Looking for free Christmas lights near Indianapolis? This guide focuses only on displays you can enjoy without buying tickets, from downtown’s iconic tree to walkable parks, neighborhood driving routes, and community light shows worth the short drive.
Best Free Christmas Lights near Indianapolis
These spots are budget-friendly and big on holiday sparkle. Most are easy to pair together for a DIY “lights night,” whether you want a quick stroll, a scenic drive, or a full evening out.
Related Article: Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis 2025
Circle of Lights (Monument Circle)
- Location: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
- Flip the Switch Celebration: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, 7 pm
- Dates: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 12, 2026
- Price: Free
Why go: This is the classic downtown Indianapolis Christmas lights moment. The tree and lights stay up all season, so families can visit any night, not just on lighting night. Parking is easiest in nearby garages, and arriving early helps avoid the thickest crowds.
Parent note: Monument Circle is a yearly tradition for many local families because it’s simple, festive, and doesn’t require planning weeks ahead.
The Lighted Trail (Greenwood)
- Location: Amphitheater Park, 300 S. Washington St., Greenwood
- Dates: Dec. 7–31, 2025
- Hours: Dusk to dawn
- Price: Free
Why go: This is a low-key, walkable option with 42,000+ lights, an illuminated bridge, arches, and oversized holiday figures. It’s great for families who want an easy evening outing (and plenty of photo stops) without a long drive or a big time commitment.
Magnificent Monon (Carmel)
- 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 walk-through stretch of holiday arches and lights right in the middle of Carmel, with easy add-ons nearby (hot chocolate, dinner, and extra photo spots in City Center, Midtown, and the Arts & Design District).
Mooresville Christmas Light Tour (Drive-Your-Own Route)
- 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: Perfect for families who prefer a drive. The tour includes decorated homes and businesses, and viewers can vote for favorites while making their own pace-and-snacks rules along the way. Keep reading.
What’s new for 2025: A bigger, refreshed route as new homes register throughout November, updated synchronized displays at many stops, and an earlier kickoff weekend.
Christmas Acres (Franklin)
- 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: Created by Payton “Griswold” Bohler, Christmas Acres lights up a five-acre property with 100,000+ lights. Families can drive the circle, take it all in, and be back home before bedtime if needed. It’s a quick, festive win.
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 featuring decorated trees plus family-friendly activities like Mrs. Claus cookie decorating, Grinch photo fun, s’mores by the fire, Santa visits, and more. Trees of Plainfield is easy on the budget and feels like a full mini-event.
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: Start at Town Hall, tune to 88.5 FM for the synchronized light show, and walk the Town Hall Green for displays, a reindeer photo op, and the town Christmas tree (plus Santa’s mailbox through Dec. 15). Then drive a short loop at Arbuckle Acres Park for classic scenes like gingerbread men, Santa, and a glowing light tunnel.
City of Lights in Highland Park (Kokomo)
- 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 setup with 50+ light scenes throughout historic Highland Park. It’s an easy add-on for families willing to take a short road trip, and it’s extra fun on nights when Santa is greeting visitors.
Powers Christmas Lights
- Location: 6893 N 1000 E, Sheridan, IN 46069
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 6–10 pm; Friday–Saturday 6–11 pm
- Christmas Eve: Runs all night
- Price: Free
- More info: Powers Christmas Lights on Facebook
Why go: A classic, family-run synchronized display worth the quick drive. It’s an easy “stay in the car” stop that still feels special—especially if you’re building a mini lights route.
Scott’s Lights
- Location: 16348 Ketton Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
- Season dates: 11/8/2025–1/10/2026
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 6–10 pm; Friday–Saturday 6–11 pm
- Price: Free
- More info: Scott’s Lights show page
Why go: Great for families who love “lights that dance.” The show runs deep into the season, making it a solid option even after the busy holiday week.
Quick Guide: Free Christmas Lights near Indianapolis
| Display | Where | 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) |
| Powers Christmas Lights | 6893 N 1000 E, Sheridan | Season restarts Nov 27, 2025; nightly hours vary (see official FB) |
| Scott’s Lights | 16348 Ketton Dr, Noblesville | 11/8/2025–1/10/2026 (Sun–Thu 6–10; Fri–Sat 6–11) |
Tips for planning a free holiday lights night
- Go earlier with younger kids. Many displays look just as magical right after dark, and it’s easier than a late-night outing.
- Build a “drive + walk” combo. Pair a drive-through stop (Mooresville, Franklin, Kokomo) with a walkable one (Greenwood, Carmel) on a different night.
- Check the official link before heading out. Weather and last-minute changes happen, so it’s smart to confirm details the same day.
- Make the car part fun. Hot cocoa in spill-proof cups, a holiday playlist, and a “spot the reindeer” game go a long way.
Editor’s note: Event details are subject to change; always confirm directly with the organizer using the links provided.
