Best Christmas Events and Activities in Indy

Christmas in Indianapolis is my favorite time of year. My kids start buzzing with excitement the moment the first holiday display pops up somewhere in the city. They talk about Santa, holiday trains, glowing lights, and which events we should visit first. I love watching them experience the wonder of the season. Walking beneath sparkling trees, taking photos in front of holiday lights, sipping cocoa at outdoor markets, and cheering during festive shows remind me how special holidays in Indy can be. Indianapolis Christmas events offer something for every age, and this master guide pulls together all of the traditions, lights, markets, performances, Santa visits, and winter activities your family will love.

Whether you are planning a full holiday calendar or simply want a few festive adventures this season, this guide brings together the best Indy holiday activities and Christmas events across central Indiana. You will find classic traditions, new holiday favorites, indoor fun, outdoor adventures, free events, and destinations that create lasting memories.

Essential Christmas Traditions in Indianapolis

Indianapolis has a beautiful mix of long-standing traditions and new seasonal favorites. These events help define Christmas in Indianapolis and bring families back year after year. Some families might even consider these essential Indianapolis holiday events.

Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg

Jingle Rails is one of the most beloved holiday exhibits in the city. My kids love watching model trains travel through miniature scenes of the American West and the Indianapolis skyline. There are more than 1,200 feet of track and nine trains moving past landmarks like Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium, and national parks. Kids always wait for Old Faithful to erupt. It is warm, detailed, and perfect for a cozy winter afternoon.

WinterFaire The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Inside the museum, WinterFaire transforms the space into a winter celebration. Kids can ice skate on a synthetic rink, slide down the WinterFaire Slide, play with pretend snowballs, and enjoy special holiday programming. Santa visits on select days. This is one of the easiest family outings because there is something for every age.

German Christkindlmarkt / Holiday Markets

Holiday markets are some of the most festive Indianapolis Christmas events, and both Carmel and the Athenaeum host beautiful Christkindlmarkts inspired by European traditions. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is one of the most popular holiday festivals in the Midwest is an essential Hamilton County holiday activity. Families stroll through wooden huts filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, toys, and German treats like pretzels and warm Glühwein for adults, and ice skaters glide around the rink in the center of the market. The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt in downtown Indianapolis is charming, traditional, and cozy. Vendors sell handmade crafts, baked goods, and holiday treasures. Live music fills the air, and families can warm up inside the historic building while browsing the outdoor stalls.

Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum

Celebration Crossing brings Christmas magic to life with Santa’s house, the Snowfall Express train, holiday crafts, seasonal exhibits, and special meals. My children love exploring the decorated rooms and riding the train. It is one of the sweetest Christmas traditions in the city. If you’re in town the day after Thanksgiving, Santa and friends land on the lawn in a helicopter.

Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society

Festival of Trees is a stunning indoor walk-through experience with more than 80 elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Families search for hidden pickle ornaments and Elf on the Shelf characters as they walk through the winter wonderland. When we need a break, we stop in the Cole Porter Room to hear holiday songs. This event is perfect for grandparents and younger kids.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Holiday pop-up bars bring an extra level of fun to Christmas in Indianapolis. These themed experiences are great for parents who want a festive night out. Expect twinkle lights from floor to ceiling, creative seasonal drinks, themed photo spots, and over-the-top decorations.

Indianapolis Christmas Lights and Holiday Displays

The lights are one of the best parts of Christmas in Indianapolis. Whether you want to walk through glowing gardens or drive through animated tunnels, the city shines all season.

Winterlights at Newfields

Winterlights at the Indianapolis Museum of Art is breathtaking. More than a million lights transform the gardens into a glowing wonderland. The colors, music, and twinkling displays feel magical, and you can stroll at your own pace. This event usually sells out, so families should reserve tickets early. Winterlights is one of the top holiday events in Indianapolis, and a must-visit.

Live Nativities

Live nativity events are a peaceful and meaningful way to celebrate the season. Churches across Indianapolis host outdoor walk-through or drive-through live nativities with actors, costumes, animals, and music. Families move through scenes that retell the Christmas story.

Christmas Nights of Lights

This drive-through light show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a family favorite. With synchronized music and bright tunnels of lights, it is cozy, warm, and relaxing. My kids love wearing pajamas, snuggling under blankets, and singing along. If you want an easy holiday night out, this is perfect.

Neighborhood and Walk Through Light Displays

Many neighborhoods around Indy decorate beautifully for Christmas. You can take a driving tour or walk through local displays. This is one of my favorite free Christmas activities because you can go at your own pace and make it a special family tradition.

Christmas Tree Farms

Visiting a Christmas tree farm is one of the sweetest holiday traditions for families. Kids love running through rows of evergreens, picking out the perfect tree, and warming up with hot cocoa afterward. Many Indianapolis Christmas tree farms offer wagon rides, gift shops, photo spots, and places to watch your tree get bundled. Some even let you cut your own tree.

