12 Best Walk-Through Christmas Light Displays | Indianapolis with Kids

Even when temperatures drop below freezing, families across Central Indiana are eager to head outdoors and soak up the holiday magic at holiday events and activities. Luckily, Indianapolis and the surrounding area are home to some of the best walk-through Christmas light displays in Indiana. From twinkling trails and glowing gardens to zoo exhibits and prairie festivals, these sparkling experiences are sure to brighten your winter nights.

Bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and take a stroll through these festive, family-friendly holiday light walks near Indianapolis.

Prefer to stay cozy in the car? Check out our guide to drive-through Christmas lights in Indiana for even more holiday fun.

Where can you see the Circle of Lights in Indianapolis?

Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
Dates: Through January 10, 2025
Admission: Free

A beloved Indy tradition, the Circle of Lights turns the Soldiers and Sailors Monument into the state’s most famous Christmas tree. Strings of sparkling lights cascade from the top of the monument down to Monument Circle, creating a breathtaking centerpiece in downtown Indianapolis. Families can walk around the circle, enjoy nearby holiday displays, drop a letter in the Santa Mailbox, and catch the Shining a Light presentation at 6:30, 8:00, and 10:00 p.m. nightly. Additionally, there are numerous things to do at Monument Circle during the Christmas and holiday season.

What can families expect at The Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms?

Location: 6848 N County Road 250 E, Whiteland
Dates: Friday- Sunday, November 28 – December 14 (nightly December 18 – 23)
Admission: $10 per person; ages 1 & under free

At The Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms, families can wander through charming lighted vignettes designed for festive photo ops. Enjoy concessions, warm campfires, and the occasional visit from Santa himself!

What can you expect at Christmas at the Zoo?

Location: 1200 W Washington Street, Indianapolis
Dates: Through January 5, 2025
Admission: $27+ youth, $30+ adults

Celebrate the holidays surrounded by wildlife at Christmas at the Zoo, one of the most magical Indianapolis Christmas light experiences. Visit Santa’s Magic Cottage, stroll the Polar Pathway, and get lost in the glittering Mirror Maze. Warm up by the firepit with cocoa, or head indoors to see the Oceans exhibit or the popular Dolphin presentation.

How bright is Winterlights at Newfields?

Location: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis
Dates: Through January 5, 2025
Admission: $16+ youth, $25+ adults; advance tickets required

Over three million lights illuminate the gardens and grounds at Winterlights at Newfields, creating one of the most dazzling holiday light walks in Indiana. Visitors can enjoy synchronized light shows set to music, toast s’mores by the firepits, and see the magical projection show dancing across the historic Lily House.

What makes the Magnificent Monon Trail shine?

Location: From Carter Green to Main Street, Carmel
Dates: Through December 24, 2025
Admission: Free

This free outdoor light walk transforms the Monon Greenway into a twinkling winter wonderland. Stroll between Carmel City Center, Midtown, and the Arts & Design District to enjoy festive décor and glowing displays. Don’t miss the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at Carter Green through December 24, complete with ice skating and European-style treats.

What happens at A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie?

Location: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
Dates: November 28 & 29, Fridays through Sundays, December 5 through December 21, December 22 & 23
Admission: $15 members, $26 non-members, $5 Access Pass holders

Conner Prairie’s Merry Prairie Holiday lights up the historic grounds with carolers, festive rides, glowing light trails, and the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. It’s one of the largest holiday light displays near Indianapolis and a family favorite for its cozy campfires and hands-on fun.

What’s happening at the Palladium and Carmel Christkindlmarkt?

Location: 1 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032
Dates: Palladiscope: Towering Nutcrackers and Frost – November 20 to December 31, 2025; Christkindlmarkt – November 22 to December 24, 2025
Admission: Free

Carmel takes holiday magic to another level with two neighboring experiences at Carter Green. Outside the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, the Palladiscope, a one-of-a-kind architectural cinema system, projects “Towering Nutcrackers and Frost” across the grand façade of the Palladium. Using 12 projectors, custom software, and intricate lighting, the building itself becomes the screen for a breathtaking show unlike anything else in Indiana.

