The holiday season is almost here, and Santa Claus is making plenty of stops around Indianapolis and Central Indiana! Whether your family wants traditional pictures with Santa, a free holiday photo opportunity, a sensory-friendly visit with Caring Santas, or a special experience with the big guy in red, there are plenty of ways to make holiday memories this year.
From visits at local shopping malls and museums to festive holiday events, we’ve rounded up places where kids can see Santa in Indianapolis in 2026. Be sure to check individual schedules before heading out, as dates and hours vary.
Throughout the Season
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Winterfaire
**The Museum is closed on Mondays except December 21**
November 21-December 24, 2026 | Hours vary.
Special Hours:
December 24, 10 am-1 pm (Christmas Eve—free museum admission with advance tickets)
Santa is making a stop at WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis this year! Families can visit Santa in his tent, share their Christmas wish lists, and take a holiday photo. Visits with Santa are included with regular museum admission, and families can take one photo of their own or purchase a professional photo package. Santa’s schedule varies throughout the season, so check the museum’s calendar before visiting. The museum also offers special holiday events, including Santa’s Magical Morning. You can even see which Santa is on duty!
| Learn More |
Indianapolis Zoo – Christmas at the Zoo
November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Select evenings
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
Christmas at the Zoo is even more magical with a visit to Santa’s Magic Cottage! Families can enjoy the zoo’s holiday light displays and make a special stop to see Santa during this annual Indianapolis holiday tradition. Check the zoo’s schedule for Santa availability and visit details.
Indiana State Museum – Celebration Crossing
November 27–December 24, 2026 | 10 am-5 pm
*Please check the museum calendar for details.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are returning to Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum! Families can visit Santa in his holiday home, share their Christmas wishes, and purchase professional photos. Santa takes a daily lunch break from 1–2 pm, and reservations are not required. The holiday fun includes the Snowfall Express train ride, the Reindeer Barn, festive decorations, and plenty of family activities. Santa’s grand arrival by helicopter takes place on November 27, kicking off the season’s festivities.
Cabela’s
November 8-December 24, 2025 | Hours vary
13725 Cabela Parkway, Noblesville
Visit any Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop location to visit Santa’s Wonderland and receive a free 4×6 photo. Additional photo packages are available for purchase. Please note that advance reservations for your photo session are required. In addition to meeting Santa, kids can drop off a letter to the North Pole, receive free giveaways (while supplies last), peruse the Christmas toy shop, and check out all the wildlife displays around the store.
Spark: Holidays on the Circle!
Saturdays and Sundays, November 28–December 20, 2026 | 4-8 pm
Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The festivities on Monument Circle in downtown Indy don’t end after the big kick-off to the season at Circle of Lights! Children are invited to visit Santa on the Northwest side of the circle every Saturday and Sunday through December 21 from 4-8 pm. Families can also catch free live entertainment throughout the holidays.
Fashion Mall Keystone at the Crossing
November 13–December 24, 2026 | Hours vary
Located in the mall, next to Nordstrom
Make visiting Santa at The Fashion Mall at Keystone a holiday tradition. Families can reserve a time for professional holiday photos with Santa throughout the season. The mall is also hosting a special Caring Santa experience on December 6 for children who benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly environment. Reservations are required for Caring Santa.
| Learn More |
Greenwood Park Mall
November 6–December 24, 2026 | Hours vary
Located centrally in the mall, near Sephora and Yankee Candle
Santa returns to Greenwood Park Mall for holiday photos beginning November 6. Families can reserve a photo time online, and walk-up visits may be available as space allows. Special opportunities this year include Santa’s arrival parade on November 6, Pet Photos with Santa on December 6, and a sensory-friendly Caring Santa experience on December 6.
Castleton Square Mall
November 20–December 24, 2026| Hours vary
Located in the mall, Main Entrance between Akira and H&M
Visit Santa at Castleton Square for a traditional holiday photo. Reservations are encouraged to help families secure their preferred time, and photo packages are available for purchase. Santa will be at the mall through Christmas Eve, with varying hours throughout the season.
Hamilton Town Center
November 27–December 24, 2026 | Hours vary
Harrel Parkway, Next to the Dog Park
Santa is back at Hamilton Town Center for holiday photos! Families can book a photo session in advance, and walk-up visits are welcome as availability allows. Check the reservation calendar for daily hours and special photo opportunities.
The Shops at Perry Crossing
Dates have not been confirmed for 2026 -Please check back
Located across from Old Navy
Photo packages start at $39.99, but no purchase is necessary to visit Santa. Please note the times listed for Pet Photos, as these time slots are reserved for those events only. All other photos can be taken during the rest of the listed operating hours.
