Top Indiana Annual Christmas Festivities & Events
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Updated 11/13/24
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least, in my opinion. According to one of the most popular Christmas songs written by songwriters Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963, it is, too. I love Christmas in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. That is why I’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Indiana over the holidays. These are personal and state-voted favorites of Indiana’s most magical and spirited Christmas activities and events.
These “worth the drive” events and festivities are traditions held yearly. Make a special occasion out of holidays by taking family and friends out to visit these holiday activities, see lights, and make new traditions. Shop local for Christmas with event vendors, and enjoy fresh, homemade goodies from local artisans and chefs.
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie
Fishers, Indiana
Conner Prairie lights up every evening from the end of November through December for A Merry Prairie Holiday. Step back in time as Prairietown celebrates historic holiday traditions with caroling, homemade Christmas decorations, and candlelit buildings. Lights, music, displays, and a ride on the Kringle Carousel accompany the Winter Wonderland Stroll. Reynold’s Christmas Lights is an enormous walk-through Christmas lights display, and don’t forget to take the Polar Bear Plunge and visit Santa’s Workshop while you are there! Conner Prairie is one of the 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die.
Bridgeton County Christmas
Bridgeton, Indiana
The Bridgeton County Christmas is the last full weekend in November and the first weekend in December at The 1878 Barn, Collom’s General Store, and the Artisans Barn at the Mill. Bridgeton is also known for its mill, covered bridge, and participation in the famous Parke County Covered Bridge Festival every October. This charming small Indiana town is also known for its Christmas festival.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Carmel, Indiana
It’s the top Christmas Market in the state and has been winning awards since it opened in 2017. It is a traditional German-themed Christmas market, and as authentic as they come, it generally opens mid-November through Christmas Eve. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt features German food and gift vendors, kid’s activities, entertainment, and ice skating. Admission to the Market is free, with daily activities, live music, and artisan demonstrations. Santa visits on Sundays.
Circle of Lights
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis‘ most timed tradition is The Circle of Lights at Monument Circle in Downtown Indy, which features 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights strung from the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to form a “tree.” It is festively lit from the end of November through mid-January and is commonly surrounded by live music and illumination of lights from surrounding local businesses. A Holiday Projection Show runs nightly between the end of November and December 25. It’s a popular spot for iconic Indiana Christmas photos.
Enchanted Luminaria Walk
Muncie, Indiana
The Enchanted Luminara Walk at Minnetrista is a free holiday event on the first weekend of every December. Walk through enchanting lights and lantern-lit walkways, and enjoy sweet treats, a winter craft, and holiday shopping.
French Lick Resort – 50 Days of Lights
French Lick, Indiana
The 50 Days of Lights are held mid-November through early January at the French Lick Resort. Visitors can visit the resort without staying overnight (except West Baden’s opening night) to see the Christmas decorations, dine, see the Christmas Village and Santa, participate in the activities, and shop. The French Lick Springs Hotel Projection Light Show plays an 8-minute 3D animation on the exterior of the Spa Wing of the French Lick Springs Hotel every hour between 6 pm and 9 pm. The French Lick Resort is one of the 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die, and it is especially spectacular at Christmas.
Metamora Old Fashion Christmas Walk
Metamora, Indiana
Starting the first weekend after Thanksgiving through December, the Metamora Old Fashion Christmas Walk is one of Indiana’s most historic holiday events. It’s the most popular time of the year in Metamora, Indiana’s Canal Town, and home to the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site. The Metamora Village is decorated for Christmas; they have activities and live music. They have special late hours for shopping on Friday and Saturday nights, and lanterns are lit along the canal at dusk. The Historic Village of Metamora is one of the 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die.
Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Madison, Indiana
For over forty years, the Nights Before Christmas Tour has been a holiday celebration in Madison. On the last weekend in November and the first weekend in December, tour the Lanier Mansion, the Jefferson County History Center, Historic Madison, Inc.’s Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Masonic Schofield House, private homes, and other locations that open up in the evening to ticketed guests. It’s a special candlelit event.
Santa Claus Christmas Celebration
Santa Claus, Indiana
Where’s the best place to celebrate Christmas in Indiana? In America’s Christmas Hometown! Yes, there is a Santa Claus in Indiana. They celebrate Christmas all year, but in December, they have three weekend holiday activities and events for the whole family. Including a reindeer experience at Santa’s TOYS, chestnut roasting at Santa’s Candy Castle, and a drive through the Santa Claus Land of Lights.
Wellfield Winter Wonderland
Elkhart, Indiana
The Wellfield Botanical Gardens turns into the Winter Wonderland of Holiday Lights every November and December. During the light show, the ½-mile Promenade Pathway glows with holiday lights, sounds, and displays. A catering tent is available for food, hot beverages, and shopping in the Visitors’ Cottage.
Winterlights at Newfields
Indianapolis, IN
More than one and a half million lights are added and arranged in the Gardens at Newfields for Winterlights, an event from November through January. It’s an outdoor, self-guided walking tour through the gardens and is mesmerizing and magical to experience. The Lilly Allée will display Landscape of Light dancing to the Nutcracker across it.
Festival of Trees at the Indiana History Center
Indianapolis, IN
The Indiana Historical Society’s annual Festival of Lights is a seven-week holiday extravaganza featuring over 85 decorated trees representing individuals, families, and companies from around Indiana. The festival includes special programs and picture-perfect trees for all to enjoy.
More Christmas activities:
- Celebrate the Holidays in Henry County
- The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Chicago!
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt – Authentic German Christmas Market in Indiana!
- A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie
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