Christmas Nights of Lights returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the 2025 holiday season. Drive through more than a million synchronized lights set to classic and modern Christmas music on your car radio. It is an easy, stay-in-the-car outing for all ages and a tradition many Indy families repeat every year. For more seasonal inspiration, explore our Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis guide or our holiday fun hub.Â
Quick Facts for 2025
- Dates: November 7–December 31, 2025, open nightly rain or shine
- Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, enter at Gate 3 at 1698 E. 42nd St.
- Reservations: Online reservations required, limited timeslots each night
- Pricing: from $38 per vehicle, carload pricing for up to 8 passengers in a single vehicle; larger vehicle tiers listed at checkout
- Vehicle limits: entrance tunnel height restriction is 11 feet, no full-size buses or large RVs
Pro Tips to Make It Easy
Know When to Go
Weeknights usually have shorter waits. Mondays and Wednesdays are often the calmest. If you visit on a weekend, plan dinner first and reserve a later timeslot. Lines tend to ease after 9 p.m. For more ideas that pair well with this outing, browse our holiday fun hub.
Bring the Whole Fam and Stay Cozy
This is a zero-walking experience. You remain in your vehicle the entire time. Carload tickets cover one vehicle with up to 8 passengers. Remember the 11-foot height restriction. If you love this format, check more local drive-thru light shows this season.
Reserve Online
Purchase tickets and reserve your timeslot online. The reservation system helps keep typical waits under an hour. Tickets are limited per night. There are no refunds. Exchanges may be available for a different night or time if there is availability. On the day of your visit, enter at Gate 3 on 42nd Street.
Restrooms and Snacks
The route is about 2.5 miles and takes about 25 to 30 minutes once you are moving. There are no stops on the route. Portable toilets are located at the entrance. Plan a quick restroom break before queuing. Pack easy car snacks and water for the wait to keep everyone cheerful.
Radio On, Headlights Off
Tune your radio to the posted FM station at check-in to hear the synchronized soundtrack. For the best viewing for everyone, turn off headlights as you enter and keep them off during the show.
What Is New and Not to Miss
- Cosmic Wall of Lights: a multi-story, 180-foot-long light wall with vibrant, shifting imagery that creates a big wow moment
- Fan favorites: glowing tunnels, life-size scenes, and musical numbers that kids and adults will recognize
Stay Updated
Follow the official Facebook page for weather notes, themed nights, and any limited-time promos. For more holiday planning, see our Indianapolis Christmas lights guide and our curated holiday fun hub.
2025 Event Details
- When: nightly, November 7 to December 31, 2025, hours vary by date
- Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Gate 3 at 1698 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis
- Tickets: reserve online, one reservation per vehicle
More lights nearby: See the complete Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis 2025 roundup.
[…] 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! […]