Newfields’ sixth annual outdoor holiday experience Winterlights returns this month with specialty food, drinks and more than 1 million twinkling lights.
The outdoor, family-friendly walking experience through The Garden at Newfields — located at 4000 N. Michigan Road — will run from Nov. 20, 2022, through Jan. 8, 2023. Featuring more than 1.5 million lights, guests will be able to enjoy holiday-themed snacks and drinks as they walk through several light displays such as the Landscape of Light on the Lilly Allée and the Ice Storm Walk in the Garden for Everyone, according to a news release.
Guests can also expect to see a few new attractions this year, including the Glowing Garden, which will feature hundreds of color blossoms illuminating the path to Snowflake Bridge.
“We are so thrilled to be bringing the magic of Winterlights back for another season in The Garden at Newfields,” Jonathan Wright, the Ruth Lilly director of The Garden and Fairbanks Park, said in a statement. “New traditions await around every corner. Whether you are continuing a tradition or beginning a new one, come enjoy the exciting lighting elements designed by amazing artists and stand in awe of our majestic trees wrapped to the very tips of their branches.”
Winterlights will also feature a few new art installations including “Astraeus” by local artists Owens + Crawley. The installation will light up the path near the historic Lilly House. Additionally, art collective Happy Rebels will make its Newfields debut with a sculpture entitled “Big Piñata.” The sculpture which is inspired by Las Posadas — a festival traditionally celebrated in Mexico and Latin America — will be across from the Garden Terrace.
On Dec. 15, Newfields will host a partner event with Las Podras in partnership with Arte Mexicano en Indiana, as well as the return of Latkes and Lights on Dec. 18 in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.
Winterlights will feature a special menu for guests out enjoying the holiday season in The Garden such as giant, warm chocolate chip cookies from Circle City Sweets and gingerbread popcorn from Just Pop In! Sun King Brewing Company’s Electric Reindeer brew and Ash & Elm Cider Company’s new spiced plum cider will also be available for those 21 and older.
Guests will also be able to sip on hot cocoa or hot apple cider, either of which can also be spiked with Newfields’ exclusive “Holiday Spirit” peppermint vodka from West Fork Whiskey Co. or Old Hamer Bourbon Whiskey.
For the sixth consecutive year, Newfields will also partner with The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana to sell s’more kits at Winterlights, the proceeds of which go toward helping fund their operations and programs such as their annual summer camp.
“We are so grateful to the Indianapolis community who embraces this experience and returns every year to make new memories with friends and family,” Wright said.
In addition to the general ticket, Newfields is offering two premium options — the Premier Ticket and the Winterwonder Pass — for guests who want an all-inclusive holiday experience.
General tickets start at $29 and are available at discovernewfields.org. Members can view Winterlights early during Member and Community Partner Night Nov. 19.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.