Christmas in Indy is the best time of year — the lights, the trains, the trees, the snow. My children can’t wait to visit with Santa and go ice skating. I’m looking forward to the tree lightings and holiday theater shows. We’ve listed tons of the best Christmas events in Indianapolis and the surround areas.
We’ll be adding updates all season long!
Please note that we’ve tried to update event changes due to COVID, but please expect things may look a little different than the experiences we’ve shared in the past.
Indianapolis Area Christmas Traditions
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg. Model trains make their way through miniature landscapes representative of Indianapolis and the American West. Nearly 1,200 feet of track fill the gallery as nine trains pass by 30 different landmarks. Don’t miss Old Faithful when it erupts!
Jolly Days at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Ice skate indoors on a synthetic ice floor, slide down the famous Yule Slide, have a snowball fight and find all of your friends at Jolly Days! Special events and programming take place throughout the season and Santa is available to visit with children on select days.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum. Visit with Santa, ride the L.S. Ayres train, build something and create crafts, visit other popular exhibits and enjoy special holiday programming and meals.
The Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS’s) annual Festival of Trees holiday exhibit. 80 elaborately decorated trees are on display at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. As visitors tour the winter wonderland, they also can take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurke, 10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building. When legs get weary, guests are invited to take a break in the Cole Porter Room, where a singer leads guests through holiday-themed songs, as well as popular Porter standards.
More Christmas Activities in Indy: Christmas Light Displays | Christmas Tree Farms | Pictures with Santa | Ice Skating | Live Nativities | FREE Christmas Events | Breakfast With Santa | The Nutcracker | Black Santa | Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Circle of Lights on Monument Circle. Circle of Lights illuminates Monument Circle in a large festival and then remains lit through the New Year with lots of fun things to do on the Circle.
Fishers Winter Wonderland. Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Fishers’ Nickel Plate Amphitheater! Stop by anytime during the season to see the perfectly alight display.
Christmas Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights is a returning fan favorite! We can’t get enough of this drive thru holiday light display at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
You’ll love driving around and checking out holiday light displays all over central Indiana, here’s our list of the best Christmas lights houses. Also, you can leave the car and walk around to see some walk thru light displays.
Winterlights at Newfields. Stroll through the gardens at the Indianapolis Museum of Art beneath the glow of one and a half million lights. This popular event sold out last year so get your tickets right now.
{Canceled for 2020} Lights at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Enjoy a two mile driving course through over 500 displays made up of three million Christmas lights. Santa will visit on scheduled nights and on Tuesdays, motorcycles are invited to drive the course to see the lights.
Polar Express Trains
Santa Express at Sullivan’s Hardware. This trackless train runs through intricately decorated winter and Christmas scenes and ends at the “North Pole” to visit with Indianapolis’ most popular Santa Claus. Children can participate in activities while they wait. Beverages are available for purchase at the “train station.”
{Returning in 2021} Reindeer Ride at Nickel Plate Express. Hop aboard the Nickel Plate Express, departing from Atlanta, Indiana! Visit with Santa, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the holiday lights aboard the Reindeer Ride Express.
Polar Express at Whitewater Valley Scenic Railroad. Board the train at Grand Central Station in Connersville to pick up Santa Claus at the North Pole. Once on board, Santa will come and visit with each child on the train to give them the special first gift of Christmas. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board.
{Returning in 2021} French Lick Scenic Railway Polar Express Train Ride. Once the train is underway, the conductor will punch your ticket as the book, The Polar Express, is read aloud and enhanced with song and dance by our crew, with a special Cookie & Hot Chocolate presentation, just like in the movie! When the train pulls into the North Pole, Santa Claus himself jumps on board and he presents each child with their own “first gift of the season”, a shiny silver sleigh bell. You will also be entertained by Santa’s elves with interactive songs and dance that everyone can participate in.
Fine more holiday train rides here.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
Christmas Events
December 13, 2024
Danville Winterland Lights
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm — Ellis Park
Danville Winterland Lights will be taking place at Ellis Park from November 22 to December [...]
Mounds State Park's Nights of Lights
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm — Mounds State Park
Join the Friends of Mounds State Park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in the [...]
