Looking for the best Christmas lights near Indianapolis? Indy turns into a winter wonderland every holiday season, with drive-through tunnels at Christmas Nights of Lights and nearly two million twinkling bulbs at Winterlights at Newfields. The 2025 lineup brings fresh touches for families, from sensory-friendly evenings at Christmas at the Zoo to extra cozy moments with cocoa in walkable gardens.
If you are chasing budget fun, Danville’s Winterland is just $5 on weeknights, and Greenwood’s Lighted Trail shines bright for free. Looking for tradition, the Circle of Lights lights up Monument Circle and the tree glows all season. Craving more action, Conner Prairie mixes lantern-lit streets with crowd-pleasing tubing.
Use this guide to plan your Indianapolis Christmas lights outings for 2025, with quick details on dates, prices, what is new this year, and simple tips to stay warm and avoid crowds.
Bundle up and find the best Christmas lights in Indianapolis with our maps, dates, and parent-tested tips.
Related Page: Holiday Festivals near Indianapolis
Top Christmas Light Attractions (Tickets Needed)
Christmas at the Zoo
- Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
- Dates: Nov. 22, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026 (select evenings)
- Price: Included with regular Zoo admission. Prices vary by date. Half-price admission on Dec 4 for World Wildlife Conservation Day. Tickets for Christmas at the Zoo
My family’s take: The zoo at night is pure magic, especially with the lights. My kids always remember meeting Tropical Santa by the flamingos. The extra activities make it feel like the North Pole came to Indy. Paths are stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of warm-up spots.
Why go: Stroll shimmering pathways at one of the most beloved Christmas lights in Indianapolis with hot cocoa in hand and catch cold-weather-loving animals when they are most active after dark. Christmas at the Zoo turns the zoo into a winter wonderland.
What’s new for 2025: Added décor and new experiences this season. Two sensory-friendly evenings on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 with adjusted sound, lighting, and quiet rooms. Santa’s Magic Cottage meet and greet highlighted again.
Christmas Nights of Lights
- Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis (enter via Gate 3 at 1698 E. 42nd St.)
- Dates: Nov. 7–Dec. 31, 2025
- Hours: Evenings; final entry typically 10 pm (online reservations required)
- Price: Starting at $38 per car (up to 8 passengers); group rates available. Buy tickets for Christmas Nights of Lights in Indianapolis
My family’s take: Christmas Nights of Lights is a never-miss tradition for us. Even our dog comes along and loves the ride. We usually swing through McDonald’s for Happy Meals and let the kids eat in the car while we wait. It might be the easiest activity we do all season. Weeknights have been the quickest for us.
Why go: Miles of synchronized displays, a glowing tunnel, and music on your radio. No coats and no complaints.
A Merry Prairie Holiday
- Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers
- Dates: Nov. 28–29, 2025; Fridays through Sundays, Dec. 5–21, 2025; Dec. 22–23, 2025
- Price: Members: $15; Nonmembers: $26. Tickets for A Merry Prairie Holiday
My family’s take: A Merry Prairie Holiday gets bigger every year. I love Prairietown any time, but the lantern glow and carols make it extra special.
Why go: This Hamilton County favorite is an easy add to your Indianapolis Christmas lights itinerary with lantern-lit streets, live music, Kringle’s Carousel, and the Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.
Winterlights at Newfields
- Location: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis
- Dates: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
- Price: Tickets start at $25 and vary by date and demand. Access Pass is $5. Children 5 and under are free. Winterlights at Newfields tickets
My family’s take: Winterlights at Newfields is a tradition we rarely miss. I try to book the very first time slot of the evening. It feels warmer and the crowds are lighter.
Why go: Nearly two million lights set to music across the gardens, with timed entries that keep things moving.
What’s new for 2025: Expanded themed nights and programs, including Indy Pride Night, Kwanzaa at Winterlights, Las Posadas, Dog Night, Santa and Carolers. Indoor Styled for the Season experience at Lilly House returns.
The Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms
- Location: 6848 N. 250 E., Whiteland
- Dates: Select dates Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2025 (open weekends; nightly Dec. 18–23)
- Price: $10 general admission for holiday season. Groups of 25 or more $8. Ages 23 months and under free. Tickets for The Holiday Stroll
Why go: Twinkling trees, lighted arches, and crackling campfires make for an easy, stroller-friendly night. Great for early bedtimes. The Holiday Stroll wraps farm charm in holiday lights.
What’s new for 2025: Bigger than ever with new attractions, more displays, more Christmas trees, double the lights, and new concession items.
Danville Winterland Holiday Light Show
- Location: Ellis Park, 600 E. Main St., Danville
- Dates: Nov. 21–Dec. 28, 2025
- Price: $5 per car Monday through Thursday. $10 per car Friday through Sunday.
Why go: A classic drive-thru with hundreds of displays and a towering synchronized tree. Tune to the posted radio station for the full effect. The Winterland Holiday Light Show is a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser.
Nights of Lights at Mounds State Park
- Location: 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson
- Dates: Fridays–Sundays, Nov. 28–Dec. 28, 2025 (6–9 pm)
- Price: $10 per vehicle. Nights of Lights at Mounds State Park details
Why go: A relaxing drive through volunteer-decorated campsites inside Mounds State Park. Simple, cozy, and budget-friendly for families.
Quick Guide: Top Christmas Light Attractions (Tickets)
| Event | Location | 2025 Dates | From Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Nights of Lights | Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis | Nov 7 to Dec 31 | From $38 per car |
| Christmas at the Zoo | Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis | Nov 22, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026 | Included with Zoo admission |
| A Merry Prairie Holiday | Conner Prairie, Fishers | Nov 28–29; Fri–Sun Dec 5–21; Dec 22–23 | $26 nonmembers |
| Winterlights at Newfields | Newfields, Indianapolis | Nov 21, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026 | From $25 |
| The Holiday Stroll | Kelsay Farms, Whiteland | Nov 28 to Dec 23 | $10 general |
| Danville Winterland Holiday Light Show | Ellis Park, Danville | Nov 21 to Dec 28 | $5–$10 per car |
| Nights of Lights at Mounds State Park | Mounds State Park, Anderson | Nov 28 to Dec 28 | $10 per car |
Best Free Spots to See Christmas Lights
Want to see Christmas lights near Indianapolis without buying tickets? These free displays and neighborhood routes are easy on the budget and big on sparkle.
Downtown Indy Inc.’s Circle of Lights
- Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
- Flip the Switch Celebration: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, 7 pm
- Dates: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 12, 2026
- Price: Free to attend.
My note: We go to Monument Circle every holiday season to see the lights. The display stays up all season so you can take it in any night.
Why go: If you want classic downtown Indianapolis Christmas lights, this is the one. Plan parking in nearby garages and come early.
The Lighted Trail
- Location: Amphitheater Park, 300 S. Washington St., Greenwood
- Dates: Dec. 7–31, 2025
- Hours: Dusk to dawn
- Price: Free.
Why go: A relaxing walk with 42,000+ lights, an illuminated bridge, arches, and giant figures. Perfect for selfies and low-key evenings.
Magnificent Monon
- Location: Carter Green to Main St. along the Monon Greenway, Carmel
- Dates: Starts Nov. 22, 2025 (illuminated nightly through the holiday season)
- Price: Free. More info
Why go: A walkable path of holiday lights and arches through the heart of Carmel with easy hop-offs for cocoa, dining, and photos in City Center, Midtown, and the Arts & Design District.
Mooresville Christmas Light Tour
- Location: Self-guided through Mooresville neighborhoods; tour map and details
- Dates: Nightly Dec. 1–31, 2025 (dusk–10 pm)
- Price: Free; optional donations benefit local causes.
