Spending the holidays close to home has never been sweeter, thanks to all of the Hendricks County Christmas events 2025 happening in Brownsburg, Avon, Danville, Plainfield, and beyond. From twinkling holiday light displays in Hendricks County, Indiana, to cozy Santa visits, festive parades, charming local businesses, and indoor and outdoor winter fun, families will find endless ways to make memories this season. Whether you’re looking for ice skating under the stars, holiday markets filled with handmade gifts, live Christmas shows, interactive kids crafts, or family holiday activities in Brownsburg, Avon, and Danville, there’s something magical waiting for every age.
Be sure to bookmark this Indiana holiday events guide and check back often as we continue adding more cheerful experiences, including sparkling lights, carriage rides, Christmas tree celebrations, cookie decorating, and even Hendricks County New Year family events to help you ring in 2026 together. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, pack your camera, and get ready to discover the joy of Christmas in Hendricks County!
Christmas Activities in Hendricks County
Best Friends Coffee & Bagels – Seasonal Cold Brew Flights
Make a stop at Best Friends Coffee & Bagels in Brownsburg while you’re out enjoying holiday activities in Hendricks County. Each month, they create a delicious cold brew flight featuring four mini specialty drinks inspired by seasonal flavors, and December’s holiday flight is sure to be extra festive. In November, families have been loving flavors like Bourbon Peach Pecan Pie, Buckeye, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble, and Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake. It’s the perfect treat for parents while the kids enjoy a warm bagel or muffin, and a fun way to sip your way into the holiday season.
Brightly Art Studio – Holiday Craft Café
Families can drop by Brightly Art Studio in Brownsburg during their Craft Café hours for festive, drop-in creativity. Simply pay a family studio fee and then choose from a variety of make-and-take projects, including DIY ornaments that kids can hang on your tree at home or wrap up as heartfelt gifts for grandparents, teachers, and friends. It’s the perfect way to add a little holiday magic, create keepsakes together, and enjoy a warm, creative break while celebrating Christmas in Hendricks County.
The Best Holiday Events in Hendricks County
From sparkling lights to laugh-out-loud performances, there’s something for every family to enjoy in the communities west of Indianapolis this holiday season.
Winterland Holiday Show
Ellis Park, 600 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122
November 21 – December 28 | 6-9 pm (Sun-Thurs), 6-10 pm (Fri-Sat)
This magical event is perfect for any night of the week! Pack up the family and drive through the park to experience a stunning display of lights, all synchronized to festive Christmas music on 93.3 FM. In Santaland, kids can meet Santa himself, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy a sweet holiday cookie. It’s an enchanting evening that will fill your hearts with holiday cheer!
Cost is $5 per car from Sunday through Thursday and $10 per car on Friday & Saturday. Santaland is open Friday – Saturday, 6-9 pm, and Sunday, 6-8 pm, with a $5.00 per child/$20 family max. cost to meet Santa.
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Danville Train Show
Hendricks County Fairgrounds
November 22 | 10 am – 3 pm
This train show spans more than 29,000 square feet with over 100 vendors with model trains and locomotives. This would be a great event if your child loves to watch model trains.
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Christmas at the Orchard
Beasley’s Orchard
November 29, December 6 & 13 | 9 am-4 pm
The Barn Market at Beasley’s Orchard is transforming into a winter wonderland, ready to welcome Santa to the orchard! Capture the magic with professional photos of Santa in his classic one-horse sleigh by a cozy stone fireplace and decorated Christmas tree. This enchanting event is open for pre-purchased time slots ONLY! A $20 reservation secures your time with Santa for families and includes a high-resolution digital image, delivered to your email within 72 hours. Photo prints are also available for an additional cost and can be purchased online or at the event. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to create holiday memories!