Christmas at The Skyline 2024 How The Grinch Stole Christmas plus Gremlins
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm — The Skyline Drive in Theater
The Skyline Drive In will have a special holiday event on Friday and Saturday that [...]
December 14, 2024
Trees of Plainfield
12:00 am — Al and Jan Barker Sport Complex
Trees of Plainfield is back for 2024 and this year it is FREE! Head out [...]
2024 Christmas Movie Series at GQT Movies
10:00 am - 11:45 am — Brownsburg 8 GQT
Head to GQT Movie Theaters for $3 holiday movie series on Friday, Saturday and Sundays [...]
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
10:00 am - 5:00 pm — Indiana State Museum
Holiday magic every day of the week Santa Claus is coming to town! Join friends [...]
Christmas in the Park
10:00 am - 12:00 pm — Elm Street Green Park
Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 14 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Elm Street Green [...]
Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees
10:00 am — Indiana Historical Society
This year’s Festival of Trees will feature a winter wonderland of more than 80 trees [...]
Recycled Holiday Card Craft
10:00 am - 12:00 pm — Haughville Branch – Indianapolis Public Library
Want to repurpose old holiday cards into a new craft? Drop into the community room [...]
Coxhall Mansion Holiday Open House
11:00 am - 3:00 pm — Coxhall Gardens
See the beautiful Coxhall Mansion all dressed up in its holiday best! Hamilton County Parks [...]
Festival of Trees
11:00 am - 5:00 pm — Hancock County Arts Gallery
Greenfield businesses and Not-for-profits decorated trees telling visitors they support the arts. Guests are welcomed [...]
Santa’s Workshop
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm — Main Street Park
The Santa’s Workshop at Main Street Park each Saturday after Thanksgiving leading up to the [...]
The 14th Annual Hometown Holiday
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm — Hummel Park | Park Inclusive Playground in Plainfield
Celebrate the 14th Annual Hometown Holiday on December 14 at Hummel Park. This free event [...]
Christmas at the Fair
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm — Hancock County Fairgrounds
The Hancock County Ag Association presents the First Annual Christmas At The Fair! This free [...]
Gingerbread Decorating Classes with Santa and Mrs. Claus
1:45 pm - 3:45 pm — Dull’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Harvest 2024 | A Fall Fun Family Favorite
Gingerbread Decorating Classes with Santa and Mrs. Claus is a magical Christmas experience at Dull's [...]
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration's ASL and Audio Description performaces
2:00 pm — Hilbert Circle Theater
Yuletide Celebration will have 2 performances on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, December [...]
En Pointe Christmas
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm — Anderson University Reardon Auditorium
Spark the spirit of the season with a Central Indiana holiday tradition – An En [...]
Pittsboro Christmas in the Park
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm — Scamahorn Park
On Saturday, December 14 from 2 to 6pm, enjoy a special Christmas event at Scamahorn [...]
Christmas at The Skyline 2024 How The Grinch Stole Christmas plus Gremlins
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm — The Skyline Drive in Theater
The Skyline Drive In will have a special holiday event on Friday and Saturday that [...]
Christmas with the Ponies
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm — Strides to Success
Strides to Success is hosting Christmas with the Ponies this weekend. Enjoy cookies, a festive [...]
12 Days of Christmas Edinburgh Ice Skating Rink
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm — Edinburgh Public Library
Experience an outdoor ice-skating rink in downtown Edinburgh this holiday season. Public skating starts on [...]
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Fair Oaks Farms
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights will begin Friday, November 22, 2024! Admission Adults (13 [...]
Photos with Santa
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm — Brownsburg Town Hall
Experience the magical holiday lights at Town Hall and stop by Eaton Hall for a [...]
The Lighted Trail
5:00 pm - 6:00 am — Surina Park Amphitheater
The Lighted Trail will begin Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Amphitheater Park. This free walk-through [...]
The Shuck Homestead Vintage Christmas
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm — The Shuck Homestead
Join us as we step back in time and celebrate an old fashioned country Christmas [...]
