Winter in Indy, while cold and icy, can be transformed into a winter wonderland. Whether you prefer cozy indoor fun or action-filled outdoor activities, here are a few things you can do in Indy while the whistling wind blows.
Christmas at the Zoo
Christmas at the Zoo is a beloved event with aspects of indoor and outdoor experiences. It is available with general admission tickets from November 22nd, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, for all days of the week (except holidays), starting at 5pm. Visitors are able to visit both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits throughout the evening as they follow a path of themed lights around the zoo. You can also enjoy warm drinks by a fireplace and enjoy an ooey-gooey snack at the s’mores station. In addition, visitors have the chance to meet Santa, decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, visit Santa’s reindeer up close, and to take part in many more fun activities staged around Christmas. There are also two sensory-friendly nights on December 3rd and 17th with alterations to lighting, sounds, and smell to provide a low sensory experience, making the experience accessible to everyone. For more info, visit their website indianapoliszoo.com
Festival of Trees
Check in to the Indiana Historical Society and see over 80 decorated trees based on people and companies from around Indiana. This 7-week event runs from November 14th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, with a wide range of special programs happening throughout. In addition, guests can see a massive 30-foot tree decoration in Lilly Hall that is visible from most of the building. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in December, Twilight nights, which are specialty tickets, will be available for purchase and allows the guest to view the trees light up after dark. On these nights are special features to brighten the holiday spirit. Tickets may be purchased at the door; however, advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For tickets, information, and more, visit indianahistory.org.
Winter Lights at Newfields
As soon as winter comes, Newfields transforms its grounds into the Winter Lights, one of Indiana’s most iconic holiday attractions. Running from November 22nd, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, with tickets starting at $25, it is a truly beautiful experience to see. With the use of over two million lights, your path is illuminated with sparkling gardens, glowing sculptures, and spectacular light shows accompanied by festive holiday music. As visitors walk along the grounds, they can enjoy fire pits, warm drinks, and plenty of picture-perfect moments. There is also a winter market located on the path to the historic Lily House (which you can go inside of to see it all decorated), where you can shop for items made by local vendors. For more information, go to discovernewfields.org
Circle of Lights on Monument Circle/Carriage Ride
Each year, the “World’s Tallest Christmas Tree” is lit up at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indy. This year is the 63rd annual celebration and was celebrated on November 28th, 2025, but it’s visible till January 19th, 2026. The “tree” is composed of around 5000 lights and 52 garland strands. The actual lights pay tribute to the different branches of the U.S. military: green, clear, blue, yellow, and red lights representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines, respectively. For an extra touch of charm, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered and loop the downtown streets, making it the perfect way to spend a crisp winter night. For more info on carriages, go to country-carriage.com
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Carmel Christkindlmarkt has become one of the most beloved holiday markets in Indiana, and for good reason, too. Open November 22nd through December 24th, 2025, every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, this market offers a taste of German culture in Indiana.
You are able to visit over 60 huts which offer unique German food and drinks as well as handmade gifts, some even crafted by German artisans and craftsmen. You can also enjoy live music from musicians who come from around the world. Throughout November and December, there are many special events happening all the time, including holiday-themed craft workshops, dancing groups, Santa visits, and much more. This year, they are introducing a new shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to make parking an even faster experience. For more info, visit their website, carmelchristkindlmarkt.com.
Nashville, Indiana’s Christmas Village
In Brown County, the town of Nashville turns into a bustling hub of shops that feel right out of a Christmas movie. While the town is festive all month, its annual Christkindlmarkt happens the first weekend of December. On Saturday, the 6th, the market is open from 10am-6pm, and on Sunday, the 7th, it’s open from 10am-4pm. At the market will be music from local bands, pop-up booths, as well as the ongoing Nutcracker Nosh, which is a month-long food event happening from November 15th to December 15th, and invites guests to enjoy German-inspired food and drinks at local restaurants, each offering a unique and varying menu of culinary delights. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides around the town, a range of restaurants, and local artisans while they are stopping by this delightful town. To find more details on the market, visit their website browncountychristkindlmarket.com
I hope that this winter season is one filled with joy and happiness as you check out some of the experiences offered during these frigid temperatures!
