The Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks Farms is a seasonal near-Indy holiday event that transforms the Fair Oaks Farms Nature Trail into a mesmerizing light display.
Open from November 22nd through January 5, the Forest of Lights offers visitors the opportunity to walk through a magical trail adorned with colorful, interactive light displays and scenes. The experience is enhanced with bonfires for making s’mores, warm drinks, and an adult beverage station.
Visiting the Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks Farms with my family of six was a magical experience. My husband and I, along with our children aged 7, 9, 11, and 13, were captivated by the vibrant light displays as we walked the Nature Trail. The interactive scenes and color displays offered perfect photo opportunities and fun, creating cherished memories. The kids particularly enjoyed the bonfires, where we made s’mores together. The Forest Pub and Fire Pits added a cozy touch to our evening, offering a variety of snacks and drinks.
The cost was reasonable, and it was less than a two-hour drive from Indianapolis.
This family-friendly event was accessible and enjoyable for all of us. Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks is dog friendly — we saw families with their dogs joining them on the trail. The experience was enchanting and brought a true sense of holiday spirit to our family outing.
The Forest of Lights operates from 5 PM to 9 PM CST, with the last admission at 8:30 PM. Ticket prices are $15.00 for ages 13 and older, $10.00 for ages 3-12, and free for children ages 2 and younger. You can visit Thursday – Sunday, November 22nd – December 8th, and nightly, December 12th – January 5th. Forest of Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The event is generally rain or shine but may close in extreme weather conditions. Tickets can be purchased at the Admissions Building or online. The Nature Trail is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs with sturdy tires, and dogs are allowed on the trail if leashed
New for 2024’s Forest of Lights, the Dairy Adventure building will be open and right outside there will also be a holiday train for an additional cost of $2 per ride and children 4 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be Sundays with Santa on December 1,8,15 and 22, where Santa will be visiting and taking picture with families near the Forest Pub.
We added an overnight stay at the Fair Oaks Fairfield Hotel to our visit to the Forest of Lights. This made the experience even more delightful. After enjoying the enchanting light displays, we retreated to the comfort of the hotel, conveniently located on the Fair Oaks Farms property.
The hotel offered amenities that appealed to the whole family, including a pool and a small water slide that was particularly popular with the kids. The cozy and well-appointed rooms provided a relaxing end to our day. The convenience of staying on-site allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of Fair Oaks Farms, making our family trip truly memorable. In the morning we enjoyed a complimentary full breakfast in the lobby dining area.
A visit to Fair Oaks Farms isn’t complete without a stop in the Cowfe for a grilled cheese sandwich or a lovely dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant.
