As the days grow shorter and the air turns brittle, the Indianapolis area transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland. From immersive art museum walks to dazzling downtown drives, the tradition of holiday lights offers warmth and cheer for all ages. This season, bundle up and explore these five spectacular displays that capture the magic of the holidays.
1. Circle of Lights (Downtown Indianapolis)
The heart of the city’s celebration shines brightest at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The annual Circle of Lights tradition, a cornerstone of downtown Indianapolis winter festivities, features the iconic monument draped in over 5,000 energy-efficient LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle visible throughout the downtown skyline. The surrounding trees of Monument Circle are also adorned, making a stroll or a carriage ride around the circle a quintessential Indianapolis holiday experience. The lights typically shine nightly from dusk until dawn through the first week of January, providing a stunning, free backdrop for evening visits to downtown restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect starting point for any holiday tour.
2. Newfields Winterlights (The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields)
Consistently ranked among the nation’s best holiday light events, Winterlights at Newfields is an enchanting, immersive walking experience across the museum’s historic grounds. Visitors follow a winding path through gardens and woods, past the Lilly House and around the stunning Rapp Family Terrace, all aglow with millions of synchronized lights set to festive music. Beyond the lights, the experience includes festive installations, cozy fire pits for s’mores, holiday treats, and the chance to warm up inside the museum. This is a ticketed, timed-entry event that often sells out, so we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance online. The display typically runs from mid-November through early January. Visit discovernewfields.org for more.
3. Eiteljorg Museum Jingle Rails (Downtown Indianapolis)
A unique blend of artistry, engineering and holiday spirit, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is an indoor marvel. This beloved exhibit features intricate model trains journeying through a breathtaking landscape of famous American landmarks — all crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, and, of course, holiday lights. The 2025 edition promises new surprises and intricate details within its miniature world. It’s a perfect, weather-proof activity for families and train enthusiasts alike, offering warmth and wonder in the heart of downtown. The exhibit is included with general museum admission. It is open during regular museum hours from late November through Jan. 19, 2026. Visit eiteljorg.org for more information.
4. Christmas Nights of Lights (Indiana State Fairgrounds drive-thru holiday light show)
For a festive experience from the comfort and warmth of your own car, the Indiana State Fairgrounds Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show delivers over a mile of dazzling, animated light displays. This annual drive-through event allows visitors to tune their car radios to a synchronized holiday music station and cruise past hundreds of illuminated scenes, featuring classic holiday characters, winter wonderlands, and Indiana-themed presentations. It’s an ideal option for families with young children, large groups, or those seeking a cozy, no-walk alternative. The event operates nightly with timed-entry tickets purchased online in advance, running from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31. Visit indianastatefair.com for more.
5. Christmas at the Zoo (Indianapolis Zoo)
A long-standing Hoosier tradition, Christmas at the Zoo combines wildlife with terrific lights. The Indianapolis Zoo decks its pathways, trees and waterways with over two million lights, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere. While some animals are tucked in for the night, visitors can still enjoy seeing many outdoor species and special indoor exhibits. The experience is more than just lights, featuring holiday rides like the Santa’s Merry-Go-Round, visits with Santa, live entertainment, holiday shopping and seasonal treats like hot cocoa. It’s a fully immersive, family-focused celebration. This is a separately ticketed evening event held on select nights, available now through Jan. 4, 2026. Visit indianapoliszoo.com for more information.
Planning Your Visit:
Before you go, always check the official website for each attraction for the most current hours, ticket prices, health guidelines and potential weather-related closures. Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended for timed-entry events, such as Winterlights and the Fairgrounds’ holiday lights drive-thru.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic stroll, a family adventure or a cozy drive, Indianapolis’s holiday lights offer a radiant way to celebrate the season.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Parham is the owner of @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver. He is also the owner and founder of Horsemen Sports Media.
