Whether you put your own lights up before or after Thanksgiving, Christmas lights are a staple of the holiday season.
Indianapolis has a seemingly endless supply of holiday events and experiences, especially when it comes to colorful and festive twinkly lights. From White River State Park to Newfields, we’ve put together a list of places where you can still enjoy some light shows this holiday season.
Winterlights
Where: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
When: 5-9 p.m. (recurring Nov. 20-Jan. 8, 2023)
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Featuring more than 1.5 million lights, guests will be able to enjoy holiday-themed snacks from local vendors, hot cider and cocoa as they walk through a multitude of wintery light displays such as the Landscape of Light on the Lilly Allée and the Ice Storm Walk in the Garden for Everyone.
discovernewfields.org/winterlights
Christmas Night of Lights
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1202 E. 38th St.
When: 6-10 p.m. (recurring until Jan. 1, 2023)
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Featuring new light displays and more holiday-themed music, the Christmas Night of Lights returns this year with its RGB Field of Lights. Reservations are required.
Dasher’s Lightshow
Where: Castleton Square Mall, 6020 E. 82nd St.
When: 5:30-10:30 p.m. (recurring until Dec. 31)
Cost: $29.95 per vehicle
Featuring food, drinks and an extravagant holiday light display, Dasher’s Lightshow comes to Indianapolis for a 25-30-minute drive thru experience.
dasherslightshow.com/indianapolis/
Christmas at the Zoo
Where: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
When: 5-9 p.m. (recurring until Dec. 30)
Cost: Included with the price of admission
Christmas at the Zoo offers even more opportunities to meet Santa, both in Santa’s Study or in Flights of Fancy with Vacation. Kids can see Santa’s sleigh and a few reindeer in Santa’s Barn or decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in her kitchen.
indianapoliszoo.com/events/christmas-at-the-zoo/
Festival of Trees
Where: Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. (recurring until Jan. 7, 2023)
Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for kids (5-17), members are free
Walk through a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 75 trees decorated with Christmas lights representing different families and organizations throughout the state in addition to a holiday scavenger hunt, caroling, “A Christmas Story” screening and more.
indianahistory.org/events/festival-of-trees/
Circle of Lights
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Monument, 1 Monument Circle
When: Nightly (recurring until Jan. 13, 2023)
Cost: Free
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis will be lit up with festive lights and decorations through the new year, featuring live holiday music and pop-up shops with food and beverages and carriage rides.
downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights
A Merry Prairie Holiday
Where: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. (recurring until Dec. 22)
Cost: $22 for guests, $11 for members
In addition to Reynolds Christmas Lights, Connor Prairie will feature North Pole Village, where kids can take photos with Santa.
connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/
Contact staff write Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
