Support Us Button Widget
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
Ready to live your Nancy Kerrigan or Michelle Kwan fantasy? Here are some local ice skating rinks where you can polish your skills (or barely scoot along — we get it).
Explore a variety of enchanting wedding venues around Indianapolis with our comprehensive guide. From rustic historic buildings to elegant ballrooms, we make it easy for you to discover the perfect location for your dream wedding.
This year, igloo pop-ups at local bars and restaurants are all the (icy-hot) rage. Here are a few you can try for yourself.
Saunas are no longer just about sweating it out — they’re becoming Indy’s newest way to unwind, socialize, and network.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on Friday, Nov. 21. Here’s how we’d spend one short day in the Circle City just like Elphaba and Glinda.
Warm your hands and heart with these soulful, hearty soups around the Circle City that are perfect served on a cold winter day.
If you feel inspired to run, walk, or trot as the weather starts cooling down, check out these seasonal struts happening around Indy.
The Clowns are returning to Indy after more than 35 years. Here’s how they originally got to the Circle City, plus some fun trivia facts to impress your friends.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.