The Ultimate 2025 Indianapolis Holiday Event Guide

BFF Indy
Nov 6
4 min read

Here’s your complete guide to the best holiday events in Indianapolis! Whether you’re planning a family outing, a festive date night, or a girls’ night out, there’s something here for everyone. The holidays are a great time to slow down, explore the city, and make memories with the people who make Indy feel a little more like home!

Downtown Indianapolis

Circle of Lights - Monument Circle Friday, November 28, 2025 The iconic kickoff to the holiday season! Watch as the Soldiers & Sailors Monument is transformed into a giant “tree” of lights during this free, family-friendly lighting ceremony.

Festival of Trees - Indiana Historical Society November 14 – January 3, 2026 Walk through dozens of elaborately decorated trees, each themed by local organizations and businesses. A must-see downtown holiday tradition with a cozy indoor setting. BFF Indy will have a tree at this event, so be sure to check it out and show your support! Click here for details!

Christmas at the Zoo - Indianapolis Zoo November 22 – January 4, 2026 (Closed Nov 28, Dec 24-25, Dec 31-Jan 1) Experience the zoo after dark with twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and winter-themed animal encounters. Perfect for couples or families, get tickets here!

Celebration Crossing - Indiana State Museum November 28 – January 4, 2026 Meet Santa, ride the Santa Express train, and explore festive exhibits for all ages. Santa even arrives by helicopter on opening day! Find all details here!

AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration - Hilbert Circle Theatre December 5 – 23, 2025 A beloved Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance blending classic carols and show-stopping production numbers, an annual holiday must.

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure - Eiteljorg Museum November 15 – January 19, 2026 A model-train wonderland featuring G-scale trains weaving through miniature Indy landmarks and Western scenery. Indoors and great for all ages

Christmas Gift & Hobby Show - Indiana State Fairgrounds November 12 – 16, 2025 Five days of shopping, décor, crafts, and holiday inspiration at one of Indy’s longest-running seasonal markets. Plus, meet Tyler Hines of the Hallmark Channel on November 14th! Winterlights - Newfields November 21 – January 4, 2026 Stroll through nearly two million lights illuminating the Garden at Newfields. Hot cocoa, snacks, and magical photo ops everywhere. Get your tickets here!

WinterFaire - The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis November 15 – February 22, 2026 A whimsical indoor/outdoor winter experience filled with play, interactive exhibits, and snowy surprises for kids and adults alike. Christmas Nights of Lights - Indiana State Fairgrounds November 7 – December 31, 2025 A 2-mile drive-through light show synchronized to music, best experienced with cocoa and carols.

Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt - Mass Ave, Downtown East Side Nov 28–30; Dec 5–7; Dec 12–14; Dec 19–21 A cozy, authentic German-style market with handmade gifts, live music, glühwein, and raclette in the heart of downtown’s east corridor.

Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday - Victory Field Select dates December 6–14, 2025 Meet Rowdie Claus, explore festive photo ops, and enjoy crafts at the Indianapolis Indians’ ballpark celebration. Get tickets here!

Broad Ripple Lights Up Festival & Parade Sunday, December 7, 2025 (3–6 PM) A family-friendly afternoon of live music, kids’ crafts, Santa visits, and a parade through the Village ending with the tree lighting. Click here for more information! North Side / Hamilton County / Fishers / Carmel

A Merry Prairie Holiday - Conner Prairie (Fishers) November 28 – 29; Fridays-Sundays Dec 5-21; Mon-Tue Dec 22-23 Enjoy tube-sledding, a lighted walk through the Prairie, and live holiday music in a historic setting.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt - Carter Green November 22 – December 24, 2025 Ranked among the nation’s top Christmas markets, with European gifts, authentic food, and ice skating next door at The Ice at Carter Green.

Zionsville Christmas in the Village November 29 – December 20, 2025 Kick off with a parade and tree lighting, then return for carriage rides and boutique shopping every weekend!

Traders Point Creamery - Christmas on the Farm Saturday, December 6, 2025 Experience the farm with campfires and s’mores, holiday lights and music, old-world crafts and, of course, Santa at this charming Zionsville dairy farm!

South Side / Greenwood / Garfield Park

Conservatory Crossing – Garfield Park Conservatory November 28 – December 28, 2025 A tropical oasis transformed with poinsettias, lights, and model trains weaving through greenery. Click here fore more information!

Greenwood Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting & Drone Show - Downtown Greenwood Saturday, November 22, 2025 (5:30–8 PM) A lively parade, live entertainment, and a dazzling drone show make Greenwood’s kickoff event a local favorite.

Candy Cane Course 5K/12K - South of Downtown Sunday, December 21, 2025 A festive fun run for all ages featuring holiday treats, medals, and cozy community spirit.

West Side / Speedway / Avon / Danville

Speedway Light the Night Festival - Main Street Speedway Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Speedway’s annual Main Street celebration lights up with music, treats, and community cheer.

Winterland Holiday Light Show - Ellis Park (Danville) November 22 – December 29, 2025 Drive through hundreds of dazzling displays synchronized to holiday tunes! This one is great for families and date nights. Click here for more information!

Pro Tips for Holiday Planning

Buy tickets early: Popular events like Winterlights, Yuletide, and Christmas Nights of Lights sell out on weekends!
Visit on weekdays: Crowds are lighter and parking is easier.
Layer up: Indiana weather can change fast, so bring warm gear for outdoor light shows.
Support local: Many markets feature women-owned and small businesses perfect for gift-giving!

The holidays in Indianapolis are full of sparkle, celebration, and connection. From the iconic Circle of Lights downtown to Winterlights at Newfields, Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and cozy neighborhood markets, there’s no shortage of festive things to do in Indy this season. Every part of the city shines with holiday cheer, offering families, friends, and visitors a chance to make lasting memories.

Explore the best Indianapolis holiday events, enjoy the lights, sip cocoa, and take in the magic that makes this city so special in winter. And if you’re part of the BFF Indy community, be sure to stop by our tree at the Festival of Trees to celebrate friendship, connection, and the spirit of the season!