Experience the holiday season’s best and brightest with your child by visiting Downtown Indianapolis, home to larger-than-life installations, immersive exhibits, festive treats, and much more! From familiar favorites to new surprises, there’s plenty for all to enjoy Downtown. Kick off your family adventure at Circle of Lights ®, explore top-rated restaurants, shop for presents, and get lost in the joyous Downtown snow globe!
There’s so much to do Downtown, plan on bringing an itinerary!
Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights
The Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights ® presented by IBEW 481 – Indy’s most time-honored holiday tradition – celebrates its 60th anniversary on Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving. Gather on Monument Circle starting at 6:30 p.m. for live music, special holiday activations, festive food and beverages, and more while awaiting the arrival of Santa and the “flip of the switch” shortly before 8 p.m. Witness the illumination of 4,784 LED colored lights which will shine bright throughout the holiday season until Jan. 13.
More Holiday Attractions
After experiencing Circle of Lights ® , surprise the kids with holiday programming found around every corner of Downtown. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure pulls into the Eiteljorg Museum on Nov. 19 and continues through Jan. 16. Explore this G-scale model train wonderland and see iconic local and national landmarks including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Circle of Lights ® , Mt. Rushmore, the Golden Gate Bridge, Aspen and more. Christmas at the Zoo opens Nov. 19 and continues through Dec. 30. Enjoy the warm glow of over a million twinkling lights, stroll through Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion, and encounter a variety of animals including arctic foxes, tigers, and penguins!
From Nov. 11 to Jan. 7, Festival of Trees returns for your amazement with over 75 breathtaking evergreens to decorate the halls of the Indiana Historical Society. Take in the sights, enjoy holiday-inspired treats, and learn about the Hoosier individuals, families, and organizations represented on each tree. The Snowfall Express is waiting to take you on a magical winter journey during the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing! From Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, check out this must-do Downtown experience with a special meet and greet with Santa, breakfast buffet in the Great Hall, and an immersive holiday train ride with thematic seasonal landscapes.
Downtown Indy, Inc. would like to thank sponsors of this year’s Circle of Lights ® including IBEW 481, AES Indiana, Tom Wood Automotive Group, Hoosier Lottery, WTHR Channel 13, Indiana Donor Network, Rise’n Roll Bakery, MCL Restaurant & Bakery, IndyStar, Indy’s Child, CollegeChoice 529, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.
