I love being back home in Indy when November rolls around. The city just seems to come alive with holiday spirit. There are so many fun things happening and so many ways to celebrate the season!
I have been wanting to incorporate more local content into the blog for a while, so I thought it would be fun to put together a little guide of holiday events happening here in Indy!
Whether you have family coming to town, little ones you need to entertain during the winter break or you just want to have a fun night out with friends or a special someone, there is something on this list for everyone! Below are 42 things to do in Indy for the holidays.
EVENTS
1. Christmas Nights of Lights
When: 11/8-1/1
Where: Indiana Fair Grounds
Event details
Come see over 1 million twinkling lights synchronized to Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family and enjoy the show while beginning a new holiday tradition!
2. Festival of Trees
When: 11/15-1/4
Where: Indiana History Center
Event details
Experience the joy of the holiday season at the Indiana History Center! Ninety-two elaborate trees – a dozen more than last year – packed into the grand building create a winter wonderland to delight people of all ages.
3. Carmel Christkindlmarkt
When: 11/16-12/24
Where: Center Green Carmel
Event details
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt brings the old world charm of Christmas in Germany to beautiful Carmel, Indiana. Featuring a delightful blend of festive food, holiday drinks, gifts, decorations and an open air skating rink, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is fun for the whole family!
4. Christmas At The Zoo
When: 11/23-12/30
Where: The Indianapolis Zoo
Event details
A wintertime visit to the Zoo is unlike any other you’ll experience! Come out early to watch the Zoo transform at sunset when the warm glow of twinkling lights fill the night sky.
5. Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
When: 11/23-1/5
Where: The Children’s Museum
Event details
Celebrate family traditions and the holidays at Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Enjoy favorites like the 47-foot Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, visits with Santa and more!
6. Winterlights
When: 11/23-1/5
Where: New Fields (Aka the IMA. I hate that they changed the name!)
Event details
It’s very merry. It’s really bright! Winterlights returns for a third year, making it an official holiday tradition in Indy. Sip apple cider, make s’mores over the fire pit and create memories this season with friends and family as you stroll through the spectacular Winter Wonderland!
7. Jingle Rails
When: 11/23-1/20
Where: Eiteljorg Museum
Event details
Model trains wind through beautifully recreated landscapes and landmarks of the American West and downtown Indianapolis. Don’t miss this favorite family holiday tradition!
8. Lights At The Brickyard
When: 11/27-1/5
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Event details
Lights at the Brickyard is back featuring dozens of colorful displays! Explore more than three million bright lights on a 2-mile course through the IMS infield and historic oval, including the front stretch and world-famous “Yard of Bricks” start-finish line.
9. Drumstick Dash
When: 11/28
Where: Broad Ripple
Event details
Join fellow Hoosiers Thanksgiving morning in Broad Ripple for the 17th annual Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash! All proceeds support the Wheeler Mission which provides meals and care for homeless men, women and children in our community.
10. Circle Of Lights
When: 11/29
Where: Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Event details
For 57 years, thousands of spectators have gathered Downtown at Monument Circle to see the most spectacular holiday display illuminate. Central Indiana’s most beloved tradition is here again and even better!
11. A Merry Prairie Holiday
When: 11/29-12/29
Where: Connor Prairie
Event details
Sparkling lights, breathtaking rides and enchanting performances…they’re all part of A Merry Prairie Holiday Festival at Conner Prairie! Enjoy the Conner Prairie holiday family fun you already love and a host of new features you won’t want to miss.
12. Celebration Crossing
When: 11/29-1/5
Where: Indiana State Museum
Event details
Soak in pure holiday magic at the Indiana State Museum’s holiday experience, Celebration Crossing! Ride the Santa Claus Express train, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their house and more! All activities are included with admission.
13. Holly Jolly Jetway
When: 11/30
Where: Indianapolis International Airport
Event details
Bring the family and some friends to watch Santa dash across the tarmac on a firetruck, ready to greet all who come to see him and spread holiday cheer! See his grand entrance from Civic Plaza and have a chance to chat with Mr. Claus himself!
14. Breakfast with Santa
When: 12/1
Where: The Children’s Museum
Event details
Grab breakfast with the jolliest man himself. Enjoy a build-your-own breakfast sandwich bar and waffle bar along with coffee, juice, hot cocoa, and tea. Then share your wish list with Santa!
15. Broad Ripple Lights Up Festival & Parade
When: 12/1
Where: Broad Ripple
Event details
Kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa, explore the children’s wonderland village and enjoy the twilight holiday parade! This event features a Wonderland Village, which includes holiday-themed activities for children, live reindeer, musical entertainment and food trucks!
16. Holiday Cookie Decorating
When: 12/5
Where: Ash & Elm Cider Co.
Event details
Get in the holiday spirit as you create cookie art! Each ticket includes 4 cookies ready to decorate plus a cider. Grab your friends and enjoy a fun and festive evening!
17. Bourbon Jingle & Mingle
When: 12/5
Where: The Eiteljorg Museum
Event details
Warm up this holiday season at the Bourbon Jingle & Mingle event at the Eiteljorg Museum! Take a stroll through the locomotive winter wonderland of Jingle Rails while enjoying a bourbon cocktail from Heaven Hill Distilleries and hors d’oeuvres from Kahn’s Catering. Mix and mingle with other young professionals and enjoy a night of festive fun!
