There’s something magical about bundling up the kids, grabbing a warm drink, and finding the perfect spot along a parade route as twinkling lights, marching bands, and Santa himself make their way through the streets. If your family loves holiday parades, Indianapolis and the surrounding communities are full of festive celebrations that bring the season to life. Whether you’re searching for the biggest Indianapolis Christmas parade, a small-town holiday parade near me, or a family-friendly neighborhood celebration, this guide will help you find the best holiday events happening across Central Indiana in 2025.
Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Broad Ripple Lights Up Parade
December 7 at 5 pm
6323 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis
Kick off the holidays at the Broad Ripple Lights Up Festival & Parade. From 3–5 p.m., families can explore the Wonderland Village, featuring holiday-themed kids’ activities, visits with Santa, and live musical entertainment. The Lights Up Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., filling Broad Ripple’s streets with sparkling floats, lights, and festive cheer. Stay after the parade to visit local shops, enjoy dinner in the Village, and soak up the holiday magic.
North of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Noblesville Holiday in Lights Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
16th Street at Harrison Street, Noblesville
Downtown Noblesville shines bright during the Holiday in Lights Parade, the crown jewel of the weekend. The parade features glowing floats, marching bands, civic groups, and a special visit from Santa Claus, who ends the parade by lighting the city’s Christmas tree on the Square. Enjoy live music, performances, food trucks, and extended shopping hours throughout downtown. Spend the afternoon at Federal Hill Commons before the parade to ice skate, take a carriage ride, or shop at the holiday market!
South Side of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Beech Grove Christmas Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
Main Street, Beech Grove
The Annual Beech Grove Christmas Parade is a fun event for all ages to get into the holiday spirit.
Franklin Lighted Parade
December 6 at 5:30 pm
Jefferson Street, Franklin
The Franklin Lighted Parade is part of a larger celebration with all-day festivities, including a winter market on N Main St. The parade begins at 5:30 pm and runs along Jefferson Street, and is followed by the lighting of the Courthouse Square at 7 pm.
Columbus Festival of Lights Parade
December 7 at 6 pm
Brown Street at 5th Street, Columbus
The Columbus Festival of Lights Parade begins at 6 pm and is followed by a Light Up the Sky Fireworks Show that you can watch from the parade route! Visit Santa’s Workshop and take photos with Santa at 12 pm, play at Santa’s Parking Lot Party from 3-5 pm, drink mulled apple cider after Free Kids Yoga at 5 pm, shop the vendor market and grab dinner from the food trucks until 6 pm.
Martinsville WCBK Christmas Light Parade
November 29 at 5:30 pm
Jimmy Nash Park, Martinsville
This parade, hosted by WCBK, will feature all the seasonal favorites. Watch elves, gingerbread people, and lighted floats, and of course, catch candy for the kids! Santa will make an appearance and end the parade where the Winter Wonderland Light Kick-off will take place, lighting up Jimmy Nash Park for the holiday season.
East Side of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Fortville Winterfest Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
Main Street, Fortville
As part of Fortville’s Winterfest, this parade takes place downtown beginning at 1:30 pm. Many other seasonal activities are starting at noon, such as ice skating, bonfires, a kids’ zone, carolers, visits with Santa, a kids’ craft station, food and beverage vendors, local shopping, family photo ops, and a tree-lighting at 7 pm.
Greenfield Christmas Parade of Lights
December 6 at 5:45 pm
Depot Street, Greenfield
A holiday staple, the Greenfield Christmas Parade of Lights kicks off the Christmas season each year. The parade will run from Depot Street to the courthouse annex.
A Lawrence Christmas Parade
November 29 at 5 pm (POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER)
Government Center, Lawrence
A Lawrence Christmas features an ice skating rink from 2-7 pm, food and beverage vendors, shopping, and a parade at 5 pm. A variety show and tree lighting follow the parade at 6 pm.
West Side of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Zionsville Christmas in the Village Parade
November 29 at 5 pm
Eagle Elementary, Zionsville
The Zionsville High School Marching Band leads this festive parade, complete with reindeer and, of course, Santa. Beginning at 5 pm at Eagle Elementary, this hour-long parade ends at Old National Bank with Santa lighting the tree for the Christmas season on the corner of Pine and Main Street.
Lebanon Parks Department Christmas Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
Memorial Park, Lebanon
The full route of this lengthy parade can be found on the Lebanon Parks Department website. The parade will begin with a loop of Memorial Park before traveling downtown to the square for Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the Christmas Tree and visit with families. The parade is the same day as the Christmas in the Cabin event.
Brownsburg Christmas Under the Stars Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
Main St. at Eastern Ave, Brownsburg
One of many activities included in Brownsburg’s “Christmas Under the Stars,” the Holiday Parade begins on Main St. at Eastern Ave at 6 pm. Before and after the parade, your family can enjoy live music, Santa’s Workshop, photos with Santa, a winter vendor market, and the tree lighting at 7:15 pm.
Plainfield’s Perry Crossing Parade
November 22 at 7 pm
Barnes & Noble, Plainfield
This unique parade features decorated vehicles leading Santa from the Shops at Perry Crossing’s Marketplace Mile to the Town Square. Festivities are available before the parade at the Shops at Perry Crossing, and the parade ends with the annual tree lighting ceremony on the town square.
If you love Indianapolis Christmas parades and are looking for more holiday magic, take a look at our Christmas Lights List for places to see festive lights. For other holiday events and activities, check out our Indy holiday guide. And our list of 100 things to do this holiday break. For an activity at home, start the You’ve Been Jingled tradition in your neighborhood and teach generosity to your children.
Magical Holiday Experiences Throughout the Midwest
What Indianapolis Christmas parades do you plan on catching? What are the best Near-Indy and Indianapolis Christmas parades, in your opinion? Share your comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
