If you’re looking for holiday fun, Indy has much to offer for all ages. As an added bonus many of these attractions are open after Christmas and New Year’s Day.
I’m sharing more about the top holiday adventures around Indianapolis, Indiana.
Thanks again to Visit Indy for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
See the World’s Largest Artificial Christmas Tree – Circle of Lights at Monument Circle
November 29, 2024 – January 11, 2025
1 Monument Circle Indianapolis, IN
Parking is available with metered street parking or nearby parking garages.
The Circle of Lights at Monument Circle features the world’s largest artificial Christmas Tree with 4,784 colored lights across 52 garland stands.
There is a nightly salute at dusk with video and light projections across several buildings near the monument.
The projections are synchronized to an original score written by John Colby and recorded by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The bulb colors on the tree represent each branch of the US Military.
- Army – Green
- Air Force – Clear
- Navy – Blue
- Coast Guard – Yellow
- Marines- Red
While you’re in the area check out some of the downtown shops. Kids and adults will enjoy discovering unique sodas and candies at “Rocket Fizz”, located within steps of the Monument.
Christmas at the Zoo at The Indianapolis Zoo
Now – January 5, 2025 (Closed – Dec. 24 & 25, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1)
1200 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
You can experience the Indianapolis Zoo after dark during Christmas at the Zoo.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event?
Their holiday lights event started in 1967 and has continued to grow ever since!
If you visit during a chilly evening, you’ll be happy to discover fire pits throughout the zoo, where you can warm up or roast marshmallows at a S’more Station.
Guests visiting at night may luck out and see a few animals outside. There are also several indoor exhibits open during the holiday lights.
The Indianapolis Zoo also has bragging rights as home to the largest group of chimpanzees in the world, housed in their International Chimpanzee Complex.
Younger guests will be excited to find Santa’s reindeer at Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion.
The Indianapolis Zoo also has festive treats and holiday spirits sourced by Hotel Tango Distillery and Daniel’s Vineyard.
For the best value purchase your tickets for the Indianapolis Zoo online before you go for additional savings.
Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum
Nov. 16, 2024 – January 20, 2025
Mon-Sat 10 AM-5 PM and Sun 12 PM- 5 PM
Extended Hours: On select days in December, the museum will remain open until 7 PM on Dec. 14 & 15, 19 – 22, and 26 – 29.
500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
Free accessible parking is available on the first floor in the White River State Park underground garage while visiting the museum, museum café, or museum store.
Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure features nine G-scale trains and nearly 1200 feet of track.
The trains travel through incredible landscapes of the American West and past famous landmarks of Indianapolis.
The attention to detail in each scene is impressive, using natural materials.
I recommend taking the time to look for and appreciate each detail.
Kids can use the free Activity Guide, which includes ISpy to help them discover the famous icons throughout Jingle Rails.
Highlights of the 30+ scenes at Jingle Rails include:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Indianapolis’ Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- OneAmerica Tower
- Mt. Rushmore
- The Grand Canyon
- Old Faithful geyser (it actually erupts!)
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Las Vegas Strip
- Hoover Dam
Make sure you allow time to explore the rest of the museum after your time at Jingle Rails.
The artwork featured in the galleries helps tell the diverse stories about the history and cultures of Native Americans and the American West.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN
Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2025
10 AM- 5 PM
*Closed Christmas Day
Kids and adults will enjoy a ride on the Snowfall Express Train included with museum admission.
The unique winter scenes star adorable animals celebrating during late autumn and winter, including the first snowfall.
The almost 5-minute train ride exceeded my expectations! I wouldn’t be surprised if kids and adults want to get back in line and ride it a second time.
The 18-passenger train is ADA-accessible so the whole family can enjoy the experience together. Kids’ activities are available while they wait their turn for the train ride.
Santa’s Front Yard and Reindeer Barn
Kids can gather for story times with North Pole elves, explore Santa’s Front Yard, and encounter (stuffed) reindeer in the Reindeer Barn.