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Avon Santa Stop
Red Curb Comedy Club
November 29 & 30, December 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 | 12-4 pm
Santa is back by popular demand! For just $60, you can book a private, unforgettable session with Santa Claus himself. This event fills up fast, so reserve your spot now! Pets and individuals with special needs are warmly welcomed, and special accommodations can be arranged to make everyone’s experience magical. Each reservation includes at least 6 professional photos, sent straight to your email to capture the joy of the day.
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Polar Express Experience
Washington Township Parks and Recreation
November 29 | 3 – 6:30 pm
All aboard for a magical Polar Express Experience at a brand new location this year! The train will take you to our enchanting Pavilion Center, where holiday magic comes to life. Enjoy a fun-filled array of indoor activities, including photos with Santa, festive crafts, snowball fights, a holiday movie watch party, and a special magical surprise! Be sure to wear your coziest pajamas and join us at the North Pole for an unforgettable adventure. Plus, every participant will receive an exclusive 2025 Golden Ticket—don’t miss out on this festive journey!
Reserve your spot for $10 in advance.
Hendricks Live! Holiday Shows
Hendricks Live! 200 W. Main St., Plainfield, IN
November 29 | Science Claus
December 4 – 7 | A Suessified Christmas Carol
December 12 & 14 | Deck the Halls with Silver and Gold (Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Chorus)
December 19 & 20 | The Nutcracker
Located in downtown Plainfield, Hendricks Live! is a vibrant performing arts venue that brings big-name concerts, family shows, and cultural performances right to Hendricks County. With a 600-seat theater and elegant event spaces, it’s an ideal destination for families seeking live entertainment just outside Indianapolis. Kids and parents alike will enjoy affordable ticket options, community-friendly events, and a schedule that often includes youthful or family-oriented performances, making it a go-to for memorable outings in Hendricks County.
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Brownsburg “Spirit of Christmas” Event
Green Street Pub & Eatery, 911 N. Green St, Brownsburg
To participate, please bring one store-bought toy or a children’s coat for a family in need. Santa Claus is coming to Brownsburg! Families are invited to enjoy free photos with Santa, free cookies, and hot chocolate during this cheerful community celebration hosted by Best Friends Coffee & Bagels, Green Street Pub & Eatery, and The Breakfast Company. Bring the kids, snap your own photos, and support a local family in need by donating a toy or coat. If you can’t attend but still want to contribute, donations can be dropped off at participating businesses through December 9.
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Trees of Plainfield
Al & Jan Barker Sports Complex
December 5 – 7 & December 12 – 14 | 6 pm–9 pm
Step into a winter wonderland and let the holiday magic begin! Trees of Plainfield is the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit, with free admission for the entire community! Wander along a sparkling trail of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, savor delicious treats from local food vendors, and dive into a variety of festive activities designed to make unforgettable memories. Enjoy sweet treats with Mrs. Claus, snap selfies with the mischievous Grinch, join epic snowball fights for all ages, and cozy up by the fire with gooey s’mores. Get creative with community tree decorating and so much more!
Check the holiday schedule and plan your visit—each night brings something new and special. Plus, exclusive programs are available to a limited number of attendees, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
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Plainfield Tri Kappa Gingerbread Christmas
Plainfield High School
December 6 | 9 am – 3 pm
This year marks the 55th annual event of the oldest fine arts and craft show in the area. With a small entry fee of $5.00 cash, this event is a great opportunity to take the family to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Natural Valley Ranch
December 6 | 10 am – 12 pm or 1:30 pm – 3 pm
Kids can enjoy a wintertime visit to the ranch. Cookies and Cocoa will include photos with Santa Claus by the fire, holiday snacks, and a craft, along with the opportunity to visit the petting zoo.
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Candy Cane Hunt with Santa
Natural Valley Ranch
December 13 | 10 am – 12 pm or 1:30 pm – 3 pm
Santa has scattered candy canes all around the ranch, and now it’s up to your family to help him find them! Gather together for a festive adventure filled with fun for everyone. Since this event is outdoors, be sure to bundle up and dress for the weather. Tickets are $15 per child (2 years and up) if purchased in advance or $17 on the day of the event. Adults are just $5 each, whether you buy tickets in advance or at the event. Don’t miss out on this holiday hunt!