Santa Visits and Christmas Photos

Kids never forget their Santa visits, and Indianapolis has many ways to make the moment special.

Martinsville Candy Kitchen

The Martinsville Candy Kitchen is one of Indiana’s sweetest Christmas traditions. Families visit to watch fresh candy canes being pulled, twisted, and shaped by hand. The peppermint smell fills the whole shop, and kids are mesmerized watching the process. It is a perfect road trip from Indianapolis during the holidays. Candy-making demonstrations draw crowds, so arrive early for the best view. This outing pairs beautifully with other Morgan County Christmas activities.

Christmas Parades

Many towns around Indianapolis host lively Christmas parades with lights, music, floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa arriving at the end. These parades are festive, free, and full of community spirit. Kids love sitting with blankets and cocoa while they wave at performers. Some parades take place after dark, turning the entire street into a glowing holiday celebration.

Black Santa Experiences

Indy has several opportunities to meet Black Santa. These experiences are meaningful and growing each year.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast events with Santa can be magical for younger children. Many restaurants and community centers host these meals, often with extra activities that make the morning special.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides

Holiday train rides are some of the most magical Christmas events in Indiana. These rides bring stories to life and give kids unforgettable moments.

Holiday Volunteering With Kids

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas in Indianapolis is by volunteering together as a family. Many organizations welcome kids to help during the holidays. Families can pack meals, donate winter clothing, assemble care kits, shop for a family programs, or visit local shelters and community centers. Volunteering not only helps others during the holidays in Indy, but it also gives children a deeper understanding of generosity and kindness during the season.

Sullivan Express at Sullivan Hardware

Kids board a trackless train that travels through decorated holiday scenes before arriving at the North Pole via Sullivan Express. Santa is waiting to greet them. While they wait for their ride, kids can enjoy crafts or warm treats. It is a charming and nostalgic Indianapolis experience.

Reindeer Ride at Nickel Plate Express

This train departs from Atlanta, Indiana, and includes cocoa, lights, songs, and Santa visits. If your kids love trains, this should be on your list.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Big Indy Traditions

Holiday events across central Indiana officially kick off the season with lights, music, and community celebrations at tree lighting ceremonies and holiday festivals.

Circle of Lights

The tree lighting at Monument Circle is one of the biggest Christmas events in Indianapolis. Families gather downtown to watch the lights turn on and enjoy live entertainment. The Circle stays bright through the season, and it is fun to stroll around Monument Circle during the holidays with hot cocoa afterward.

Fishers Winter Wonderland

Fishers transforms the Nickel Plate Amphitheater into a glowing Christmas display. This is a free walk-through experience perfect for families who want holiday magic without tickets.

Holiday Performances and Christmas Shows

Indianapolis has a full lineup of seasonal productions, concerts, and shows for families.

The Nutcracker

Local ballet companies bring the classic story of the Nutcracker to life through December. Performances vary from traditional to modern interpretations.

Ice Skating

Outdoor ice skating rinks pop up across the city, including Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Fishers, and downtown Indianapolis. Skating under the stars and twinkling lights is one of the most magical Indy holiday activities.

Holiday Road Trips

Indiana is filled with charming small towns and Christmas destinations perfect for a day trip or overnight holiday getaway. Families can explore towns like Nashville, Shipshewana, Santa Claus, French Lick, and Madison. Many feature walkable light displays, Christmas festivals, parades, and local shopping. A holiday road trip is one of the most fun and easy ways to extend your Indy holiday activities into a full weekend adventure.

Sledding

Local parks provide fun hills for sledding after a good snowfall. Bring cocoa for a warm finish. Plus, there’s a great tubing hill with machine-made snow!

Holiday Movies

Holiday movies are a classic part of Christmas in Indianapolis. Local theaters often screen family favorites like Elf, Home Alone, and The Polar Express. Some locations host pajama parties or special brunch screenings. If your kids love cozy nights at home, you can build your own holiday movie marathon with cocoa, popcorn, and Christmas lights glowing in the background.

Winter Nature Walks

State parks and trails near Indianapolis are peaceful and beautiful in winter, especially when covered in snow.

Free Christmas Events and Budget-Friendly Fun

Families can celebrate Christmas in Indianapolis without spending money on every outing.

Library Holiday Programs

Libraries offer story times, craft sessions, and festive activities for families.

Plan Your Perfect Holiday Season

Christmas in Indianapolis brings together the best of winter magic. Holiday lights, festive shows, cozy markets, Santa visits, and treasured Indy traditions fill every corner of the city. Whether you want big holiday events or simple family moments, there are endless ways to celebrate. Take time to enjoy old traditions and discover new ones. Holidays in Indy truly offer something beautiful for every family.d Shows

Christmas Events