Christmas Lights in Indiana 2024-2025

As the days grow shorter and darker in Indiana, there’s a delightful way to brighten them up: spectacular holiday light displays. These enchanting displays attract many families during the festive season, offering a wonderful opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and create lasting memories. Some displays can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, while others invite you to take a short, magical walk.

Walkway of Lights, Marion (November 23–December 31, 2024)

The city of Marion, located by the picturesque Mississinewa River, is famous for having one of the biggest Christmas displays in the Midwest. Christmas City Walkway of Lights is a fantastic drive-through or walk-through extravaganza, stretching for over two miles along the Mississinewa Riverwalk in Matter Park. Walkway of Lights features over 2.5 million lights and 120 displays. It draws over 200,000 people annually. The display runs from late November to the end of December, from 6 to 10 pm. Admission is $5 per car. Hot beverages and apple cider, as well as Christmas gifts, are available for purchase.

Marion’s downtown also hosts the Miracle on 3rd and 4th Street on November 23, from 12 to 8 pm. Families can enjoy live reindeer, free ornament decorating, face painting, train rides, and s'mores, along with craft vendors and food stalls. The evening concludes with the Christmas City Parade at 7 pm, followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Additional events include the Walkway of Lights Family Event on December 6, offering holiday fun for $5 per child, and a free Breakfast with Santa on December 7 at the Matter Park Garden House.

Charlestown Christmas Lights (November 29, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Charlestown in Southern Indiana attracts a lot of visitors thanks to its dazzling Christmas lights. An animated light show is launched right after Thanksgiving on the city square. More spectacular lights can be viewed in Greenway Park and at other locations around the city from dusk to 11 pm. Walk, drive through, or enjoy lights during a carriage ride, whatever you choose; Christmas-time Charleston is gorgeous! Visits with Santa, the Winterwald Holiday Market, ice skating, and other fun activities are available in Charlestown.

Christmas Tyme in Lowell (Select Nights November 24–December 30, 2024)

Harvest Tyme Farm in Lowell, Indiana, is an excellent destination for a family day trip. Stroll or drive through a half-mile trail adorned with thousands of lights and glowing garlands. The main highlight of the park is a spectacularly illuminated tunnel. Tasty treats and visits with Santa are also available. The display runs from 5 to 9 pm, from late November to late December.

Winterlights at Newfields, Indianapolis (Saturday, November 23, 2024–Sunday, January 5, 2025)

Newfields Winterlights is one of the most impressive holiday displays in Central Indiana. Nearly two million lights will transform the historic garden into a winter wonderland, illuminating the branches of century-old trees. This annual event runs from 5 to 9 pm, offering an enchanting evening filled with dazzling lights and festive cheer.

The highlight of Winterlights is the Landscape of Light, featuring 300,000 LED bulbs choreographed to holiday favorites, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” and Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” As visitors stroll through the garden, the synchronized light show dazzles overhead and underfoot while larger-than-life ornaments shine along the Twinkling Trail. For those looking to relax, the Whimsical Terrace, inspired by the Northern Lights, provides a cozy spot to enjoy the ambiance.

Visitors can enjoy treats at the Culinary Campsite, including s’mores, gingerbread popcorn, and spiked holiday drinks. Tickets are priced between $25 and $35, with free entry for children aged 5 and under. Advance purchase is required, and Access Pass tickets are available for $5.

Christmas at the Zoo, Indianapolis (Saturday, November 23, 2024–Sunday, January 5, 2025)

Christmas at the Zoo is the annual holiday event, which runs from late November to early January, from 5 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 5 to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Since its debut in 1967, this holiday lights event has grown into a beloved local tradition, enchanting visitors with festive activities and dazzling displays.

Santa’s Village, expanded for 2024 under the Bicentennial Pavilion, includes Santa’s Study, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and Santa’s Magic Cottage, offering a North Pole experience. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Barn with reindeer, the popular Tunnel of Lights, and the Penguin Pavilion. General admission includes access to all attractions, with tickets priced at $30.75 for adults, $27.75 for children, and $28.75 for seniors/military. Parking passes are $10, with optional add-ons like the Explorer Pass and Dolphin Meet and Greet available. Located in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is a perfect place for a festive holiday stroll.

The Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights, Fort Wayne (November 18–December 31, 2024)

The Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights is an annual festival taking place in Franke Park, in downtown Fort Wayne, a city in Northeastern Indiana. This holiday event runs daily through December 31, transforming the park into a festive wonderland. Visitors can drive along a three-mile route featuring over 600 individual light displays, including 30 new displays for 2024, totaling around 1.5 million LED lights. The hours are from 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission prices are $15 per personal vehicle, $30 for 15-passenger vans or limos, and $60 for buses or trolleys, with both cash and cards accepted. Special theme nights include Veterans Day, Bicycle Night, Four-Legged Friend Night, and the final “Pay What You Want” night on December 31. Tune into 91.7 FM for unique holiday music and event information during your visit.

In addition to the dazzling lights, Santa’s Christmas Village, located at the Pond Pavilion, is open from November 22 to December 21, featuring visits with Santa, holiday shopping, and festive treats. Guests can also enjoy free popcorn, cocoa, and carriage rides on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Performances by local groups add to the festive atmosphere, and Santa and Mrs. Claus make regular appearances, while children can participate in the candy cane quiz.