Christmastime in Indianapolis is the most magical time of the year. There’s so much to do, both indoors and out, before the year slips away. Whether you’re just starting to get into the holiday spirit or you’ve been jolly for weeks, all Circle City Hoosiers know it’s not really Christmas until you do these 10 things in Indianapolis.
- Admire Circle of Lights.
Downtown Indy/Facebook As far as trees are concerned, I think it’s safe to say downtown Indy’s is one of the most unique. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is decked out in its holiday finest every year with over 5,000 lights. Another 60,000 lights line the trees around Monument Circle and local businesses decorate their storefronts to match the holiday theme.
- Experience Christmas at the Zoo.
Indianapolis Zoo/Facebook Every year, Indy’s zoo turns into a magical wonderland full of lights and exotic animals. This holiday themed zoo trip is enchanting for both kids and adults, and it consistently ranks in the Top 10 Zoo Lights list in USA Today.
- Pick Out Your Christmas Tree.
Snowy Pine Christmas Tree Farm/Facebook We know Christmas is always better with a real Christmas tree, and we’re lucky to have so many nearby farms with such gorgeous selections.
- Visit Jingle Rails.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art/Facebook Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is a holiday model train exhibit created to model both the Indy downtown area and the American west. Kids of all ages are bound to enjoy this showstopping display, which runs through January 15th.
- Enjoy Christmas at Lilly House.
Newfields/Facebook This tour of Lilly House has been a Hoosier favorite for years, but this year is extra special because of the addition of the stunning WinterLights holiday exhibit. .
- Indulge in Sugar Cream Pie.
Annie/Flickr Whether making your own or buying one from Locally Grown Gardens, Jazzy Doris’ Pies, Long’s Bakery, or another Hoosier staple, it just doesn’t feel like Christmastime until you bite into this sugary sweet dessert.
- Visit Lights at the Brickyard.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Facebook This magical event combines our love of Christmas with our love of racing - it’s a win-win!
- Watch A Christmas Story.
Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre-A Christmas Story The Musical/Facebook Whether it’s the classic movie or the play, it’s not Christmas until you’ve seen this classic Hoosier flick.
- Unleash Your Inner Kid at Jolly Days.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis/Facebook This epic winter celebration at the Children’s Museum features a yule slide, indoor “ice skating rink”, holiday train, and much more! You’ll also get to meet Jingles the Jolly Bear and visit with Santa.
- Attend the Festival of Trees.
Indiana Historical Society/Facebook This Christmas themed event offers a delightful look at over 80 elaborately decorated trees, ranging from traditional to eclectic. Vote for your favorite trees (if you can even choose) and enjoy all of the gorgeous Christmas creations.
What’s your favorite things to do during the Christmas season? For another incredible holiday-themed event, check out this epic North Pole train ride.
Downtown Indy/Facebook
As far as trees are concerned, I think it’s safe to say downtown Indy’s is one of the most unique. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is decked out in its holiday finest every year with over 5,000 lights. Another 60,000 lights line the trees around Monument Circle and local businesses decorate their storefronts to match the holiday theme.
Indianapolis Zoo/Facebook
Every year, Indy’s zoo turns into a magical wonderland full of lights and exotic animals. This holiday themed zoo trip is enchanting for both kids and adults, and it consistently ranks in the Top 10 Zoo Lights list in USA Today.
Snowy Pine Christmas Tree Farm/Facebook
We know Christmas is always better with a real Christmas tree, and we’re lucky to have so many nearby farms with such gorgeous selections.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art/Facebook
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is a holiday model train exhibit created to model both the Indy downtown area and the American west. Kids of all ages are bound to enjoy this showstopping display, which runs through January 15th.
Newfields/Facebook
This tour of Lilly House has been a Hoosier favorite for years, but this year is extra special because of the addition of the stunning WinterLights holiday exhibit. .
Annie/Flickr
Whether making your own or buying one from Locally Grown Gardens, Jazzy Doris’ Pies, Long’s Bakery, or another Hoosier staple, it just doesn’t feel like Christmastime until you bite into this sugary sweet dessert.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Facebook
This magical event combines our love of Christmas with our love of racing - it’s a win-win!
Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre-A Christmas Story The Musical/Facebook
Whether it’s the classic movie or the play, it’s not Christmas until you’ve seen this classic Hoosier flick.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis/Facebook
This epic winter celebration at the Children’s Museum features a yule slide, indoor “ice skating rink”, holiday train, and much more! You’ll also get to meet Jingles the Jolly Bear and visit with Santa.
Indiana Historical Society/Facebook
This Christmas themed event offers a delightful look at over 80 elaborately decorated trees, ranging from traditional to eclectic. Vote for your favorite trees (if you can even choose) and enjoy all of the gorgeous Christmas creations.
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