Santa Claus is comin’ to town and you and your family can catch his arrival at a holiday parade in a town near you. Bundle up, break out the hot cocoa and cookies, and cozy up together to watch these beautiful, festive Indianapolis Christmas Parades while Jack Frost nips at your nose. Nothing puts a twinkle in the eyes of “kids from one to ninety-two” like lights on the move and candy canes sailing through the air. Gather up your loved ones and enjoy one of the season’s best traditions. Ho, Ho, Ho! Happy Holidays!
Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Broad Ripple Lights Up Parade
December 7 at 5 pm
6323 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis
The Broad Ripple Lights Up Festival features a Wonderland Village which includes holiday-themed activities for children, visits with Santa Claus and live reindeer, and musical entertainment. The parade starts at 5 pm. This Indianapolis Christmas parade is a fan-favorite and a can’t-miss event.
North of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Noblesville Holiday in Lights Parade
December 7 at 6:30 pm
16th Street at Harrison Street, Noblesville
The 2024 Holiday in Lights Downtown Parade in Noblesville is an evening event with light stands to better illuminate the route at night. Best use of light themes and most hometown-inspired entrants compete for awards to celebrate the bicentennial. 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 7 at 6 pm
Main Street, Beech Grove
The 4th Annual Beech Grove Christmas Parade is a fun event for all ages to get into the holiday spirit. The parade starts at dusk with plenty of activities before and after, including food trucks, a DJ, and crafts at the senior center.
Franklin Lighted Parade
December 7 at 5:30 pm
Jefferson Street, Franklin
This parade is part of a larger celebration with all-day festivities, including a winter market from 1-8 pm 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 30 at 6:30 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 7 at 1:30 pm
Main Street, Fortville
As part of Fortville’s Winterfest, this parade takes place downtown beginning at 1:30 pm. There are many other seasonal activities starting at noon, such as ice skating, bonfires, a kids’ zone, carolers, visits with Santa, a kid’s craft station, food and beverage vendors, local shopping, family photo ops, and a tree-lighting at 6 pm.
Greenfield Christmas Parade of Lights
December 4 at 5:45 pm
Depot Street, Greenfield
A holiday staple, the Greenfield Christmas Parade of Lights kicks off the Christmas season each year. This year’s theme is Christmas Lights Up Greenfield. The parade will run from Depot Street to the courthouse annex.
A Lawrence Christmas Parade
November 30 at 5 pm
Government Center, Lawrence
A Lawrence Christmas on November 30, 2024 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 follows the parade at 6 pm.
West Side of Indianapolis Christmas Parades
Zionsville Christmas in the Village Parade
November 30 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 7 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 7 at 6 pm
Harris Academy, Brownsburg
One of many activities included in Brownsburg’s “Christmas Under the Stars,” the Holiday Parade begins on Green Street at Harris Academy 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 Jeep Parade
November 23 at 7 pm
Barnes & Noble, Plainfield
This unique parade features decorated Jeeps 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. This great event raises funds for the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program.
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 Indianaplis 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!