18. Jingle Bell Run
When: 12/7
Where: Indianapolis City Market
Event details
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity. Strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and feel good about doing good!
19. Christmas on the Farm
When: 12/7-12/8
Where: Trader’s Point Creamery
Event details
Visit Santa in the big Red Barn, snap a photo and give him your Christmas list! Sing along with live holiday music, make traditional holiday crafts, and decorate cookies. Treat yourselves to organic Eggnog or hot cocoa and a festive menu at the Jingle Bell Cafe. Then step outside to take in the beauty of the farm and meet the cows on a holiday hayride!
20. North Pole PJ Party
When: 12/7
Where: The Children’s Museum
Event details
Spend the holidays at the Children’s Museum in a brand new way! Bring your family in their best Christmas PJs and be ready to party in the Museum Manor- a historic home located on the museum grounds! This program will give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favorite friends from Jolly Days.
21. Polar Express PJ Party
When: 12/8
Where: Eiteljorg Museum
Event details
Put on your family’s most festive PJs and enjoy a night at the Museum! It is sure to bring out the holiday spirit in the whole family. You will have the chance to travel through fun and festive “stations” throughout the evening. Tickets also include access to the Jingle Rails exhibit!
22. Twelve Chefs of Christmas
When: 12/14
Where: Indianapolis City Market
Event details
This fun fundraiser features 12 local chefs and 12 Indiana craft breweries joining together to pair creative dishes with specific brews. Attendees will sample a variety of food and drinks and will be encouraged to enjoy full pints of the featured beers available for purchase in Tomlinson Tap Room during the event!
23. Home for the Holidays Drag Event
When: 12/14
Where: Hampton Designs Studio & Shop
Event details
Enjoy a cheerful, holiday filled drag event at Hampton Designs Studio that’s fun for all ages! Proudly featuring returning talent Kalinda, Mossy Stone & Arachna Pop. Enjoying free admission as well as complimentary treats and drinks. This is the drag event you don’t want to miss this holiday season!
24. Twelve Bars of Christmas Crawl
When: 12/14
Where: Broad Ripple
Event details
The 4th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl is coming back! Put on your best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters and elf costumes and get ready to crawl!
25. Santa Hustle Indy 5k
When: 12/15
Where: American Legion Mall
Event details
It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! So, find that Christmas spirit and head to the American Legion Mall for the Santa Hustle Indy 5k, Half Marathon and Kids Dash! And you won’t ask Santa for anything else after you receive this year’s swag!
26. Pet Photos with Santa
When: 12/15
Where: Metazoa Brewing Company
Event details
Join Metazoa Brewing Company and Hoosier Bulldog Rescue for an evening of pet photos with Santa! Dress up your pet in his/her holiday best and get their photo taken with a real-life Santa! Admission is FREE, but a $10 donation for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue is suggested per photo session. Must be 21 or older to attend.
27. Ugly Sweater Bingo Night
When: 12/17
Where: Black Acre Brewing Co.
Event details
Get ready for one of Indy’s favorite goofy events of the year! Wear your ugliest Christmas Sweater. Play Bingo. Win weird prizes. There may even be a special appearance by The Saucy Wenches to sing you a delightful original holiday song! Free to play. Get there early as this event is quite popular and seats fill up fast.
28. Ugly Sweater Party
When: 12/21
Where: Howl at the Moon
Event details
Put on your most horrendous Christmas sweater and head to the Ugly Sweater Bash! The more hideous, the better because your crime against fashion gives you the chance to win a prize for ugliest sweater! Contests, drink specials, live music and more!
PERFORMANCES
29. A Christmas Carol
When: 11/16-12/26
Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre
Event details
30. A Christmas Story
When: 11/21-12/31
Where: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Event details
31. Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s The Nutcracker
When: 11/24
Where: The Palladium
Event details
32. Indianapolis Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 11/29-12/1
Where: Old National Centre
Event details
33. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Yuletide Celebration
When: 11/30-12/23
Where: Hilbert Circle Theatre
Event details
34. A Drag Queen Christmas
When: 11/30
Where: Old National Centre
Event details
35. Disney Junior Holiday Party
When: 12/3
Where: Old National Centre
Event details
36. Moscow Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: 12/4
Where: Old National Centre
Event details
37. Elf the Musical
When: 12/6-12/28
Where: The Tarkington
Event details
38. Festival of Carols
When: 12/7-12/8 & 12/20-12/22
Where: Warren Performing Arts Center & The Palladium
Event details
39. The ZPL Jingle Jam Featuring Lizzo
When: 12/10
Where: Banker’s Life Fieldhouse
Event details
40. Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
When: 12/15
Where: The Palladium
Event details
41. Rudolph the Musical
When: 12/18
Where: Clowes Memorial Hall
Event details
42. Handel’s Messiah
When: 12/19
Where: The Palladium
Event details
Phew! That was a long one. If you made it through the entire list, I hope you found a few fun holiday activities to add to your calendar! If I left anything off, let me know in the comments below so I can add it to the list! Happy holidays!
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