Why go: An easy, budget-friendly drive that lets families explore dozens of community-decorated homes and businesses, vote for favorites, and enjoy lights at your own pace. Keep reading.
What’s new for 2025: A bigger, fresher route as new homes register throughout November, updated synchronized displays at many stops, and an earlier kickoff weekend.
Christmas Acres
- Location: 6211 N. 500 East, Franklin, IN 46131
- Dates: Nov. 28–Dec. 31, 2025
- Hours: Nightly, 6–10 pm
- Price: Free; optional donations of non-perishable goods for the local food pantry.
- More info: Facebook page
Why go: Christmas Acres is a home-grown spectacle from Payton “Griswold” Bohler with 100,000+ lights across a five-acre property. Drive the circle to take in the display—easy, festive, and perfect for a quick family outing. Keep reading.
Trees of Plainfield
- Location: Al & Jan Barker Sports Complex, Plainfield
- Dates: Dec. 5–7 and Dec. 12–14, 2025
- Hours: 6–9 pm nightly
- More info: Trees of Plainfield
Why go: A festive walk through a trail of decorated trees with activities like Mrs. Claus cookie decorating, Grinch photo fun, s’mores by the fire, Santa visits, and more. Trees of Plainfield is great for families and easy on the budget.
Brownsburg Holiday Lights (Town Hall & Arbuckle Acres Park)
- Location: Brownsburg Town Hall Green & Arbuckle Acres Park, Brownsburg
- Dates: December 2025 (nightly)
- Hours: Lights on nightly through 10:30 pm
- More info: Brownsburg Holiday Lights details
Why go: Park at Town Hall, tune to 88.5 FM for a synchronized light show, stroll the Town Hall Green for lighted displays, a reindeer photo op, and the Town’s Christmas tree (plus Santa’s mailbox through Dec. 15). Then take a short drive to Arbuckle Acres Park for a loop of classic displays—gingerbread men, Santa, and a glowing light tunnel.
City of Lights in Highland Park
- Location: Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo
- Dates: Nov. 28–Dec. 24, 2025
- Hours: Nightly starting at dusk; Santa on-site 6–10 pm through Dec. 24
- More info: Visit Kokomo: City of Lights
Why go: A classic drive-through display with 50+ light scenes that glow across historic Highland Park. Easy to add to a north-side route and extra fun when Santa is greeting families.
Quick Guide: Best Free Christmas Lights near Indianapolis
| Event | Location | 2025 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Circle of Lights | Monument Circle, Indianapolis | Nov 28 (lighting) to Jan 12 |
| The Lighted Trail | Amphitheater Park, Greenwood | Dec 7 to Dec 31 |
| Magnificent Monon | Monon Greenway, Carmel | Starts Nov 22 (nightly) |
| Mooresville Christmas Light Tour | Mooresville (self-guided) | Dec 1 to Dec 31 (dusk–10 pm) |
| Christmas Acres | 6211 N. 500 East, Franklin | Nov 28 to Dec 31 (6–10 pm nightly) |
| Trees of Plainfield | Al & Jan Barker Sports Complex, Plainfield | Dec 5–7 & Dec 12–14 (6–9 pm) |
| Brownsburg Holiday Lights (Town Hall & Arbuckle Acres Park) | Brownsburg | Dec (nightly; lights until 10:30 pm) |
| City of Lights in Highland Park (Kokomo) | Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo | Nov 28 to Dec 24 (dusk; Santa 6–10 pm) |
Tips for planning your holiday lights route
- Reserve early for timed events. Popular dates for Christmas Nights of Lights and Winterlights often sell out.
- Weeknights are calmer. If your schedule is flexible, mid-week evenings usually bring lighter crowds for both walk-throughs and drive-thrus.
- Check each listing before you go. Weather, parking, and operating nights can vary; use the event links above for the latest updates.
Editor’s note: Event details are subject to change; always confirm directly with the organizer using the links provided.