Visits with Santa are included with museum admission and photo packages are an additional fee. Check their website for the Santa schedule.
Special Holiday Events at Indiana State Museum
Several special holiday events take place throughout the holiday season at the Indiana State Museum, including the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, a dining tradition since 1929.
This popular lunch buffet includes chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts, and more.
Open daily from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5, 2025. Closed Christmas day.
Seating at 11 and 11:15 AM, 12:30 and 12:45 PM
Make reservations with advanced payment to secure your spot.
If you want to continue after your holiday-themed adventures, The Indiana State Museum has 270,000 square feet of exhibit space to explore.
Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society
450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN
Their parking lot is located on New York Street a ½ block east of West Street. Free parking with admission.
Nov. 15 – Jan. 4, 2025
- Tuesday through Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – Noon to 5 PM
- Twighlight Tuesdays and Thursdays – Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, and 19 – 10 AM to 8 PM
- CLOSED: Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 6, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Festival of Trees features 85 trees representing Indiana individuals, families, and companies.
You’ll find themed Christmas trees on four levels of the museum.
10 Weihnachtsgurke (glass pickle ornaments) hidden in trees throughout the building.
Clue sheets are available at the Welcome Center if you need help finding them.
Make sure that you check out the additional special exhibits while you’re there.
WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN
(Their free parking garage can be accessed from the left side of Illinois Street, north of 30th Street)
November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
WinterFaire features interactive displays, craft stations, and themed performances.
Many hands-on experiences and games at WinterFaire allow kids and adults to create memories together.
Check their website for free programs going on during WinterFaire.
Kids and adults will also love racing each other down the WinterSlide.
Children may ride on an adult’s lap or must be 37“ tall to ride WinterSlide alone.
Fun Fact: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world!
Allow additional time during your visit to explore the rest of the museum which consists of five floors and seven acres.
Explore Bicentennial Unity Plaza
117 S Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN (right outside Commission Row and next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Metered street parking or garage parking is nearby.
November 22, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed to the public. Available for private events.
- Wednesday: 3:30 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 3:30 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 3:30 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Bicentennial Unity Plaza has ice skating, ice bocce, and more!
*Ice Bocce Courts can be reserved on Mondays or Tuesdays from 5:30 – 9 PM.
Ice skating reservations are recommended in advance for 90-minute skating sessions.
2 mobility sleds are available that are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
Commission Row, a steak, seafood, and raw bar, has a nice vantage point of the Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
This is a nice option if you’re looking for an upscale restaurant to dine in or grab a drink before or after ice skating.
Holiday Shopping Along Mass Ave Cultural Arts District
434 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Street-metered parking is available along Mass Ave.
You’ll find a great variety of locally owned shops along Mass. Ave in downtown Indy.
Stout’s Footwear is the oldest shoe store in the United States dating back to 1886.
Ripley the Parrot has also been a fixture of the shoe store since 1998.
Silver in the City is a great stop for unique or quirky holiday gifts, like a stick of butter ornament for your butter-loving friend.
Additional shops to check out:
Find the full list of local shops here.
Check out Coat Check Coffee inside the Historic Athenaeum building for a caffeine boost between shopping.
Winter Wunderland Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt
Athenaeum – 401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN
Parking – Block 20 Parking Garage – 428 N East Street, Indianapolis, IN
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 22, 2024
Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is at Rathskeller Biergarten in the heart of Mass Avenue’s Arts District.
The authentic winter market has German food, vendors, and live entertainment.
Check out their website for special holiday events.
Winterlights at Newfields
4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Saturday, November 23, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025
Guests can view 3+ million lights and 240 miles of strands at Winterlights at Newfields.
The light displays interweaved with 100-year-old trees on the Twinkling Trail create a magical ambiance.
Guests will find plenty of photo ops along the way.