Special Santa Events Around Central Indiana
Conner Prairie – A Merry Prairie Holiday
November 27–December 23, 2026 | Select evenings; please check the schedule.
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
Celebrate the season at A Merry Prairie Holiday, where families can enjoy holiday lights, festive activities, and a visit to Santa’s Sleigh Barn. Kids can share their Christmas wishes and enjoy the magic of the holidays at this popular annual event. The Santa Barn closes December 23 so Santa can get back to the North Pole.
Santa and Carolers at Winterlights
November 24 & 24, December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, & 16, 2026 | 5-8 pm
Winterlights at Newfields
An evening at Winterlights is even more magical with a chance to pose with Santa as he strolls amongst the twinkling lights. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December, Santa visits Winterlights, accompanied by various troops of carolers who add their own festive spirit to the event.
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 9 am-5 pm
Trader’s Point Creamery
The holiday magic returns to Traders Point Creamery for the 18th annual Christmas on the Farm! Guests will experience the farm with some old favorites like winter hayrides, holiday lights, festive music, visits from Santa, and the historic 1850’s red barn as the backdrop. Stop at the North Pole to write a letter to Santa and drop your letter in the mailbox. Visit the Jingle Bell Cafe for festive snacks and drinks, available for purchase throughout the day. Advance tickets are required for all attendees. The cost is $25 per person, but children under 2 are free.
Santa Soiree at Clay Terrace
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 4-6 pm
Clay Terrace
Celebrate the holidays with Santa at Clay Terrace! This free holiday event includes photos with Santa, carriage and train rides, a reindeer, face painting, crafts, and other family-friendly activities. The evening concludes with the annual tree lighting.
Fortville Winterfest
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | Noon-6 pm
Downtown Fortville
Fortville Winterfest, presented by the Town of Fortville, is a free, one-day event and a holiday tradition for many Indiana families. Main Street will be blocked, and festival-goers can enjoy Fortville’s charming downtown shops, eateries, live music, bonfire stations, family photo ops, vendors, and a kids’ zone. Additional activities include a festive parade, visits and photos with Santa, ice skating, and a kids’ crafts station.
Santa Saturdays in Carmel
December 5 & 12, 2026
Santa’s House, 200 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel
Stop by Santa’s House in Carmel for a festive visit and holiday photo. Santa Saturdays offer families a chance to meet Santa in a fun, community-centered setting. This is a free holiday tradition.
Santa at the Conservatory
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 10 am-1 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for Conservatory Crossing, a festive holiday experience featuring beautiful poinsettia displays and model trains. Families can enjoy a special opportunity to see Santa during the holiday celebration. This event is free and offers a chance to visit Conservatory Crossing. Any admissions after 1 pm will be $7 per person or $15 per family (2 adults max; 2 and under are free). Make sure to be on time for Santa or free admission.
Carmel Santa Tours
November 22–December 13, 2026 | Select evenings, 5–8 pm
Various neighborhoods throughout Carmel
Santa is hitting the road in Carmel! During the annual Santa Tours, Santa rides through different neighborhoods alongside local fire, police, and street department vehicles. Families can watch from their homes or find a spot along the route to wave hello as Santa passes by.
Pictures with Santa at Westfield in Lights
December 4-5, 2026 | 3-6 pm
Westfield Washington Public Library
Visit with Santa as part of the Westfield in Lights festivities! Register for a $15 photo session at the library on either December 4th or 5th. Heading to the main event after your December 5th photos? Free parking is available at Christ United Methodist Church and Westfield Intermediate School, with shuttles offered to Grand Junction Plaza. Families can enjoy other festivities, including carnival games, food vendors, llamas, and live music. Take a spin around the skating ribbon and hang around for the tree lighting at 6 pm.
Did we miss your favorite place to see Santa in Indianapolis or Central Indiana? Let us know! We’re always looking for new holiday traditions and special Santa experiences to share with Indy families.
See the Indianapolis Holiday Fun Guide here.
Enjoy a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa!
Many local tree lighting ceremonies include a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
When you attend these festive holiday events, be sure to share your jolly adventures with us on social media by using the hashtag #PLAYindy. Follow our holiday adventures on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest! From our family to yours, we wish you a festive holiday season filled with joy, friendship, and love!
3 thoughts on “Where to See Santa Claus in Indy 2026”
Pingback: 10 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
Pingback: Synchronized Christmas Light Shows | Light Shows Set to Holiday Music around Indy
Pingback: Best Christmas Events and Activities in Indy
Comments are closed.