The holidays are here, and there are lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy around Indy. If you’re searching for ways to sprinkle some Christmas magic into your month, you’ll find it here! Add these festive ideas to your family’s holiday bucket list to fill your holiday season with wonderful memories.
Experience Holiday Lights
Illuminate the holidays by visiting some of the light displays around town. Through December 31, see over 1 million synchronized lights at Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, all from the comfort of your vehicle. Christmas at the Zoo is the place to be after sunset, when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky and transforms the Zoo into a winter wonderland. Two free options include The Lighted Trail in Greenwood (which starts at Amphitheatre Park) and Magnificent Monon (from Carter Green to Main Street along the Monon Greenway in Carmel), both beautiful outdoor walkways of seasonal lights and decorations.
Mail a Letter to Santa
Santa and his elves have been busy placing mailboxes all over central Indiana. Make the Big Guy’s job easier by writing him a letter and letting him know what you’re wishing for this year! In Indy, you’ll find a Santa mailbox in downtown’s Monument Circle. In Hamilton County, you’ll find them in Fishers City Hall (1 Municipal Drive), Carmel Arts & Design District (110 W. Main St.), Noblesville’s Federal Hill Commons and the Santa House, located at the corner of Main and Cedar Street in Zionsville. Of course, letters are welcomed all year long at the Santa Claus Museum & Village in Santa Claus, Indiana!
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
There’s something magical about picking the perfect Christmas tree with your family and cutting it down yourself. Indy has a few U-cut options, all located just a short drive away. On the south side, you’ll find Jay’s Tree Farm in Mooresville; on the west, Evan Whispering Pines in Danville. Up north, visit Dull’s Tree Farm in Thornton; and on the east side, Piney Acres Farm is located in Fortville.
Go Ice Skating
Bundle up and spend some time outdoors doing the ultimate wintertime pastime: ice skating! There are multiple places to strap on your skates, including downtown Indy at Elevance Health Rink at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, The Ice Rink at Holliday Park, and The Ice at Carter Green in Carmel.
Enjoy a Holiday Train
Hop aboard the Reindeer Express at the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville on select dates through December 23. Watch the scenery pass by as you sing carols, enjoy a cookie and cocoa, and meet Santa during a train ride through Hamilton County. See miniature trains chugging through intricate miniature scenes at Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum, a true Indy tradition through January 20, 2025. See even more mini trains and brilliant poinsettias displays at Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park through December 29.
Stroll Through a Christmas Market
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at an outdoor Christmas market! In the heart of Mass Ave’s Arts District, the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is the place to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season, and features traditional festival elements and special German traditions through December 22. In Hamilton County, enjoy a delightful blend of German holiday food, drinks, gifts, decorations, special performances and ice skating in downtown Carmel at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt through December 24.
These are just some of the great ways to celebrate the holidays in Indy. Go out and make the most of this merry season!