Dress in layers because it can be chilly out on the trail.
If you’re looking for a warm-up, cocoa and ciders can be spiked with a shot from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey or peppermint vodka.
Beer lovers can try the Winterlights-inspired Electric Reindeer brew from Sun King Brewing Co. and spiced plum cider from Ash & Elm Cider Co.
Firepits can be found at the Culinary Campsite at Garden Terrace and sweet treats are also available for purchase.
Don’t miss the dancing display of lights for “Landscape of Light. ”
The house and front yard come alive with synchronized lights and music previously recorded by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
You’ll also want to view the incredible holiday decorations displayed inside the historic Lilly House.
Each decorated room of the historic home has a different holiday theme to appreciate.
You might even get inspired with a few decorating ideas for your home.
Tickets for Winterlights at Newfields
Tickets are first come, first serve so you’ll want to book your tickets in advance.
There are a few ticket options for guests to choose from this year.
Kids 5 and under are FREE!
Public and Member Tickets have different pricing for Value Nights, Non-Peak Nights, and Peak Nights.
Premier Package – This package includes expedited entry, blinky lights, a non-alcoholic beverage (upgrade available), Snowflake Glasses, and fast-pass access to the Lilly House experience.
Winterwonder Pass – This pass includes flexible arrival time (between 5-8 PM), VIP treatment, special access to the Lilly House Lounge on the second floor overlooking Landscape of Light, a premium beverage, fast pass access at the Wintermarket culinary stop, expedited entry, blinky lights, Snowflake Glasses, and ticket insurance.
Holiday Cheer at Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery
702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Enjoy holiday cheer and spirits at Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery.
You may be surprised that the distillery resides inside a late 1800s carriage repair shop, not a hotel.
“Hotel Tango” is a nod to Travis’ military service and the owners’ names. “Hotel” is for Hilary, his wife, and “Tango” is for Travis based on the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Hotel Tango’s “Salute to Santa” pop-up bar is a fun stop to gather with friends or family for a drink or light bites.
Fun Fact: Hotel Tango is Indy’s oldest distillery founded in 2014.
Hotel Tango partnered with Swiss Miss to create the perfect bourbon for the holidays so you’ll want to try a cocktail with that spirit.
Pictured above is an espresso martini made with the ‘Smallow toasted whiskey and the Sugar Plum Fae.
We tried the “Carlton Spud” as our starter. It’s made with potato skins, bacon bits, jalapeno, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
I highly recommend the “Twisted Sister” pizza if you like spicy food. It has a good kick made with house vodka red sauce, pepperoni, chicken, jalapenos, red pepper, and hot honey.
Get Rewarded for Download the Free Holiday Adventure Pass
Get rewarded for visiting holiday attractions with Visit Indy’s and Visit Hamilton County’s first Holiday Adventure Pass.
The Holiday Adventure Pass features 20 holiday seasonal attractions and you can earn prizes by checking into the attractions.
You can download the free pass here and learn more about the incentives for checking in with the pass.
A Unique Overnight at Bottleworks Hotel
850 Massachusetts Ave Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN
During our visit to Indy, we stayed at Bottleworks Hotel.
Bottleworks Hotel was previously part of the largest Coca-Cola bottling plant in the world, dating back to the 1930s.
The building has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel conveniently located within steps of dining options at the nearby Food Hall, shops, and entertainment in the Bottleworks District.
The Art Deco architecture is stunning and you’ll find nods to the history of the building throughout.
We stayed in the Landmark Double Queen room with two queen beds in nearly 600 square feet.
All Bottleworks Hotel guests receive:
- Fine quality linens, pillow top mattresses, and plush duvets
- Delta® spa bathroom treatments
- Hunter Labs amenities and bath products
- Plush bath robes and towels
- Single-cup coffee maker with Starbucks® coffee and tea
- Stocked in-room minibar with local flavors
- In-room dining options
