Garfield Park Conservatory Christmas Display | Conservatory Crossing Returns in 2023

Every year, we visit Garfield Park to see the Sunken Gardens and the Garfield Park Conservatory during various stages of bloom. This venue hosts several of our favorite programs, including the Garfield Park Conservatory Christmas and holiday display, Conservatory Crossing. Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park on the south side of Indianapolis is a beautiful seasonal show of twinkling white Christmas lights, pink, red, and white poinsettias, and train layouts.

Garfield Park Conservatory Christmas Display with Trains, Flowers, and Sparkling Lights

The Conservatory is full of festive decorations and florals during the holidays. It might look like a winter wonderland, but you can leave the cold outside for this indoor adventure. See beautiful poinsettias, watch the model trains run through a miniature village blanketed in snow, and enjoy displays of twinkle lights throughout the building.

Don’t forget to pick up your scavenger hunt list before entering the exhibition! Although the trains and flowers will likely be enough to keep your kids mesmerized throughout your visit, kids who love a mental challenge will happily take on this additional activity. Hunt through the village displays and train layouts to spot every item on the list.

The exhibit opens on November 24 and will close on December 31. Please note the Garfield Park Conservatory Christmas display will be closed from December 23-26 for the holidays.

Admission to Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park Conservatory is $5 per person, or $12 per family (2 adults max). Tickets are only sold at the door, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing ahead of time.

Conservatory Crossing Hours

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

CLOSED December 23-26

Special Programs at the Conservatory

Enhance your visit to Conservatory Crossing by joining a special event hosted by Indy Parks and Recreation!

Natural Wreaths

November 29, 6-7 pm

Create a stunning decorative 12-inch wreath to display on your front door all season long. Participants will use natural materials, ribbons, and Christmas ornaments to create their masterpieces. Wreaths can be made by individuals or they can be collaborative efforts. There is a fee of $14 per wreath. This program is recommended for ages three and up.

Train Tales

December 12 & 13, 10-11 am

For a fee of $5 per child, preschoolers aged 2-6 can participate in themed activities centered around the train display at Train Tales. You can expect stories, crafts, and more at this program held on December 12 and 13 from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Registration is limited and required.

Santa at the Conservatory

December 9, 10 am-1 pm

On December 9, the whole family is invited for an opportunity to see Santa at Conservatory Crossing for free. The Garfield Park Conservatory Christmas display, Family Center, and Arts Center will all have festive activities for children and caregivers to enjoy together. Stop by from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. After 1 pm, regular admission will be charged.

Explore More at Garfield Park

The Conservatory is yours to explore year-round! Though closed on Mondays and government holidays, this is otherwise a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon. On cold, dreary days in winter, the tropical atmosphere indoors is an especially welcome change of scenery. Have fun spotting rainforest plants from around the world, accompanied by the sound of the indoor waterfall in the background.

On nice days, head outdoors to the Sunken Garden for gorgeous formal landscaping, cheerful fountains, and paved walking paths.

You’ll also discover Blake’s Garden outdoors, east of the conservatory. This oasis is specifically designed as a children’s garden, with plants and displays to engage all the senses. Curious minds can get lost in the learning opportunities provided in the garden, named for a young man who deeply loved Garfield Park before losing his battle with cancer in 2017. Find fun ideas to enhance your visit online.

Find more of the best things to do with kids for Christmas in Indy on our list!

Here’s where you can meet Santa this Christmas.