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A Season of Moments

the animated light show at Charlestown's Christmas City
The centerpiece of Charlestown’s Christmas City is the animated light show on the city square, but there’s also a Family Activities Park with Santa, a train ride and more.
Wellfield Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland
You’ll be transported to a magical setting of lights, sound and beauty at Wellfield Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland in Elkhart. Sip hot cocoa and enjoy live music as you stroll the ½-mile walk.
Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights in Garvin Park in Evansville
Enjoy more than 60 beautiful light displays as you drive through Garvin Park during Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights in Evansville.
Peteyville in Hammond
For more than 30 years, Pete Basala and neighbors have drawn visitors with their amazing displays known as Peteyville in Hammond. It’s so big, in fact, that they had to get their own power source.
Winterlights at Newfields
Reserve your tickets early for the third annual Winterlights at Newfields in Indianapolis. You’ll watch lights dance to music on the Lilly House lawn and see other illuminated displays throughout the grounds.
Christmas Night of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis
Bring a carload of people to drive through the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis for Christmas Nights of Lights, featuring more than a million lights synchronized to music.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
More than 50 years ago, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first to hold a holiday lights event. The tradition continues with Christmas at the Zoo, which has even more lights than ever before.
Festival of Lights at Washington Park in Michigan City
Washington Park in Michigan City is aglow during Festival of Lights, complete with more than 5 million bulbs.
Santa Claus Land of Lights in Santa Claus
Held during a three-weekend, town-wide celebration, the Santa Claus Land of Lights is a drive-through display that tells the story of Rudolph. You even get a free photo with Rudolph at the Santa Claus Christmas Store.

Light Displays

Who Decorates Best?

What a fun tradition to expand upon or start anew! There are so many beautiful, jaw-dropping light displays in Indiana that you can head out in a different direction every weekend. Choose from drive-through displays where you can stay cozy warm in the car or pick ones where you can grab a cup of hot chocolate and see the displays on foot.

Don’t-Miss Light Displays

  • Charlestown’s Christmas City
  • Wellfield Botanical Gardens Winter Wonderland
  • Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights
  • Peteyville
  • Winterlights at Newfields
  • Christmas Night of Lights
  • Christmas at the Zoo
  • Washington Park&rsuqo;s Festival of Lights
  • Santa Claus Land of Lights

Read More in the Blog Post

The toboggan run at Pokagon State Park
You can get up to 40 miles per hour as you whoosh down the Midwest’s only refrigerated Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park in Angola. Starting at the 30-foot tower, you’ll travel 1/4 mile through dips and valleys.
The Ice at Center Green in Carmel
Rent a pair of skates to glide around The Ice at Center Green in the heart of Carmel.
NIBCO Water & Ice Park in Elkhart
Lace your skates and glide away at NIBCO Water & Ice Park in Elkhart, complete with a warming facility to use between laps.
a downhill skier
You can go downhill skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, a 100-acre facility that’s suitable for all skill levels.
hikers at Turkey Run State Park
Start 2020 off on the right (and left) foot when you participate in a First Day Hike in one of our Indiana State Parks, including Turkey Run.
Tubing at Paoli Peaks
Outdoor enthusiasts love Paoli Peaks, where you can ski, snowboard or tube downhill. Between runs enjoy Peaks Pizzeria & Grill or a beverage in Bully Barn.
skating at Riverside Skating Center in West Lafayette
Glide along the ice at Riverside Skating Center in West Lafayette, where they even have lights for evening outings.

Outdoor Recreation

Bundle Up for Fun

If you are one who suffers from cabin fever, never fear! There’s still plenty of outdoor adventure in Indiana so you can move those muscles and breathe the fresh air. There’s skiing and snowboarding for all, whether you’re an accomplished downhiller with your own equipment or a newbie. Plus, hiking a familiar trail in winter gives you a new perspective.

Don’t-Miss Outdoor Recreation

  • Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park
  • The Ice at Center Green
  • Skate the Plaza at Deep River Water Park
  • NIBCO Water & Ice Park
  • Perfect North Slopes
  • Turkey Run State Park
  • Paoli Peaks
  • Riverside Skating Center

