Best Spots to See Christmas Lights in Indianapolis 2024

For young and old alike, there’s something magical about the twinkling of Christmas lights in Indianapolis during the season.

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! Celebrate this magical time of year with Indy’s most luminous Christmas light displays and traditions. Here are a few of our all-time holiday favorites around the Indianapolis area. Check out our Indianapolis holiday fun guide for more ideas on what to do this holiday season.

So, bundle up, hop in the car and take a drive to see some of these remarkable Christmas light displays near Indianapolis. 

Related Page: Holiday Festivals near Indianapolis

Christmas Nights of Lights

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1698 E 42nd St., 46205 *Use gate 12 on 42nd Street*
Dates: November Nov 8 – Dec. 31, 2024
Hours: Dusk until 10 pm
Cost: $35 carload special (up to 8 people)

Christmas Nights of Lights drive-thru light show is returning to Indianapolis for it’s 3rd season. Prepare to be dazzled as you drive through an over 2–mile route that’s full of colorful light displays set to holiday music, a 300-foot tunnel, a 240-foot wall of lights and more merriment, all from the comfort of your own vehicle!

Christmas at the Zoo

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West Washington St, Indianapolis
Dates: November 23 – January 5, 2025 (Sat Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24 & 25, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5-9 pm; Friday-Saturday: 5-10 pm
Cost: Included with general admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. Find daily ticket price here. 

Lions, tigers, polar bears – and Santa Claus! Oh my! See the animals during the day and stay as the sun goes down – watch as the Indianapolis Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. Now in its 54th year, this Christmas tradition has added even more lights to fill the Zoo with a warm glow. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission!

A Merry Prairie Holiday

Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
Dates: Fridays-Sundays, November 29-December 22
Hours: 5:30-9:30 pm
Cost: $26; Conner Prairie members can purchase tickets for a discounted price of $13

Sparkling lights, breathtaking rides, and enchanting performances. They’re all part of A Merry Prairie Holiday Festival at Conner Prairie, and they’re sure to be among your cherished winter memories for years to come. Enjoy the Conner Prairie holiday family fun you already love and a host of new features you won’t want to miss.

Downtown Indy Inc.’s Circle of Lights

Location: Monument Circle
Dates: The “Flip with Switch” on Nov. 29, 2024 at 7 pm. Shining a Light holiday presentation will continue nightly from Nov. 30 – Dec. 31.
Time: The “Flip with Switch” on Nov. 29 at 7 pm. After that catch nightly presentations at 6:30, 8 and 10 p.m
Cost: FREE

Downtown Indy Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW 481 is Indy’s most time-honored holiday tradition. This year, the Circle of Lights event will take place on Monument Circle as well as a special made-for-TV event seen exclusively on WTHR Channel 13.

Winterlights at Newfields

Location: Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis
Dates: Nov. 23-Jan. 5, 2025
Hours: 5-9 pm
Price: Ticket prices range between $16-$35 depending on age and membership status. Children 5 and under are free! Tickets sell out fast, so get yours today!

For the sixth year, Winterlights will be returning to the gardens at Newfields for one of Indianapolis’s favorite holiday traditions. The Garden at Newfields will once again feature more than 1.5 million sparkling Christmas lights at this outdoor walking experience, making it one of the best places in Indianapolis to get into the holiday spirit.

The Holiday Stroll

Location: Kelsay Farms, 6848 N 250 E., Whiteland
Dates: Nov 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, 14-16, 18-23, 2024
Hours: 5:30-9 pm.
Price: $8, children under 2 are free.

Kelsay Farms invites visitors to stroll through the farm during the holidays for a magical experience.  Relax amongst the lights and the trees while sipping your hot cocoa by a warm campfire.

*Holiday Lights at White River State Park

Location: White River State Park,
Dates: 2024 Dates TBD
Hours: Sunset to 11 pm
Price: Free

White River State Park will celebrate the holidays with a special outdoor lighting display. Visitors can view the lighting display along the Canal, the Old Washington St. Bridge, and outside of the White River State Park Visitor Center from sunset to 11 PM.

The Lighted Trail

Location: Amphitheater Park, 300 S Washington St, Greenwood
Dates: Dec. 8-31
Hours: The lights will be on from DUSK til DAWN.
Price: Free!

Take a walk through the Amphitheater Park and take in The Lighted Trail! Get a selfie and make it a new holiday tradition to visit the park.! The lights will be on from DUSK til DAWN.

*Danville Winterland Holiday Light Show

*2024 Info TBD

Location: Ellis Park, 600 E Main St, Danville
Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 24 (closed on Thanksgiving)
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 6-9 pm; Fri-Sat: 6-10 pm
Price: $5-10/Car

Winterland Holiday Light Show in Ellis Park in Danville, Indiana, showcasing hundreds of thousands of lights in hundreds of displays to celebrate the holiday season. New this year, a 30-foot Christmas tree with lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music.