It’s time to get into the holiday spirit. Indianapolis is packed with holiday events for the whole family. So make your list, check it twice and explore our guide to what’s happening around town this season.
Christmas Nights of Lights
Enjoy dazzling new light displays from the comfort of your vehicle during Indy’s largest synchronized light show. Visit the Indiana State Fairgrounds from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2026, and see more than 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show. Online reservations are required, so visit the Christmas Nights of Lights website before heading out.
Website: christmasnightsoflights.com
Related Article: Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis 2026
Festival of Trees
One of central Indiana’s biggest holiday traditions is back from Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 2, 2027. Witness a winter wonderland at the Indiana Historical Society with more than 80 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana.
Website: indianahistory.org
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Indy’s holiday tradition is back at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. From Nov. 14 to Dec. 26, 2026, A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption.
Website: irtlive.com
Winterlights at Newfields
Winterlights runs at Newfields from Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027. Bundle up and enjoy the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s special rendition of The Nutcracker, Yuletide Celebration and favorite holiday hits, all recorded for a dancing display of 300,000 LED bulbs on the Twinkling Trail.
Website: discovernewfields.org
Jingle Rails
Enter a locomotive wonderland at this one-of-a-kind holiday adventure. Jingle Rails is making tracks from Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 18, 2027, at The Eiteljorg, and will get you into the holiday spirit. View eight working model trains that wind through a stunning miniature landscape. The exhibit features miniature versions of local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, as well as the national parks of the American West. Each scene is masterfully crafted from natural materials and adorned with festive holiday decorations and twinkling lights, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Website: eiteljorg.org
Related Article: 10 Best Holiday Train Rides in Indiana (2026)
Christmas at the Zoo
Make the most of the merry season at the Indianapolis Zoo’s annual Christmas at the Zoo. From Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, watch the zoo transform at sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky. Families will love Santa’s Magic Cottage, where kids can take a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and be fully immersed in the holiday spirit. Pose with your family and friends near one of the many holiday displays, see Santa’s sleigh and some of his reindeer, enjoy holiday treats and drinks, and much more.
Website: indianapoliszoo.com
Holiday Productions at Beef & Boards
Get into the holiday spirit with two holiday productions at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre this season. From Nov. 27, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, enjoy Holiday Inn, based on the classic musical featuring a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including White Christmas. Then from Dec. 4 to 22, 2026, see A Christmas Carol, a one-hour adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic with traditional carols.
Website: beefandboards.com
A Merry Prairie Holiday
Central Indiana’s beloved holiday festival returns to Conner Prairie on Nov. 27 and 28, 2026, plus Fridays through Sundays Dec. 4 to 21, 2026, Monday through Wednesday Dec. 21 to 23, 2026, and Saturday through Monday Dec. 26 and 28, 2026. Surround yourself with thousands of lights and celebrate the holidays in Prairietown with Historic Holidays.
Website: connerprairie.org
Indiana Ballet Conservatory Presents The Nutcracker
The classic holiday tradition returns Nov. 28 and 29, 2026. Join Indiana Ballet Conservatory at Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel to experience The Nutcracker, an iconic holiday classic. Experience the way the ballet is meant to be seen and heard with the timeless score played live with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.
Website: indyballet.org
Butler Ballet Presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Butler Ballet’s family tradition returns with this student production of The Nutcracker at Clowes Memorial Hall. Join the celebration on Dec. 3 to 6, 2026, and revel in the spectacle of live ballet, spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery and pyrotechnical magic. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music will be brought to life by the Butler Ballet Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Website: butlerartspresents.org
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration lights up the stage Dec. 4 to 23, 2026, at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Multi-genre performer Curtis Bannister hosts the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, continuing one of central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Enjoy musicians of the ISO as they perform new holiday music and beloved favorites, plus cirque artists, high-energy choreography and beloved traditions audiences return for year after year.
Website: indianapolissymphony.org
Metropolitan Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: the classic story of a girl and her beloved nutcracker doll that comes to life. Join the Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s pre-professional ballet company on Dec. 18 to 20, 2026, in the heart of downtown Zionsville at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. This is a family-friendly production with plenty of pre- and post-show activities to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Website: my-ballet.org
Related Article: Where to see the Nutcracker Ballet in Indianapolis
