Christmas Nights of Lights Drive Thru Light Show at the Fairgrounds | 2026

Christmas Nights of Lights is the most incredible Christmas light show to hit Indianapolis during the holiday season. It’s back for 2026 after taking the title of BEST drive-through light show in Indy, and this year it has a new presenting sponsor, Fifth Third Bank. Over one million lights will illuminate the Indiana State Fairgrounds as visitors drive through the synchronized light show.

Christmas Nights of Lights

Christmas Nights of Lights is sure to become your favorite family tradition if it hasn’t already. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized and wow’d by all of the displays and features of the show.

Illuminate your experience even more with our Christmas Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt. 

Largest Synchronized Light Show in Indy

This drive-through holiday light show is a little different from other drive-through shows in our area in that it offers a synchronized experience, with all of the lights part of a musical mix that you’ll play over your car radio. Tune in to 90.7 FM when you arrive.

What’s next? We would LOVE to see the Thriller Lights of Nights Halloween-themed light show also come to Indy. Mobile and Cincinnati have this show, and it’s a great addition to fall fun in the area.

How much is admission for the light show?

Just as last year, tickets must be purchased online in advance. You can’t buy tickets at the gate. The show is open 6–10 p.m. nightly, with extended hours on busier nights, so check the hours for your date when you book. With the reservation system, wait times are usually under an hour.

The cost is $40 per carload for up to 8 people, $60 per carload for 9–15 people, and $85 per carload for 16+ people. These prices reflect all fees, so you won’t get any surprise costs after you add your ticket to your cart!

There are no refunds, but if your plans change, you can exchange your ticket for another night or time slot based on availability. Exchanges must be made by 10 pm on the day your ticket is valid; call 317-593-4046. Tickets purchased with a discount code can only be exchanged for show dates November 6–21.

Military families, take note: current and former members of the military get in free on opening weekend, November 6–8. Just show your military ID at the ticket booth.

Carload Passes and Group Passes only apply to single vehicles. It’s also important to note that the entrance tunnel has a height restriction of 11 feet, which means it cannot accommodate RVs, full-sized buses, or limousines.

What are the dates and times for Christmas Nights of Lights?

The light show will kick off on November 6, 2026, and run through December 31, 2026.

Christmas Nights of Lights will take place rain, shine, or snow!

How long is the light show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?

The drive takes about 30–40 minutes and is set to a variety of traditional and newer Christmas music. Visitors are welcome to take their time and progress at their own pace, using caution.

Tips for attending Christmas Nights of Lights

During the busiest hours, you may experience a bit of a wait. Plan your visit early in the season or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. If you want to visit on the weekend, try arriving after 9 pm. Any cars still in line at the time of closing WILL be permitted to enter and enjoy the show.

Make a quick stop at the portable toilets at the show’s entrance, because there are no restrooms once you’re in the queue line. There are no concessions, so pack your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the car.

Print out our scavenger hunt for even more in-the-car fun for your family. While you’re at it, have the kids keep a running count of the elves. The answer is posted on a sign at the exit.

Plan on enjoying the whole show from your vehicle. Guests can’t get out to take photos, so roll down a window and snap away from your seat.

Know how to turn off your headlights. Google how-to if you must!

Full-sized buses, RVs, and limos will not be admitted, as those vehicles can’t make the tight turns in the show. Vehicles over 11′ tall will not be able to access the light show due to height restrictions at the entrance.

For more information, visit the event website.

What Gate Do I Use for Christmas Nights of Lights?

Enter Christmas Nights of Lights through Gate 3 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1698 E 42nd Street.

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