The holiday season has officially started, and if you're looking for activities that would make your family weekend more fun and exciting, you're in the right place!
In this post, we've gathered all the Indiana holiday family events you can visit to make this season of giving happier and more memorable.
15 Holiday Events In Indiana For Families
Indiana Historical Society – Festival of Trees
November 10 to January 6
Indiana Historical Society | 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
The Festival of Trees offers more than 75 exquisitely decorated trees in a winter paradise portraying Indiana companies, organizations, and individuals.
Christmas Nights Of Lights
November 10 to December 31
Indiana State Fairgrounds | Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1698 E
For the 2023 holiday season, Indianapolis will host Christmas Nights of Lights once again! Families will experience a mystical drive through a coordinated display of over a million lights set to contemporary and classic Christmas music that plays directly via your car's sound.
To learn more about the ticket prices, you may click this link.
Danville Winterland Holiday Lights
Starting November 17
Ellis Park | 600 E Main Street, Danville, IN 46122
Another drive-through experience, Danville's Winterland Holiday Light Show in Ellis Park features hundreds of displays with thousands of lights to celebrate the holiday season.
Ticket prices vary; on weekends, admission is $10 per car, while during the week, it is $5 per car.
Learn more about it here.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
November 18 to December 24
Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater | 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032
This year, Carmel's Chriskindlmarkt is returning and delivering the European festive vibes. Products from Germany and other German-speaking European nations are so good and authentic here, that you won't feel like you are in Carmel, Indiana.
Don't forget to take in the stunning outdoor ice skating rink!
Note: Carmel Christkindlmarkt is closed on Christmas Day. You can view their schedule here.
Indianapolis Zoo – Christmas at the Zoo
November 18 December 30th
Indianapolis Zoo | 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Remarkably, tourists have been enjoying Christmas at the Zoo since 1967.
General admission includes access to "Santa's Village" in the Bicentennial Pavilion, where you can participate in activities such as a visit with Santa Claus, a stop by Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, a look at Santa's infamous sleigh and reindeer at Santa's Barn, an adult-only Tinsel Tavern, the Penguin Encounter, and their Polar Pathway.
Check out their event map and other details here.
Eiteljorg Museum – Jingle Rails
November 18 to January 15
Eiteljorg Museum | 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
This one-of-a-kind Hoosier holiday tradition is an exciting attraction for kids and kids at heart.
It features nine model trains that wind across a miniature festive scene at Jingle Rails, a "G-scale model train wonderland." It strolls among different locations, such as the Monument Circle, Union Station, Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful, the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Mt. Rushmore.
Learn more about it here.
Children’s Museum – WinterFaire
November 18 to February 11
Children’s Museum | 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
A brand new exhibit opened at the Child's Museum, and it's no other than the WinterFaire.
Replacing Jolly Days, this fantastic indoor environment comes with a lively, carnival-like ambiance, entertaining games, endearing animals, and interactive experiences.
Enjoy this unique winter experience together while you play, laugh, and create lifelong memories.
Go to the event website to find out more.
Newfields – Winterlights + Latkes and Lights
November 19 to January 7th
Newfields | 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
For most families, taking in Winterlights at Newfields has become a yearly event, and if you're one of them, you might be glad to know that it's back.
Meanwhile, if you haven't experienced it yet, here's your chance to see more than a million and a half lights sparkle in The Garden during Winterlights.
Learn more about the events and ticket prices here.
Sullivan Hardware & Garden – Sullivan Express
November 24 to December 23
Sullivan Hardware & Garden | 6955 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
The Sullivan Express is a well-liked holiday mainstay in Indianapolis that offers a delightful train excursion for families to visit Santa at the North Pole. A guided train ride to the North Pole awaits you when you check in at Central Station.
You and your children get to see and take pictures with Santa Claus himself as he gets ready for his big Christmas Eve present delivery. You also get to play in Santa's workshop.
Expect surprises along the way!
Check out their time slots here.
Indiana State Museum – Celebration Crossing
November 24 to December 31
Indiana State Museum | 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Take yourself and your family to the magical world of the holidays at
Celebration Crossing, Indiana State Museum.
Enjoy the highlights of Celebration Crossing this year, including visits with Santa, meeting his reindeer in the Reindeer Barn, Magical Mornings, Santa's Holiday Breakfasts, Winter Wonderland Workshops, and more.
This year, take the Snowfall Express, an enjoyable ride that will take you to "a forest populated by charming, whimsical characters celebrating the coming winter and the first snowfall."
Learn more here.
Monument Circle – Circle of Lights
November 24 to January 14
Monument Circle | 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Circle of Lights on Monumental Circle in downtown Indianapolis comes to mind when one thinks about Indianapolis during the holidays.
This year marks the 61st year the lights have been turned on, which always happens the day after Thanksgiving.
Before the grand finale, there will be musical acts and performances throughout the traditional televised show on WTHR. Afterward, Santa Claus will turn the monument's lights on, and they will stay bright until January 14th.
The Lighted Trail
Starting December 3
Greenwood Amphitheater Park | 300 S Washington St, Greenwood, IN 46143
Take a stroll through Amphitheater Park and enjoy the festive lights! You can make this a new holiday custom with your family as you take photos and create memories together.
Enjoy wonderful attractions, such as the 3600 lights on the bridge, the 12-arch candy cane tunnel, and 85 light trees!
Conner Prairie – Merry Prairie Holiday
December 21 & December 22
Conner Prairie | 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
Every member of your family will enjoy themselves at Conner Prairie's yearly Merry Prairie Holiday.
Take part in all of your favorite regular activities, such as the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill with a new light tunnel to take you through, the historic Prairietown, the gorgeous light displays, Kringle's Carousel, and Trinket Puddingmoon featuring Santa's official naughty or nice list.
This year, the William Conner House will transform into a 3D projection mapping holiday production, showcasing "Twas The Night Before Christmas," creating nostalgic festive vibes.
Don't miss the Winterland stroll where you may travel from the 1836 Prairietown to the 1863 Civil War Journey under a brand-new set of holiday lights.
Zionsville Winterfest
To Be Announced
Mulberry Fields Park | 9645 Whitestown Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077
Mulberry Fields Park in Zionsville is transforming into a wintry paradise in preparation for Winterfest.
Experience the nostalgia of ice skating and stroll through the festive town to eat and take in live entertainment.
You can also go sledding and make a wreath!
Downtown Noblesville – Holidays At The Hill
To Be Announced
Federal Hill Commons | 175 Logan St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Go above and beyond this holiday season at Federal Hill Commons, Noblesville as you enjoy a private carriage ride, go ice skating on Market Plaza, explore the walking light display, and leave a note for Santa in a designated mailbox at the Christmas Cottage, to name a few activities.
Everyone has access to their snacks and beverages so you won't get hungry.
Learn more here.
Did we miss anything? If yes, feel free to share your favorite Indiana holiday events in the comments below.