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 - plus visit an amazing tree-filled wonderland featuring 80 unique holiday themed trees and a special 30-foot show-stopper tree you have to see to believe.
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 Indy’s newest holiday date night or family outing destination.
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.
Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland! Enjoy favorites like the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, 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)!
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.
Celebration Crossing is alive with holiday merriment once more at the Indiana State Museum! From the sounds of bands, bells, and vocal choirs to the hearty greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus as they invite you into their cozy home, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Visit with Santa to share your wish list and take a photo with him, ride the Santa Claus Express, and play and create in Santa’s Playground. Rekindle memories of holidays past as you gaze into the recreated L.S. Ayres store windows. Make a full day of it with a meal at the iconic L.S. Ayres Tea Room (reservations recommended).
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.
Holidays on the Prairie includes several different family-friendly holiday events. Transport back to 1836 through the Prairietown walking tour, Conner Prairie by Candlelight. Guests can view a collection of both amateur and professional gingerbread houses in the Gingerbread Village. Adults can enjoy their favorite hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft beer, and spirits at Holiday Cheers. Finally, Santa is coming to town to enjoy breakfast and dinner with guests at the prairie!