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Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebrations
See our full list of Central Indiana Tree-lighting ceremonies.
Avon
Avon Tree Lighting
Avon Town Hall
December 6 | 4 – 7 pm
Get ready for a magical evening in Avon! Celebrate the season at the 2025 Avon Tree Lighting, a festive evening filled with small-town holiday magic! Families can visit with Santa, see live reindeer, build holiday crafts, and enjoy the model train display before the countdown to the tree lighting. Sip hot cocoa, snack on mini donuts, and listen to live music by the Irenical Duo starting at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss the beautiful horse-drawn carriage rides around the lake (available for $10 per person, first-come, first-served) for a perfect holiday night in Avon. Don’t miss this merry start to the holidays!
Brownsburg
Christmas Under the Stars
Brownsburg Town Hall
December 6 | 4 – 8 pm
The Christmas Under the Stars Brownsburg holiday event has everything, including a holiday market and a parade, and then the tree will be lit at the town hall.
Clayton
Christmas in Clayton
Downtown Clayton
December 6 | 4 pm
Downtown Clayton will host a magical holiday event on December 6 with a festive day filled with holiday cheer, small-town traditions, and activities the whole family will love. Enjoy a holiday parade, carriage rides, live nativity, Santa meet-and-greet, story time, and s’mores. Browse local vendors and crafts, grab a bite to eat, and stay for the Christmas Tree Lighting to conclude the celebration.
Danville
Christmas on the Square
Danville Town Square
November 28 | 4-7 pm
This family fun event will kick off the holiday season in Danville. The businesses around the square will have their shops decorated for the season, and you’ll also find a bounce house, carriage rides, face painting, food trucks, and more until Santa lights the tree at 6:30 pm.
Pittsboro
Christmas in the Park
Scamahorn Park, Pittsboro
December 13 | 4 – 8 pm
Celebrate the season in Pittsboro with the annual Christmas in the Park festivities. Enjoy a festive craft bazaar featuring 20+ local vendors inside the Scout and Legion Buildings, connected by a heated tent for comfortable browsing. Visit and take photos with Santa, warm up at outdoor stations, and grab something tasty from food trucks on-site. The evening wraps up with the Town Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM — a local child will have the honor of turning on the lights — followed by a DJ spinning holiday tunes to keep the fun going.
Plainfield
Annual Tree Lighting & Parade
The Shops at Perry Crossing
November 22 | 5 – 8 pm
This year, the Shops of Perry Crossing is celebrating the season with its annual tree lighting festivities! Enjoy a variety of fun family activities, including photos with reindeer and other fun activities. Be sure to check out the schedule to see when Santa will be at Perry Crossing this season—don’t miss the holiday magic!
Light Up Main Street
Plainfield Main Street
November 29th | 6 – 7:30 pm
Plainfield is kicking off the 2025 holiday season on Main Street during Small Business Saturday with a tree lighting in Bicentennial Plaza. This family-friendly, FREE event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hendricks Live! and check out local businesses all day. Plus, the Elves Are Loose scavenger hunt takes place from 10 am – 1 pm.
Hometown Holiday
Hummel Park
December 13th | noon – 4 pm
Celebrate the season at Plainfield’s annual Hometown Holiday at Hummel Park. This family-friendly event features both indoor and outdoor activities, including photos with Santa, holiday music, free cookies and hot chocolate, crafts, and prize giveaways. Kids will love the train and wagon rides, pony rides, and a chance to enter a free toy drawing. Stay warm with seasonal treats or bundle up for outdoor fun — everything is free and designed with families in mind.
Get our printable calendar of merry and FREE holiday events in Central Indiana.
Find out where you can eat breakfast with Santa this Christmas season!
Last updated November 21, 2025