Read More in the Blog Post

Christkindlmarkt in Carmel
Feel transported to Germany as you browse more than 50 wooden huts selling German imports like toys, nutcrackers, ornaments and more during Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Delicious food and beverages are also available.
Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne
It’s the 35th annual Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne. There are plenty of family activities in addition to viewing the beautifully decorated trees.
The Polar Express Train Ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway
Your kids will feel like they’re in the book or movie when you take them on The Polar Express™ Train Ride, a special event at the French Lick Scenic Railway.
"A Christmas Story" Comes Home at the Welcome Center in Hammond
Oh, fuuuudddddgggge! “A Christmas Story” Comes Home features seven window displays telling the beloved story of Ralphie and friends as he pines for a BB gun. It’s all at the Welcome Center in Hammond.
Jingle Rails at The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis
The Eiteljorg Museum takes you on a journey from iconic Indianapolis landmarks to National Parks across the nation during Jingle Rails. The G-scale model train wonderland contains nine working model trains.
Christmas at the Seiberling Mansion in Kokomo
You won’t want to miss a detail inside or out of this well-known mansion when you spend Christmas at the Seiberling in Kokomo.
Reindeer Ride Express in Noblesville
Santa will be waiting to see you in the red caboose after your adventure on the Reindeer Ride Express, departing from Noblesville.
Purdue Christmas Show
You’ll definitely be in the holiday spirit after attending the Purdue Christmas Show, a campus tradition for 86 years.

Holiday Shows & Events

’Tis the Season for Singing, Dancing and Merriment

While some are glued to their television holiday specials, there’s something to be said for live performances and special events. Indiana offers a wide variety of shows and events each year, which many families wouldn’t miss. And there’s something for every age and taste, from Christmas spectaculars to amazingly decorated trees and train rides. We’re sure you’ll be singing all the way home.

Don’t-Miss Holiday Shows & Events

  • Carmel Christkindlmarkt
  • Festival of Trees
  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride
  • “A Christmas Story” Comes Home
  • Jingle Rails
  • Christmas at the Seiberling
  • Reindeer Ride Express
  • Christmas Train Show
  • Purdue Christmas Show

Read More in the Blog Post

Uplands Winter Wine Market at the Brown County Art Gallery
You can taste and buy from all nine wineries in one place during the Uplands Winter Wine Market, held in the Brown County Art Gallery. There will also be food, art and more to browse.
Oliver Winery's Twinkle & Taste
Enjoy live holiday carols, an artisan charcuterie spread, beautiful lights and, of course, wine at Oliver Winery’s Twinkle & Taste.
Christkindlmarkt in Carmel
Fröhliche Weihnachten from the Carmel Christkindlmart, featuring hand-rolled German pretzels, bratwurst, Lebkuchen, raclette and Stollen. You’ll also want a boot mug and Bierkruges for your adult beverages.
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire at Candy Castle in Santa Claus
It’s not just a line in a song. At the Candy Castle in Santa Claus, you can actually enjoy Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. It’s part of the three-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration.
Waitress holding a try of pies at Amish Acres Restaurant Barn in Nappanee
The Threshers Dinner at the Amish Acres Restaurant Barn in Nappanee is reminiscent of the hearty fare cooked up by the women for the men’s noontime break during threshing season. The family-style meal includes Amish country favorites.
Candy cane making at Martinsville Candy Kitchen
You can watch them hand-twist their famous Candy Canes at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.
Heated igloos at Urban Vines in Westfield
Grab seven friends to join you in a Heated Igloo at Urban Vines in Westfield. They’ll deliver pizza and charcuterie to you, and you can visit the bar to sample their wine and beer offerings.
Schimpff's Confectionery
It’s way more than a candy store at Schimpff’s Confectionery in Jeffersonville. Tour the candy museum, grab a treat at the soda fountain and see candy demonstrations.
candy displays at Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville
They make the World’s Best Gummies, and you’ll get great stocking stuffers at Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville.
Wick's Pies
Enjoy a meal at Mrs. Wick’s Bakery & Cafe and buy some to take home or for gifting when you visit Wick’s Pies in Winchester. Call ahead to schedule a tour.
Miracle on South Street at the Alexander Hotel in Indianapolis
Plat 99 at the Alexander Hotel in Indianapolis is the setting for Miracle on South Street, an event featuring music, holiday sweaters, Christmas lights and delicious cocktails.

Food + Drink Experiences

Beyond the Yule Log and Egg Nog

Think holiday traditions, and you’ll likely think about what’s on your menu. And what a good reason to travel! Indiana’s doors are open to the delicious aromas of the season throughout the holidays. You can enjoy the seasonal food and drink at your destination, and then bring home more to serve on your own family table.

Don’t-Miss Holiday Food + Drink Experiences

  • Uplands Winter Wine Market
  • Twinkle & Taste
  • Carmel Christkindlmarkt
  • Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
  • Threshers Dinner
  • Candy Canes at Martinsville Candy Kitchen
  • Heated Igloo at Urban Vines
  • Schimpff’s Confectionery
  • Albanese Candy Factory
  • Wick’s Pies
  • Miracle on South Street

Read More in the Blog Post

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Christmas tree inside West Baden Springs Hotel

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