Christmas Nights of Lights runs nightly Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The drive-thru show sets more than a million lights to holiday music that plays through your car radio, and the route takes 30 to 40 minutes to drive. Kids can wear pajamas, nobody needs a coat and everyone sees the show from their seat.
Presented by Fifth Third Bank, Christmas Nights of Lights is billed by the Fairgrounds as Indy’s largest drive-thru light show. It is open every night of the season, rain, shine or snow, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Tickets are sold online only, by the carload, starting at $40. For more places to see the lights, check out our Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis guide.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Indianapolis
Christmas Nights of Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights 2026: Dates, Hours and Tickets
- Dates: Nightly, Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2026, rain, shine or snow
- Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Each ticket is valid for one two-hour window, 6 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. On Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18 to 20 and 23 to 26, 2026, a third window opens at 10 p.m. and runs as late as 11:30 p.m.
- Tickets: $40 per carload of up to eight people, $60 for nine to 15 people and $85 for 16 to 35 people. Prices are per vehicle, not per person, so buy one reservation per vehicle and pick the carload size that matches your group.
- Reservations: Buy tickets online before you go. Availability is limited each night, and tickets are not sold at the gate.
- Military: Current and former military members get in free opening weekend, Nov. 6 to 8, 2026. Show your military ID at the ticket booth.
- Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds. Enter at Gate 3, 1698 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis.
- Radio: 90.7 FM
- Vehicle limits: The entrance tunnel is 11 feet high and the route has tight turns. Full-size buses, RVs and limousines cannot go through.
The Route and the Light Displays
The route winds about two miles through the Fairgrounds, past light tunnels and animated scenes that change in time with the music on your radio. Some displays arch over the car, while others fill the windows on both sides.
Recent seasons have featured the 180-foot Cosmic Wall of Lights, three giant color-changing Christmas trees, a life-size Nativity, a Candyland scene and a giant American flag.
Give the kids a job on the way through: count the elves. The answer is posted on a sign at the show exit.
Families stay in the car from start to finish, so there is no stroller to push and nobody wanders off. The lights change in time with the music, which is worth knowing if your child is sensitive to flashing lights.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Nights of Lights
Pick a November Weeknight for a Shorter Wait
Every night uses timed entry, but the Fairgrounds adds a late window only on its busiest nights, all in December. For a calmer drive, go on a November weeknight. Even with a reservation, expect some time in line before the show starts, and do not plan anything right after.
Know the Exchange Rules Before You Buy
There are no refunds. If plans change, you can exchange your ticket for another night or entry window, based on availability, until 10 p.m. on the date printed on your ticket. Call 317-593-4046 to make the switch. Tickets bought with a discount code can only be exchanged for Nov. 6 to 21, 2026, dates.
Use the Restroom Before You Get in Line
Portable toilets are at the show entrance, but there are no restrooms once you are in the queue, and the drive itself takes 30 to 40 minutes. There are no concessions either, so pack snacks and drinks to have in the car. Pajamas and a favorite blanket make the ride home easier, too.
Tune to 90.7 FM and Turn Off Your Headlights
The soundtrack plays on 90.7 FM, so make sure your car radio works and set the volume for your crew. Follow staff directions to turn off your headlights as you enter the display. If your car has automatic headlights, figure out how to switch them off at home instead of hunting through dashboard menus in line.
Stay in the Car and Check Your Vehicle Size
Everyone stays inside the vehicle for the whole show, photos included, so take pictures through the window. The 11-foot entrance tunnel and tight turns rule out full-size buses, RVs and limousines. If you are bringing a large group in a big van, measure the height before you buy, since there are no refunds.
Plan Your Visit to Christmas Nights of Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights
When: Nightly, Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, 2026, 6 to 10 p.m., with a late window on select December nights
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Gate 3, 1698 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205
Cost: $40 to $85 per vehicle, based on carload size
Tickets: Reserve online through the official ticket site
Questions: 317-593-4046 or the official FAQ
For weather updates and announcements during the season, follow the Christmas Nights of Lights Facebook page.
More Holiday Fun: Explore our Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis guide, find free places to see Christmas lights, browse more drive-thru light shows or plan the rest of the season with our Indianapolis holiday fun guide.
[…] 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! […]