outdoor holiday activity

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. 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 Official event info More lights nearby: See the complete Best Christmas Lights in Indianapolis 2025 roundup.

outdoor holiday activity

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

Free Admission to the Indiana State Museum on Presidents Day (2026)

All Aboard the Easter Express Train Ride in Noblesville 2026

Worth a Visit: The Holliday Park Nature Center

The Park at Traders Point: Free Indoor Playground (2026)

outdoor holiday activity

Christmas Nights of Lights in Indianapolis 2025

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

Free Admission to the Indiana State Museum on Presidents Day (2026)

All Aboard the Easter Express Train Ride in Noblesville 2026

Worth a Visit: The Holliday Park Nature Center

The Park at Traders Point: Free Indoor Playground (2026)