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An itinerary for the whole family

A holiday guide to must-see attractions, restaurants, and shows for out-of-town guests in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy skyline with Lucas Oil Stadium in the forefront

Lucas Oil Stadium will become quite the host next year.

Photo via @durhamvisuals

Table of Contents

The holidays are here and if you’re hosting out-of-town guests, it’s time to step into the role of “official Indy tour guide.” We’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to build the perfect itinerary for your visitors and show your folks around like a total pro.

🏙️ Sightseeing

Is it even a trip to Indy without seeing Lucas Oil? You can also take your visitors to Garfield Park for the perfect fall/holiday family photo. And if there are any history buffs in the group, head to the Eiteljorg Museum.

🥘 Eat and drink

If your guests need a caffeine pick-me-up, Monon Coffee Company, Mansion Society, and Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company are all offering a range of seasonal drinks. If you’re looking for a different kind of brew, the Circle City is home to many breweries with Sun King Brewery and Fountain Square Brewery being two local hot spots.

Get ready to get your grub on because we’ve got plenty of articles to help you navigate the local food scene. You can’t miss these classic Indy brunch restaurants that are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Our personal picks include breakfast at Landlocked Baking Co. and dinner at Bocca. Plus, satisfy your holiday sweet tooth at Lick.

🎳 Activities

Temps this time of year can get pretty low, so spend a day inside exploring Newfields or the Indiana Historical Society to stay warm. Indy also boasts an excellent theater scene. Catch a Broadway show at Beef and Boards or check out upcoming productions at the Indiana Repertory Theatre or at Old National Centre. And if you’ve got any sports fans in the group, here is the Colts’ winter game schedule, as well as when the Pacers play and dates to catch Indy Fuel in action.

🛏️ Stay

If your visitors aren’t planning to crash with you, here are some places to stay:

Hotel Indy, 141 E. Washington St. | $170+

Stay in the heart of the Wholesale District, which is steps from places like Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Monument Circle, the Canal, and Lucas Oil Stadium. Inside the hotel you’ll find historical references in The Hulman restaurant + Cannon Ball Lounge.

Bottleworks Hotel, 850 Mass Ave. | $209+
Does your family like being in the middle of it all? Bottleworks is situated right on Mass Ave. amidst The Garage Food Hall, the Living Room Theater, and Pins Mechanical Co. We even made a quick guide to get them started on the right foot.

The fun doesn’t stop there… Be sure to send your visitors the link to our events page in advance to get a feel for what they’ll want to see and do while in town.

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