Just steps away, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt glows with European charm. Wooden huts, twinkling lights, and a magnificent ice-skating rink set the scene for hot cocoa, pretzels, and family fun. Visit in the evening to experience the full sparkle of this festive market and light display combination that makes Carmel one of the most enchanting walk-through destinations of the season.

What can you do at Holidays on the Hill in Noblesville?

Location: 175 Logan Street, Noblesville
Dates: Through December 31, 2024
Admission: Free

At Federal Hill Commons, Noblesville families can enjoy a walking light tour, outdoor skating, carriage rides, and visits with Santa. The park’s twinkling trees and illuminated paths make this one of the sweetest free Christmas light walks in Hamilton County.

What is Fishers Night Lights?

Location: 3 Municipal Drive, Fishers
Dates: December 1 – 31, 2025
Admission: Free

Throughout December, the Nickel Plate District shines bright for Fishers Night Lights, a month-long pop-up light display and winter celebration. Waiting to hear if this will return for 2025: On Saturdays, enjoy extra holiday cheer with live music, Santa sightings, roaming characters, food trucks, and family activities.

Where is the Greenwood Lighted Trail?

Location: Greenwood Amphitheater, 100 Surina Way, Greenwood
Dates: December 7 – 31, 2025, 5 pm – 11 pm
Admission: Free

Take a stroll through the Greenwood Lighted Trail, featuring 85 decorated Christmas trees, five light arches, a candy cane tunnel, 3,600 bridge lights, and whimsical figures glowing from dusk to dawn.

What is Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park?

Location: 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis
Dates: Tuesday – Sunday, November 28 through December 28, 2025 (Closed December 22-25)
Admission: $6 per person; $14 per family (max two adults); ages 2 & under free

For a cozy indoor alternative, Conservatory Crossing fills the Garfield Park Conservatory with poinsettias, tropical plants, and thousands of twinkling lights. Kids will love watching trains travel through the miniature holiday village surrounded by lush greenery.

What makes Shipshewana’s downtown lights worth the drive?

Location: Shipshewana, Indiana – a charming small town approximately 3 hours north of Indianapolis
Dates: Lighting of Shipshewana parade in November, downtown area lit nightly through December
Admission: Free for downtown stroll; some paid drive-through options nearby

Tucked away in northern Indiana, Shipshewana transforms into a holiday wonderland that’s absolutely worth the family road trip. The downtown area lights up after the “Lighting of Shipshewana” parade, where floats, carriages, tractors, and more sparkle along Main Street, and then the whole town becomes a glowing walk-through destination for families.

Stroll the sidewalks of this small town, pop into charming boutiques, and soak in the vintage “Hallmark movie” atmosphere. Because the drive from Indy allows for extra quality family time and the destination offers a full evening of lights and small-town charm, Shipshewana is a top contender for walk-through Christmas light displays in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Lights in Indiana

What is the best Christmas light display in Indiana?
Winterlights at Newfields and the Circle of Lights in downtown Indianapolis consistently rank among the most popular holiday light displays in the state. Families also love A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie for its immersive, historic setting.

Are there free walk-through Christmas lights near Indianapolis?
Yes! The Circle of Lights, Magnificent Monon Trail in Carmel, Holidays on the Hill in Noblesville, Fishers Night Lights, and the Greenwood Lighted Trail are all free to visit and perfect for families.

When do most Indianapolis Christmas lights start?
Most walk-through holiday light displays begin in mid- to late November and run through late December or early January, depending on the location.

What are the best indoor Christmas light experiences in Indianapolis?
For families who want to stay warm, Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park Conservatory offers an indoor wonderland filled with poinsettias, twinkling lights, and model trains.

Which Christmas light displays are best for young kids?
Families with toddlers and preschoolers love Christmas at the Zoo, Kelsay Farms’ Holiday Stroll, and the Greenwood Lighted Trail—each offers gentle walking paths, bright lights, and festive photo opportunities.

Walk-through light displays are one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Indiana. From dazzling downtown lights to cozy countryside strolls, these experiences bring families together to enjoy the sparkle and spirit of the season.

Looking for more holiday fun? Explore our full list of Indianapolis Christmas light displays or visit the Christmas Nights of Lights drive-through show—one of our favorite traditions!