Christmas Nights of Lights Drive Thru Light Show
6:00 pm — Indiana State Fairgrounds
Danville Winterland Lights
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm — Ellis Park
Danville Winterland Lights will be taking place at Ellis Park from November 22 to December [...]
Mounds State Park's Nights of Lights
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm — Mounds State Park
Join the Friends of Mounds State Park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in the [...]
Season of Light at Holcomb Observatory
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm — Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium Show | Butler University
Light up the cold dark season with a warm and bright holiday show! Season of [...]
Rejoice! A Butler Holiday Tradition
7:30 pm — Clowes Memorial Hall
The Butler Choral Department and Butler Symphony Orchestra again join forces to present Rejoice!, their [...]
December 15, 2024
Trees of Plainfield
12:00 am — Al and Jan Barker Sport Complex
Trees of Plainfield is back for 2024 and this year it is FREE! Head out [...]
2024 Christmas Movie Series at GQT Movies
10:00 am - 11:45 am — Brownsburg 8 GQT
Head to GQT Movie Theaters for $3 holiday movie series on Friday, Saturday and Sundays [...]
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
10:00 am - 5:00 pm — Indiana State Museum
Holiday magic every day of the week Santa Claus is coming to town! Join friends [...]
Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees
10:00 am — Indiana Historical Society
This year’s Festival of Trees will feature a winter wonderland of more than 80 trees [...]
Festival of Trees
11:00 am - 5:00 pm — Hancock County Arts Gallery
Greenfield businesses and Not-for-profits decorated trees telling visitors they support the arts. Guests are welcomed [...]
Gingerbread Decorating Classes with Santa and Mrs. Claus
1:45 pm - 3:45 pm — Dull’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Harvest 2024 | A Fall Fun Family Favorite
Gingerbread Decorating Classes with Santa and Mrs. Claus is a magical Christmas experience at Dull's [...]
The Shuck Homestead Vintage Christmas
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm — The Shuck Homestead
Join us as we step back in time and celebrate an old fashioned country Christmas [...]
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Fair Oaks Farms
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights will begin Friday, November 22, 2024! Admission Adults (13 [...]
The Lighted Trail
5:00 pm - 6:00 am — Surina Park Amphitheater
The Lighted Trail will begin Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Amphitheater Park. This free walk-through [...]
12 Days of Christmas Edinburgh Ice Skating Rink
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Edinburgh Public Library
Experience an outdoor ice-skating rink in downtown Edinburgh this holiday season. Public skating starts on [...]
Christmas Nights of Lights Drive Thru Light Show
6:00 pm — Indiana State Fairgrounds
Danville Winterland Lights
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Ellis Park
Danville Winterland Lights will be taking place at Ellis Park from November 22 to December [...]
Mounds State Park's Nights of Lights
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm — Mounds State Park
Join the Friends of Mounds State Park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in the [...]
December 16, 2024
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
10:00 am - 5:00 pm — Indiana State Museum
Holiday magic every day of the week Santa Claus is coming to town! Join friends [...]
Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees
10:00 am — Indiana Historical Society
This year’s Festival of Trees will feature a winter wonderland of more than 80 trees [...]
Festival of Trees
11:00 am - 5:00 pm — Hancock County Arts Gallery
Greenfield businesses and Not-for-profits decorated trees telling visitors they support the arts. Guests are welcomed [...]
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Fair Oaks Farms
Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights will begin Friday, November 22, 2024! Admission Adults (13 [...]
Polar Express Story Time
5:00 pm — Lebanon Public Library
Visit the Lebanon Public Library for an evening Polar Express Storytime! Kids are encouraged to [...]
The Lighted Trail
5:00 pm - 6:00 am — Surina Park Amphitheater
The Lighted Trail will begin Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Amphitheater Park. This free walk-through [...]
12 Days of Christmas Edinburgh Ice Skating Rink
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Edinburgh Public Library
Experience an outdoor ice-skating rink in downtown Edinburgh this holiday season. Public skating starts on [...]
1 thought on “Best Christmas Events and Activities in Indy”
Pingback: Christmas Activities Northwest Indiana - MerryChristmas