Sponsored Content

5 golden things to do in INDY this holiday season 🎄

Think: Light shows, musical performances + a lot of holiday cheer.

Sponsored by
An aerial view of the yearly Circle of Lights celebration in downtown Indianapolis.

Downtown Indianapolis becomes a magical place during the holiday season.

Photo provided by Downtown Indy, Inc.

If you’ll be home for the holidays this year, you’re in good company. Signature holiday events, unique retail shops, and over 350 restaurant destinations make Indianapolis the perfect place to spread some cheer.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate the holidays in Downtown Indy:

  1. Circle of Lights® returns on Fri., Nov. 25 with live music, lights + eats — and a visit from Santa, too (enjoy the Circle season until Fri., Jan. 13, 2023).
  2. Celebrate German culture at the Athenaeum’s brand new Christkindlmarkt (Fri., Nov. 25-Sun., Dec. 18).
  3. Greet Santa + take a ride on the holiday express at the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing (starting Fri., Nov. 25).
  4. Stroll through the holiday village at Christmas at the Zoo for a light show, carols + guest animals (Sat., Nov 19-Fri., Dec. 30).
  5. Make a stop at Eiteljorg Museum to see Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure (Sat., Nov. 19-Mon., Jan.16).

For more ways to celebrate the season (think: the Festival of Trees and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra), check out Downtown Indy, Inc.’s website.

More hometown holiday events.*

More from INDYtoday
According to the library’s data, you couldn’t get enough of these books last year. See which titles you missed, plus staff picks.
A grassroots effort is helping Indianapolis properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Indianapolis has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Indy.
You never know what Mother Nature is going to give us in Indy — so we’re taking a look at some of the biggest snowfalls in city history.
Get in the holiday spirit with these over-the-top themed pop-up bars.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Indianapolis to connect you to resources and help you get to know your community?
Here’s how we think Santa’s stalwart friends would spend a well-deserved night off in the Circle City.
Google Year in Search is out — check out what Hoosiers were searching most this year (it might surprise you).