Winterlights at Newfields has enjoyed years of rave reviews and sold-out nights during the holiday season and this year promises to be another landmark year! A winter wonderland with 3 million dazzling lights dancing beneath your feet and up to the tops of 100-year-old trees, Winterlights at Newfields is an enchanting evening of fun for the whole family. If holiday lights are your jam, purchase your tickets now to visit between November 23, 2024 and January 5, 2025.

Winterlights at Newfields

Bundle up and walk through the grounds of Newfields with gorgeous displays throughout the trails, all the way up trees, and inside the historic and magnificently decorated Lilly House. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s special rendition of The Nutcracker, Yuletide Celebration, and favorite holiday hits are synced up to the dancing displays on the Landscape of Light. Admire glittering baubles that shine in the night sky and the Color Blossoms that light the way through the woods.

Warm your hands and hearts by the crackling firepits at the Garden Terrace. Families can purchase s’mores kits to heat up over the fire and enjoy. Gingerbread popcorn from Just Pop In!, giant chocolate chip cookies, cocoa, ciders, and spiked warm drinks can also be enjoyed at the Culinary Campsite. Adults can try the Winterlights-inspired Electric Reindeer brew from Sun King or a spiced plum cider from Ash & Elm Cider Co.

Winterlights at Newfields with Kids

Bundle up, bring everyone along, and get ready for breath-taking moments in the light. Last year when I attended, my kids were 2, 4, 6, and 8 years old. Everyone had a great time and I didn’t regret taking kids along. 

We visited Winterlights at Newfields early in the season on a very cold night so there weren’t a lot of people around. My kids danced to the music, twirled under the lights, and acted exactly like children should. Since it wasn’t crowded, they weren’t in the way and didn’t bother anyone.

I brought along our little red wagon and filled it up with blankets and everyone’s coats, gloves, and hats. We brought along our own 3D glasses, which I had ordered from Amazon, to see the lights in a unique way. These glasses, along with light-up necklaces and other trinkets are available for sale at Winterlights at Newfields as well, but you can bring them along to save money. 

The most important thing to remember is to dress appropriately for the weather so that you don’t have to cut your night short and leave because you’re too cold. In the past, Newfields has estimated that it will take the average guest 60-90 minutes to stroll through the whole display, but we spent a few hours there looking at everything and enjoying the drinks and treats.

In addition to the price of tickets, plan on having your children ask you to spend money on s’mores kits and hot beverages. The s’mores kits typically are a fundraiser of the local Girl Scouts group. My kids are also very drawn to the twinkling light necklaces and flashy pins, so I try to grab some glow sticks or light-up jewelry from Amazon or the dollar store. Or, bring along the ones we got suckered into purchasing in the past. If it’s in your budget, definitely buy them at Newfields, as the funds are used for the art museum programs.

Winterlights at Newfields Tickets

You’ll want to be sure to purchase your tickets in advance (like, maybe today?) so you don’t miss out this winter. Winterlights runs from November 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025 from 5-9 pm. Ticket prices range from $25 to $35 per Adult and $16 to $26 per Youth, depending on if you go during Value, Non-Value, or Peak Nights. Value Nights are generally early or late in the season, as well as some Mondays – Wednesdays in December. Peak Nights are weekend dates and every day the week of Christmas, and Non-Peak Nights are sprinkled in throughout December.

There are member rates, Senior rates (55+), and Youth rates (6-17). Kids 5 and under are free! Families with an Indiana Access Pass pay $5.

Winterlights Ticket Pricing

Value Nights

Public: $25 Adult (18+), $23 Senior (55+), $16 Youth (6-17)
Member: $25 Adult (18+), $23 Senior (55+), $16 Youth (6-17)

Non-Peak Nights

Public: $30 Adult (18+), $28 Senior (55+), $21 Youth (6-17)
Member: $25 Adult (18+), $23 Senior (55+), $16 Youth (6-17)

Peak Nights

Public: $35 Adult (18+), $33 Senior (55+), $26 Youth (6-17)
Member: $25 Adult (18+), $23 Senior (55+), $16 Youth (6-17)

Premier Package

The Premier Package to Winterlights at Newfields is $45-$55. Tickets include expedited entry, blinky lights, holographic Snowflake Glasses, a non-alcoholic beverage, and fast pass access to the Lilly House experience.

Winterwonder Pass

The Winterwoder Pass to Winterlights at Newfields is $100-$120 and is designed to be your one-stop shop for a festive experience at Winterlights. Your VIP ticket includes everything you love about Winterlights, plus an elevated experience inside Lilly House. Warm up on the second floor of Lilly House, overlooking Landscape of Light, while you sip a glass of bubbly (or non-alcoholic option) served in a keepsake cup and enjoy a sweet treat. This package also includes expedited entry, fast pass access to the Wintermarket culinary stop, blinky lights, holographic Snowflake Glasses, a non-alcoholic beverage, flexible arrival time, and ticket insurance.

Winterlights Special Programming

Indy Pride Night

On Sunday, December 1, Winterlights at Newfields will celebrate Indy Pride Night with LGBTQIA+ friends and family. Special programming includes electric performances by local drag entertainers!

Kwanzaa

On Thursday, December 5, celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at Winterlights. Enjoy live performances that honor the rich traditions of Kwanzaa and embrace the warm holiday spirit of Afriance heritage and unity.

Las Posadas

On Thursday, December 19, head to Las Posadas at Winterlights. In partnership with Arte Mexicano en Indiana, the seasonal celebration will honor the tradition of Las Posadas, which represents Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Jesus’ birth. Embrace cultural themes, see live performances, and enjoy the stunning illuminated art installation by the Mexican art collective, Happy Rebels, titled Big Pinata.

Latkes and Lights

On Sunday, December 29, visit Latkes and Lights with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis at Winterlights. Admire the Lilly House illuminated with menorahs and Stars of David and enjoy festive latkes at the Winter Market. For the eight days of Chanukah, Landscape of Light will dance and dazzle to Judith Clurman’s arrangement of Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah.

More to Do at Newfields

Newfields has so much to offer inside and throughout their expansive outdoor grounds. And there is so much to do a Newfields with kids! Come in your PJ’s for Cereal Cinema on the weekend. Spend a warm summer evening enjoying a movie outdoors with Newfields Summer Nights. Step into a multi-sensory immersive experience at The LUME, currently featuring the works of Salvador Dali.

If you liked walking through the lights at Winterlights, check out Harvest Nights throughout the month of October for a spooky fun time. Newfields also offers preschool events and activities, homeschool gatherings, summer camps, and more. Right next to the museum is the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park with 100 acres of free hiking through the woods and alongside kid-friendly, hands-on art installations.

Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Indy

All Indianapolis Holiday Events

Have you been to Winterlights at Newfields? 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!