Indianapolis and its surrounding areas are not short on holiday cheer! If you and your family are looking to get into the holiday spirit or simply have a memorable outing or date night, we have compiled our Top 5 List of must-see attractions:
1. Winterlights at Newfields
This vibrant light show will spark "oohs and ahhs” from all ages with a newer Indianapolis family tradition. Walk through garden trails, sipping a hot beverage – it’s the perfect family outing or special date. Word of note – visit Newfields online and get tickets early. This attraction always sells out quickly!
2. A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie
This Fishers, Indiana attraction includes several different family-friendly holiday events. One fan favorite is the Prairietown walking tour by candlelight, taking you back to 1836. For the younger guests, faces always light up at the North Pole Village, complete with games and a midway. Everyone will enjoy local entertainers and musicians and warm holiday beverages and treats!
3. Carmel’s Christkindlmarket
Voted #1 Holiday Market - Reader’s Choice by USA Today, the Christkindlmarket in Carmel, Indiana, is full of magic and old-world charm. With over 70 vendors in wooden huts, you can find unique and authentic gifts imported from Germany, like wooden toys, music boxes, ornaments, and more. While you are shopping, stay warm with Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa, and eat warm, delicious treats like German pretzels, Bratwurst, Raclette (melted cheese served on bread), and Stollen (dried fruit bread). Oh – and you can’t miss the big spectacle in the center of it all – an outdoor ice-skating rink! Be sure to reserve your time online for the Ice at Carter Green ahead of your visit.
4. The Lighted Trail
Create a new tradition this year. Take a stroll through the Amphitheater Park in Greenwood, Indiana, and take in over 40,000-holiday lights! With 85 trees of lights, 18 standing figures, a 12-arch candy cane tunnel, and more, The Lighted Trail is a sight to behold. From dusk until dawn, throughout December, you can enjoy entertainment as you stroll in awe along the trail.
5. Christmas at the Zoo
Christmas at the Zoo is a beloved wintertime light spectacular that the whole family will enjoy. Included with your regular zoo admission, sparkling lights transform the zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland. The highlight: Santa’s Village, where your family can see Kris Kringle in his study, visit Mrs. Claus in her kitchen, and even see Santa's sleigh and a few of his reindeer in Santa's Barn. Don't miss out on getting an up-close view of our favorite winter birds at the Penguin Encounter too! Thinking of making your visit a date night? Visit the Tinsel Tavern for a holiday-themed cocktail to "cheers" your special evening.
There are sparkling streets and events everywhere you turn in Central Indiana, with Hoosier Hospitality at its finest. Each town or city has its own character, history, and fun – find out more about each town in our city guides and explore what makes greater Indianapolis one of the best places to live. You're sure to find the magic of the season!
