Celebrating the Holiday Season Around Indiana

With Christmas right around the corner, communities across Indiana are offering a wide range of holiday activities for Hoosiers of all ages. From light displays to seasonal events at museums and state parks, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the state.

Holiday Light Displays

• Circle of Lights at Monument Circle (Indianapolis): The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is lit up for the season, a long-standing holiday tradition in downtown Indianapolis.
• Christmas Night of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis): A drive-through holiday light display with synchronized lights and Christmas music.

Seasonal Markets and Events

• Carmel Christkindlmarkt (Carmel): One of the nation's top-rated Christmas markets, this European-style holiday market offers artisan vendors, seasonal food, market-themed coffee mugs and winter activities like ice skating.
• Christmas in the Village (Zionsville): A downtown holiday event featuring a parade, tree lighting and other seasonal activities.

Museums and Family Attractions

• Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis): A seasonal experience that includes the Snowfall Express, holiday decorations and family programs.
• Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society (Indianapolis): An annual exhibit to showcase Christmas trees and holiday decorations representing individuals, families and businesses from Indiana.
• Christmas at the Zoo (Indianapolis): A nighttime light display all throughout the Zoo grounds.

Santa Claus, Indiana

• The Town of Santa Claus: Famously known for being a year-round Christmas themed town, the town of Santa Claus offers several holiday themed attractions that draw many visitors each year, including Santa Claus Land of Lights and a post office where millions of letters to Santa Claus are received from people around the world.

Northern Indiana Attractions

• A Christmas Story at South Shore Centre (Hammond): A seasonal event based on the classic holiday film A Christmas Story, with themed décor and activities.

Southern Indiana Attractions

• The Polar Express (French Lick): A themed holiday train experience with the French Lick Scenic Railway that combines seasonal displays and onboard dining.

With many events happening around the state during the holiday season, Hoosiers have plenty of ways to participate in the Christmas celebrations. To learn more about these events and more, click here.

After the Christmas holiday concludes, families can also consider a first day hike with the Department of Natural Resources. Learn more about those hikes here.