Ah, ’tis the season: winter in Indiana is here, and it’s time for all the fun stuff that comes with it. The Christmas light displays around Indianapolis are truly incredible and should not be missed! If you’re looking for an easy way to view all of the best displays around the city, then check out our ultimate Christmas lights road trip for the best holiday lights in Indianapolis!

GoogleMaps
1. Circle of Lights
Fellowship of the Rich/Flickr
1 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Every year, Monument Circle lights up the day after Thanksgiving and creates holiday magic that lasts well through the New Year. This epic Christmas lights display in Indiana is a Hoosier tradition and is the perfect first stop on our holiday road trip.
2. The Indianapolis Zoo
Jon C./Yelp
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Indianapolis Zoo/Facebook
What's the one thing that could make holiday lights even more exciting? Holiday lights surrounded by zoo animals, of course! This popular Christmas lights display is a truly exhilarating experience - pictures don't do this enchanting wonderland justice! The Indy Zoo was the first zoo in the US to host a holiday event and has finished in the top five of the USA Today's Best Zoo Lights List for multiple years. It's the perfect next stop for our IN holiday lights adventure!
3. Lights at the Brickyard
Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Flickr
4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Flickr
This huge light event is a tradition for many - and it's easy to see why! This awesome Indiana drive-thru lights show offers an incredible experience of unique lights along the hallowed road of the Indy Speedway. This unique event is one your kids will be talking about for weeks.
4. Winterlights
Newfields/Facebook
4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Newfields/Facebook
The Indianapolis Museum of Art was fairly recently renamed Newfields and one of their new events is the enchanting and gorgeous outdoor lights display called Winterlights. With over one million lights, hot beverages, and s'mores stations, this light event is truly one-of-a-kind.
5. Lights Up
Broad Ripple/Facebook
Broad Ripple/Facebook
This annual Indiana holiday lights parade in Broad Ripple is on again this year! While you can catch businesses in Broad Ripple decorated for the holidays at any time, be sure to time your trip right so that you can enjoy all of the eclectic lights this parade has to offer.
6. Reynold's Christmas Lights Display
Reynolds Farm Equipment John Deere FREE Christmas Lights Display/Facebook
12501 Reynolds Dr, Fishers, IN 46038, USA
Reynolds Farm Equipment John Deere FREE Christmas Lights Display/Facebook
This free light show is just outside of Indianapolis, but well worth the drive. This light show can be enjoyed from afar or experienced up close as you drive through each exhibit. Keep an eye on the Reynold's Christmas Lights Facebook page for this year's info.

This Christmas lights road trip around Indianapolis is sure to get your family in a festive mood. For more holiday fun, visit this Christmas town near Indianapolis that turns into a winter wonderland every year!

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Best Holiday Lights in Indianapolis

Tori Jane | October 13, 2022

Where can I see the best holiday light displays near Indianapolis?  

Winter in Indiana is a beautiful time and there are lots of ways to enjoy it. Sure, you can go out and embark upon some awesome Indiana winter hikes ... or you can check out some of the best Christmas light displays in IN instead (okay, or both ... both is good). If you happen to be in or nearby Indianapolis, you’re in the best possible place for Indiana Christmas fun! At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, check out the legendary Christmas Nights of Lights, which typically runs from November to January. It’s two miles of drive-thru holiday fun the whole family will love. We also can’t get enough of traditions like Christmas at the Zoo, which is, obviously, at the Indianapolis Zoo.  

What is Christmas in Indianapolis like?  

Christmas in Indianapolis is an amazingly magical time filled with happiness, joy, and wonder. There are so many fun things to do in Indiana during the winter, especially when the holidays are fast approaching. It seems like everywhere you turn, you’ll find holiday cheer. Everyone’s just a little friendlier and a little kinder. If you feel like venturing away from the city at all, you should be sure to check out some of the Christmas towns in Indiana that’ll make you feel like a kid again – it's not all about Indy, and it doesn’t need to be. Simply take in the spirit of the season and enjoy.  

Are there any fun Christmas festivals in Indianapolis to attend?  

Absolutely! Christmas in Indianapolis is such a magical time. There are TONS of annual Christmas festivals in Indianapolis, and plenty of one-off events, too. You’ll never get bored! In Carmel, there’s the famed Carmel Christkindlmarkt, a magical Christmas marketplace in Indiana’s friendliest town. Attend the Black-Owned Holiday Bazaar in November for the perfect gift, and the Sankt Nikolaus Festival cannot be missed. Christmas in Indy is probably the best time of year ... at least we think so!  

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