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Holiday Things To Do In Indianapolis
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and in Indianapolis during the holidays, you can’t help but be! Indianapolis has a ton of fantastic holiday events and traditions to give you and your family all of those warm and fuzzy feelings that make this time of year so special. If you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit, then read on because this list has events that the whole family will truly enjoy!
Festival of Trees
Presented by The Salvation Army, this year’s extravaganza features winter wonderland with more than 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families, and organizations from all around Indiana. Eli Lilly Hall also features a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree that you can catch a glimpse of throughout most of the building.
When: Nov. 11-Jan. 7.
Where: Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St.
Ticket prices and other info: $5-$15. Free for members and kids under 5.
indianahistory.org/events/festival-of-trees
Circle of Lights
The public will be able to enjoy the “world’s largest” Christmas tree until Jan. 13. Each night, video projections with high-quality images and lights are mapped onto buildings on Monument Circle. Presentations on seasonal holiday celebrations will accompany the nightly Signature Salute to Indiana veterans.
When: Nov. 25 to Jan 13.
Where: Monument Circle
Ticket prices and other info: Free admission
https://downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights
Christmas Nights of Lights
The Christmas Nights of Lights Family is excited to be returning to Indianapolis for the 2022 season! They have brought some dazzling new light displays and have added even more music for your family and friends to enjoy! You are going to love their new mesmerizing RGB Field of Lights
When: Nov. 11-Jan. 1.
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, Gate 12, 1698 E. 42nd St.
Ticket prices and other info: Cost is $30-$75 per carload, depending on the number of people. Advanced tickets are required.
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays bringing to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and the life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Pile everyone into the car and experience more at the same low price! One carload, one price for the entire family.
When: Nov. 18-Jan. 1.
Where: Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St. in Noblesville.
Ticket prices and other info: Starting at $20 a vehicle for a limited time.
Winterlights
The gardens at Newfields are aglow with more than a million and a half lights for the sixth season of Winterlights. Old favorites return, and new additions shine bright.
When: Nov. 20-Jan. 8.
Where: Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road.
Ticket prices and other info: Public: $22-$29, $2 access pass. Free for kids ages 5 and under. Members: $15-$22 adults, $2 access pass. Buy tickets in advance.
discovernewfields.org/winterlights
A Christmas Carol
Banish your bah humbugs, and celebrate the season at the IRT! Scrooge gets his visits from the past, the present, and the future and they bring us hope during the dark of winter. A Christmas Carol celebrates the power of kindness, family, and love in this treasured tale filled with laughter, tears, and redemption.
When: Nov. 19-Dec. 24.
Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Ticket prices and other info: $25-$94. bit.ly/3DT1KnB
It’s a Wonderful Life
The stage version that’s based on the classic movie focuses on George Bailey, who questions his purpose after encountering a string of difficulties and, thanks to his guardian angel and friends, realizes his impact. “Teacher says…”
When: Nov. 25-Dec. 23.
Where: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road.
Ticket prices and other info: $51-$76. beefandboards.com
Yuletide
Emmy-nominated Frankie Moreno returns to host and perform new music and old favorites with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly. The Moipei triplets will perform for the first time at Yuletide. Audiences also will be able to see the tap-dancing Santas, Holly Jolly Dollies, and more.
When: Dec. 2-23.
Where: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.
Ticket prices and other info: $32.30-$141. Prices are subject to change.
Christmas at the Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo was the nation’s first zoo to host a holiday lights event, and since it started in 1967, Christmas at the Zoo has become known for its beautiful holiday lights and displays. The event includes Santa’s Workshop, cookie decoration, carolers, a find-the-mistletoe challenge, carousel rides, 4-D theater, and much more. Enjoying the cooler weather are seals, seal lions, polar bears, walruses, tigers, brown bears, red pandas, and other hardy, winter-loving critters. Zoo fare is served at Café on the Commons, plus guests get free refills on hot beverages, all night long at any food service location.
When: Nov. 19-Dec. 30.
Where: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
Ticket prices and other info: Included with regular admission.
indianapoliszoo.com/events/christmas-at-the-zoo
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
The model railroad will travel past scenes made from natural materials that depict Indianapolis’ downtown, American West landmarks, Northwest Coast Native villages, the Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon, and more. This is an annual tradition for anyone that loves trains!!
When: Nov. 19-Jan. 16
Where: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
Ticket prices and other info: Included with regular admission.
eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
The Yule Slide, Giant Snow Globe, characters, and Ice Castle are back. This is the final year for the more than 25-year-old event. Don’t miss it!
When: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Where: The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St.
Ticket prices and other info: Included with admission. Other special holiday events require a ticket.
childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/jolly-days
Celebration Crossing
There’s a train ride through the forest, seeing critters don winter clothes, and a visit to the Reindeer Barn to learn about Rudolph before he takes flight. And of course, the big guy himself…SANTA!
When: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Where: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
Ticket prices and other info: Included with admission.
indianamuseum.org/experiences/celebration-crossing
Does this list leave you feeling festive? These are just some of the wonderful things that you can do in Indianapolis during this very merry season. Pick your faves, or enjoy all of them for a December filled to the bring with Christmas joy!
Not from Indianapolis, or in the process of planning to move to Indy? Moving now could be the best time. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Contact us at (317) 639-9583.