Winterlights will return to the gardens at Newfields for one of Indianapolis’s favorite holiday traditions for the ninth year. Winterlights runs November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026, with entry windows beginning at 5 pm. Advance tickets are required.
Looking for more Christmas lights? See the best Christmas lights in Indianapolis guide for dates, free options, and tips.
What to Expect at Winterlights
The Garden at Newfields will once again feature nearly two million sparkling Christmas lights in an all-outdoor walking experience. Returning favorites like the Landscape of Light on the Lilly Allée and the Ice Storm Walk in the Garden for Everyone are joined by fresh touches each season, so even repeat visitors see something new.
Know Before You Go (Quick Facts)
- Season: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 • Entry starts: 5 pm
- Format: Outdoor walking experience through the Garden; popular stops include Lilly Allée’s synchronized Landscape of Light and photo-ops.
- Tickets: Dynamic pricing; children 5 and under are free. Processing fee: $1.99 per paid ticket.
- Parking: Reserved Parking ($20) via 38th Street entrance; free parking via Michigan Road entrance.
- Strollers in Lilly House: Not permitted inside (quieter indoor space).
- Food & Drink: Cocoa, cider, snacks; s’mores kits by the firepits; seasonal beverages available.
- Tip for families: Book the first time slot at dusk for easier wayfinding with young kids.
Parent Tips from Our Own Winterlights Tradition
For the past several years my family hasn’t missed Winterlights. We usually make it a big group outing with grandparents and cousins, and it has become our tradition. One thing I appreciate is that Newfields adds something new every year. Last year, the giant walk-through ornament instantly became our go-to photo spot.
We always try to book the very first time slot. With younger kids, arriving right at dusk makes lines and wayfinding easier. By the time we leave it’s fully dark, but that bit of light at check-in helps.
After you check in, you head inside the museum where there’s a shop and seasonal food and beverage stations. We usually grab hot chocolate and popcorn before heading back outside to the Garden.
On the trail, our first big pause is the Landscape of Light on the Lilly Allée. It’s synchronized to music, and we always stop for a quick video. Next is Lilly House. Strollers aren’t allowed inside and it’s a calmer space, so sometimes a few adults tour the mansion while the rest of us continue along the paths.
Later, we make a point to visit the giant ornament for photos and the interactive spots where the kids can change tree colors. My daughter tries to turn as many trees pink as possible. We also stop at the Beer Garden for snacks and s’mores by the firepits. It’s one of our favorite parts of the night. We usually finish beneath the blue “shooting stars,” which feels like the perfect finale.
Premium Ticket Options
Again this year, there are two premium ticket options for guests who want an all-inclusive experience, the Premier Package and the Winterwonder Pass.
The Premier Winterlights
The more the merrier. Premier tickets include expedited entry, blinky lights, a non-alcoholic beverage (with upgrade options), and Snowflake Glasses.
The Winterwonder Pass
The most magical ticket of them all: includes the complete Winterlights experience, and more. Enjoy flexible arrival time between 5–8 pm, VIP treatment, special access to the Lilly House Lounge on the second floor overlooking Landscape of Light, a premium beverage, fast pass access at culinary stops, expedited entry, blinky lights, Snowflake Glasses, and ticket insurance.
How Much Does Winterlights Cost?
Ticket pricing is dynamic and varies by date and time. Children 5 and under are free. There is a $1.99 processing fee per paid ticket, and the Access Pass is excluded from processing fees. Visit discovernewfields.org to check current prices and purchase tickets.
Dates & Parking for 2025–2026
Experience Winterlights from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Entry begins at 5 pm. For Reserved Parking ($20), enter at the 38th Street entrance. For free parking, enter at the Michigan Road entrance. Advance tickets are required.
Food & Drinks
Look for holiday treats and warm-ups throughout the Garden. S’more kits and giant chocolate chip cookies are available near the firepits at the Culinary Campsite. Cocoa and cider can be spiked with a shot of peppermint vodka or Uncle Nearest whiskey. You’ll also find a Winterlights-inspired Electric Reindeer brew from Sun King and a spiced plum cider from Ash & Elm.
FAQs: Winterlights at Newfields
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance tickets are required and prices vary by date and time. Check discovernewfields.org for availability.
What time should families with young kids go?
We recommend booking the first time slot at dusk for easier wayfinding and shorter lines.
Is Lilly House stroller-friendly?
Strollers are not allowed inside Lilly House. It’s a calmer space and often a nice brief indoor break for adults while others continue outside.
Where should we park?
Use Reserved Parking ($20) via the 38th Street entrance or free parking via the Michigan Road entrance.
Are there food and beverage options?
Yes—seasonal snacks, cocoa and cider (with optional spirits), s’mores kits by the firepits, and additional festive offerings.
How We Verified Details
Dates, ticketing, and parking information were checked against the official Newfields page at discovernewfields.org. Parent tips reflect multiple yearly visits by our editorial team and families.
