A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

Updated 11/2024

In Fishers, Indiana, Conner Prairie presents its annual festival, A Merry Prairie Holiday. This festive transforms Conner Prairie into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and a walk through a historic 1800s Christmas in Prairetown. I recognize it as a top “Hallmark Christmas” event in Indiana. It offers an array of activities, rides, live performances, and attractions that cater to all ages. From little ones to big kids and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this enchanting holiday celebration.

Upon arrival at Conner Prairie, you can navigate the Merry Prairie Holiday Festival without a prescribed path. Whether you head north or south, your journey will eventually loop you back to the starting point. For convenience, a tram service is available on both the north and south sides to transport guests. We explored on foot and then used the tram to return to the front entrance. Regardless of your chosen exploration mode, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable and accessible experience at the festival.

Winter Wonderland Stroll

Our visit started on the Winter Wonderland Stoll, which took us through the Civil War Journey and under the covered bridge. If you’ve ever been to the Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie, it’s a similar path except with Christmas lights and music rather than the Headless Horseman. There are Christmas lights and displays along the way, through the bridge, and it ends with a ride on the Kringle Carousel.

Historic Holidays in Prairietown

We then headed to Historic Holidays in the 1800s Prairietown. Visiting Prairietown is always one of my favorite places at Conner Prairie, just as it is for visiting during A Merry Prairie Holiday!

It’s a magical time, as residents of Prairietown are sharing their Christmas Eve traditions for the 1800s. We talked with Union Soldiers celebrating Christmas away from home and around a campfire and hanging homemade ornaments on a tree. Carolers were caroling, and Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol was being read aloud.

North Pole Village

Around the corner from Historic Holidays is the North Pole Village. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves were waiting to take selfies in the village. And Trinket Puddingmoon, the official naughty or nice list keeper, was keeping an eye on everyone!

Across from the North Pole Village, Blitzen’s Bandwagon is set up in the Stop by Café on the Common. Warm drinks for both kids and adults were available. As well as snacks and treats. Local performers take turns on the bandwagon stage, entertaining guests in the evenings.

The William Conner House

A 3D projector on the William Conner House plays “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” bringing it alive inside and out. Benches are set outside the home for seating, and a 3-minute clip plays every few minutes, taking you back to the story 198 years ago.

Tips for visiting A Merry Prairie Holiday:

• Dress warm! Although Indiana’s weather varies daily, you’ll want to ensure you don’t forget those hats, gloves, and extra layers. Also, wearing boots is suggested because you are outside and some paths might be muddy.
• Warming stations and fire pits throughout Conner Prairie, especially in the Historic Holidays area.
• Hot drinks are available from Rose & Lois Coffee near the train pick-up area and the tubing hill, and food is available from Smokey Blue BBQ near Santa’s Workshop, the Prairie Grill near the sock skating rink, and Cafe on the Common near the Bandstand.
• The live music at Blitzen’s Bandstand appeared to be finished by 9 pm the night we visited, so make sure to head earlier if you’d like to get this in!
• The Access Pass can be used for A Merry Prairie Holiday.
• For those with sensory sensitivities, flashing lights will occur during this festival.
• American Sign Language tours are available for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.
• Want to stay overnight? Reserve a room at the Prairie Guest House Bed & Breakfast or nearby lodging.