The holiday season is getting brighter at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. Christmas Nights of Lights, presented by Fifth Third Bank, is open nightly through Dec. 31, 2026, with more than one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music. Families drive the 2.1-mile route at their own pace and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas from the comfort of their own vehicle.
The show runs rain, shine or snow. Tickets are on sale now at ChristmasNightsofLights.com, and online reservations are required.
A Million Lights and 300 Gumdrops
From colorful light tunnels to larger-than-life holiday scenes, Christmas Nights of Lights has become a seasonal tradition for visitors throughout Central Indiana and beyond. This year’s new feature lights up the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand with 300 colorful gumdrops.
“Christmas Nights of Lights has become a holiday tradition that people look forward to year after year,” said LeRoy Lewis III, director of community and media engagement at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “It’s an opportunity for people to spend time together, create lasting memories and celebrate the season.”
Kids can keep count of the elves along the way. A sign at the exit has the answer.
Save on Tickets and Give Back Through Nov. 22
During the show’s first two weeks, from Nov. 6 to 22, 2026, local nonprofits have their own promo codes. Guests who enter one of the codes when buying tickets get discounted admission, and a portion of the proceeds benefits that organization.
- Mozel Sanders Foundation: MOZEL26
- Brooke’s Place: BROOKES26
- WRTV Toy Drive: WRTV26
- Salvation Army: SALARMY26
- Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation: MDFF26
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: NOCC26
- Special Olympics: OLYMPICS26
- Shepherd Community Center: SHEPHERD26
- A Kid Again: AKIDAGAIN26
- Gleaners Food Bank: GLEANERS26
- Second Helpings: SECHELP26
- The Parks Alliance: PARKALL26
- Riley Children’s Foundation: RILEY26
- Indianapolis Indians Charities: INDIANS26
“When guests purchase tickets using one of our participating charity codes, they’re helping organizations that serve our neighbors, support young people and provide essential resources to those who need them,” Lewis said. “It’s a simple way to make the holiday season meaningful for even more people.”
Know Before You Go
- Dates: Nightly through Dec. 31, 2026
- Hours: Two time slots, 6 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m., with extended hours on busier nights
- Tickets: Sold online only, in advance, for a reserved time slot. Prices are per vehicle and start at $40 per carload.
- Entrance: Gate 3, 1698 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis
- Music: Tune the car radio to 90.7 FM.
- Time: The drive takes 30 to 40 minutes.
- In the car: Guests stay in their vehicles for the whole show. Pets are welcome but must stay in the vehicle too.
- Snacks: There are no concessions, but families are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the car.
- Restrooms: Portable restrooms are at the show entrance. There are none in the waiting line.
- Vehicle limits: The entrance tunnel is 11 feet high and the route has tight turns, so full-size buses, RVs and limousines can’t go through.
- Exchanges: There are no refunds. Exchanges for another night or time slot depend on availability and must be made by 10 p.m. on the day the ticket is valid. Call 317-593-4046.
Weekends and the days leading up to Christmas are the busiest, so buy tickets early to get your preferred date and time. For more places to see the lights this season, check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Indianapolis.
