The Indiana Historical Society presents Festival of Trees in addition to their other traditional holiday celebrations. Visitors can take in the IHS’s charming holiday-based photos and enjoy the same family-friendly activities and events they’ve come to love. Visit an amazing tree-filled wonderland featuring 75 unique holiday-themed trees and a special 30-foot show-stopper tree you have to see to believe.
Christmas at the Zoo is a wintertime extravaganza everyone will enjoy. Stop by the Indianapolis Zoo for its annual light spectacular, and experience one of the nation’s top 10 zoos in a whole new way as hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights delight and inspire. Soaring 150 feet above the Skjodt International Orangutan Center, you’ll spot the Beacon of Hope glowing in holiday colors from miles away.
Jingle Rails is a journey to the Great American West - the real West and the West of the imagination. With over 1,200 feet of railroad, watch seven trains wind past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle, Union Station, and Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as historical sites including Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, and Old Faithful. New this year, see the magical landscape of San Francisco, CA, mapped out before your eyes.
Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Enjoy favorites like Jingles the Jolly Bear, exploring the Ice Castle, your favorite Jolly Days characters, visits with Santa, and so much more. Who knows? You may even be there when a snowball fight breaks out (using soft yarn pom-poms, of course)!
Winterlights at Newfields is a new family tradition for Indy. A dazzling choreographed lightshow invites you to walk through the garden trails as you sip your favorite hot beverage. From the “whimsy trees” to the lawn, it will be impossible to not marvel at this holiday date night or family outing destination.
Circle of Lights is the world's largest Christmas tree, complete with nearly 5,000 lights and 52 garland strands streaming from Indy's beloved 284-foot-tall Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Travelocity named this tree one of the top five must-see Christmas trees in the nation.
elebration Crossing is alive with holiday merriment once more at the Indiana State Museum! New this year, bring the family for a ride on the Snowfall Express and discover a forest populated by charming whimsical characters celebrating the coming winter and first snowfall! Play and create in Santa’s Front Yard, the Reindeer Barn and the new Tot Spot. Make a full day of it with a visit and pictures with Santa, and lunch at the iconic L.S. Ayres Tea Room (reservations recommended).
A Merry Prairie Holiday includes several different family-friendly holiday events. Transport back to 1836 through the Prairietown walking tour, Conner Prairie by Candlelight. Guests can marvel at the famous Reynolds Farm Equipment Christmas Lights in their new home, visit the North Pole Village for a midway and games, enjoy local entertainers and musicians performing, and sample warm holiday treats and beverages. Finally, Santa is coming to town to enjoy breakfast and dinner with guests at the prairie!
