Let there be light 💡

Where to see the best holiday lights around Indy

Drive through an archway of colorful lights at the State Fairgrounds. | Photo via @kars_kik

From local neighborhoods to downtown’s many shimmering lights, here’s a guide for those in search of a luminous wonderland.

Go for a stroll

Christmas at the Zoo | Indianapolis Zoo | Now through Friday, Dec. 30 | Price of admission | See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland with a chance to meet Santa + visit Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Did you know: the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the country to have a holiday lights event back in 1967?

Winterlights | Newfields | Now through Sunday, Jan. 8 | Ticket prices vary | For the sixth year in a row, you can explore over a million and a half glittering lights at Newfields. Enjoy a holiday treat like a warm chocolate chip cookie + hot cocoa as you stroll under the glow of the gleaming bulbs. Pro tip: Make sure you check dates and times in advance. This event sells out.

A Merry Prairie Holiday | Conner Prairie | Now through Thursday, Dec. 22 | $11 for members, $22 for non-members | Explore the grounds for a memorable winter light stroll. You can also enjoy activities like Frosty’s Skating Rink, Kringle’s Carousel, and a 150-ft Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.

See the Lilly House lights display synchronized to holiday music at Newfields.

Take a drive

Christmas Nights of Lights | Indiana State Fairgrounds | Now through Sunday, Jan. 1 | $30+ per car | Pack your vehicle + enjoy over a million lights synchronized to holiday music through your car’s stereo. Pro tip: Online reservations are required. Cash or credit will not be accepted at the ticket booth.

Magic of Lights | Ruoff Music Center | Now through Sunday, Jan. 1 | $30 per car | Drive through themed displays using LED technology + digital animations like the Blizzard Tunnel, in addition to returning favorites like 12 Days of Christmas.

Budget-friendly

Circle of Lights | Monument Circle | Now through Jan. 1 | Free | If you missed downtown Indy flip the switch, you can still visit the Circle for a perfect family photo-op. Tell the kids to bring their letters to Santa — his mailbox is on the Circle.

Log Run Lights | 9209 Log Run Dr. S., Clermont | Now through Jan. 1 | Free
A family tradition for over 17 years, this home on the west side decks their halls with a light display that takes three weeks + a team of more than 25 people to set up.

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Cozy Craft Night | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St., Indianapolis | Free | Craft, play games, and enjoy snacks and a movie — for ages 12 and up.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

A Christmas Story: the Musical | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Center Green, Carmel | $32.50-$59.50 | Follow 9-year-old Ralphie’s quest for an air rifle during this musical straight from Broadway.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Ugly Sweater Party on Ice | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | $13 | Bring your friends and let loose before the hectic holidays in your ugliest holiday attire.

Friday, Dec. 23

Indy Fuel vs. Cincinnati Cyclones | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Get ready for the Teddy Bear Toss at this special Indy Fuel game.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Donut 5K Holiday Run/Walk on Christmas Eve | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 9 a.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Central Branch, 40 E. Saint Clair St. | $10 | This 16th annual event benefits three local animal rescues, allowing them to bring a few of their furry friends waiting for a forever home.

Monday, Dec. 26

Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers | Monday, Dec. 26 | 8:15 p.m. | Lucas Oil Stadium | $52-$457

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Still searching for a gift for your foodie friend?

INDY-huse culinary foodie gifts-12.22.22.jpg

Give the gift of great taste this holiday season. | Photo via @stelmofoods/Huse Culinary

The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to snag these foodie gifts from from St. Elmo Steak House.

St. Elmo Steak House sauces and seasonings: The restaurant’s infamous hot Shrimp Cocktail Sauce and world famous seasoning — by the bottle.
Ready-to-pour cocktails: These all-new cocktail concoctions like Espresso Martini and Cherry Vanilla Bourbon, make a great add to any at-home happy hour.
Gift cards with a bonus: Get a gift card, valid at any Huse Culinary restaurant. Plus, earn a 20% bonus with $125+ purchases.*

MORE GIFT IDEAS THIS WAY

Weather

35º | Cloudy | 3% chance of rain

Traffic

The section between Winthrop + Guilford avenues is now open in Broad Ripple after several months of construction. ICYMI: it was closed for Indy DPW’s $8.5 million project to reduce flooding. ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgraded traffic lights, new pavement, and wider sidewalks are included in the improvements made. 🚧 (WISH)

Number

$3.7 million. That’s how much it will cost to replace 500,000 sqft of carpeting in the Convention Center. The colors will change + it will be the first time it’s been upgraded in more than a decade. Expect to see the carpets in public spaces by the end of the year. 💸 (IBJ)

Cause

Musical Family Tree already has $25,000 committed to its new music fund, which will officially take off in March 2023. It has a target of distributing $100,000 and is based on a initiative in Canada, which has helped musicians like Shania Twain when they were just starting out. If you can contribute to the fund, email MFT’s administrator. 🎶 (IBJ)

Eat

Central Indiana’s own American Dream Nut Butter started because co-owner Lea Hurley had dietary restrictions due to IBS. After producing a variety of gluten + dairy free flavors like Cookies and Cream Cheesequake + French Toast, the company has just started selling cookies. Shop for stocking stuffers. 🥜 (IndyStar)

Shop

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for someone on your list, look no further. Let us introduce you to gift cards from our INDYtoday shop, Six & Main. Purchase a gift card today. 🎁
Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

Real Estate

When the dream job came knocking, the Abernethys needed to sell their house and move — quickly. See how they were able to sell in record time.*

Seasonal

Make this year’s gifts saucy + spicy by giving the gift of St. Elmo Steak House’s infamous hot sauces and seasonings. Pro tip: We recommend the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce and world famous seasoning.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor 👀

SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not balancing finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these 7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

GET STARTED, SMARTIE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Nicole.

Editor’s pick: According to a recent poll, the most searched 90s Christmas movie in Indiana is “The Santa Clause.” That’s not surprising, considering the fact that we have a town in Indiana named after St. Nick.

For those who have never visited Santa Claus, IN, it pulls out all the stops during Christmas time. Not only does it have a post office dedicated to Santa, but it also has a candy castle, festive lodging, and a Christmas parade.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Read the tale of the clock and the cherub, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Sarah Leonhardt, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Nicole Fancher | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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