showcasing the festive spirit...
Spectacular holiday light display
Prepare for a magical holiday experience as the Festival of Lights Viewing returns to The Commons. This enchanting event transforms the area into a luminous wonderland, perfect for all ages to enjoy the festive spirit.
Over 1 million LED Christmas lights in a drive-through display.
Experience the enchanting Frankfort Festival of Lights, a drive-through winter wonderland adorned with over 1 million LED Christmas lights and captivating animated displays. Tune into 96.9 FM for festive music and interviews. Visit Santa Claus for a candy cane, and...
Over 25 miles of lights creating a downtown canopy
Experience the magic of Bloomington's annual Canopy of Lights Celebration, a beloved tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. Witness the downtown square transform into a winter wonderland with over 280,000 sparkling lights adorning trees, buildings, and a spectacular...
Historic mansion decorated for the holidays with a carols theme
Step into a festive holiday wonderland at Christmas at the Seiberling. The historic Seiberling Mansion is annually transformed with dazzling decorations, this year themed "The Carols of Christmas." Experience the magic during special Opening Night ceremonies and intimate Candlelight Tours,...
Three miles of enchanting holiday lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Enchanted Luminara Walk! This beloved community event transforms Minnetrista into a winter wonderland with three miles of enchanting lights. Families and friends can enjoy live music, captivating theatre performances, delightful winter...
See the location of all christmas lights around Indianapolis and nearby areas
Open Map →The top displays include Winterlights at Newfields, known for its extensive walkable light trails and festive installations, and Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, a popular drive-through light show featuring synchronized music and over a million lights. Both are signature events that attract many visitors each year.
Drive-through displays like Christmas Nights of Lights allow visitors to enjoy the lights from the comfort of their vehicles, making it convenient for families and all ages. Walkable displays, such as Winterlights at Newfields, offer a more immersive experience where you can stroll through decorated gardens and light tunnels at your own pace.
Most major light displays in Indianapolis begin in mid to late November, with events like Christmas Nights of Lights starting around early November and Winterlights at Newfields opening in late November. Many displays run through December and into early January.
Yes, several neighborhoods and public spaces offer free holiday light displays that anyone can enjoy. Additionally, events like the Circle of Lights on Monument Circle provide festive lighting without an admission fee, making it easy to experience holiday cheer on a budget.