Northern Indiana

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Holiday Season at Fair Oaks Farm:

Indulge in the beauty of the season. Bright lights, hot chocolate, and Holiday events sure to build life-long memories!

Holiday Season At Fair Oaks Farms

"A Christmas Story" Comes Home: 

Immerse your family in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" through animatronic window displays of memorable scenes and special events; browse our nice gift shop with official "A Christmas Story" merchandise and photos with Santa. We even have a special photo-op with "Flick" on our flagpole.

A Christmas Story Comes Home

2024 Festival of Trees: 

Founded in 1984, the Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. The Festival is the organization’s largest annual fundraising event. Lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel will transform into a wonderland of decorated trees…

2023 Festival of Trees

Festival of Gingerbread:

The magic of the holidays takes shape in the form of over 100 handmade gingerbread houses and designs, made by artists of all ages every year.

 

Festival of Gingerbread

 

Purdue Christmas Show: 

This December, gather the whole family and celebrate 90 years of the Purdue Christmas Show! For nearly a century, this beloved holiday tradition has captivated audiences with its dazzling performances and heartwarming messages of love, hope, and unity.

Purdue Christmas Show

Indiana Christmas Train:

A new holiday tradition has arrived in Northeast Indiana! The Indiana Christmas Train will depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana for a magical 1.5-hour trip through the winter countryside with Saint Nick aboard! Choose from Deluxe Coach, First Class accommodations, or charter a private Pullman passenger. 

Indiana Train Experience

Central Indiana

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Christmas at the Zoo:

Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow.

Christmas at the Zoo

 

Cambridge City Winter Wonderland:

The family will love Christmas in downtown Cambridge City. Luminaries will set the stage for holiday spirit! Take a carriage ride or visit the s’mores bar. Shop local antique stores for unique gifts, and support the small businesses and restaurants in town and more.

Cambridge City Winter Wonderland

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole. This is the only licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event in the Indianapolis area. Tickets will sell out quickly! Don't miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with your family!

Polar Express

 

Reindeer Express:

All Aboard for a magical Christmas experience! Take an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa himself! This magical journey takes passengers on a round-trip ride from Noblesville to Arcadia. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Cicero, over Morse Reservoir and into Arcadia.

Nickel Plate Express / Reindeer Express

Carmel Christkindlmarkt:

Experience the old-world charm of Christmas in Germany right here in Indiana at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. With the festive ambiance of an authentic German market, guests can peruse various products sourced from Germany and other German-speaking European countries.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt gluhwein pyramid

Jingle Rails:

This model train exhibit is an old Holiday Tradition for the Eiteljorg Museum. This exhibit has nine, G-scale trains winding through the stunning landscapes that create this winter wonderland of an exhibit.

Jingle Rails

 

Christmas At The Seiberling:

Tour the Sieberling Mansion and Howard County Museum, adorned with elaborate decorations and thousands of holiday lights. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1-4pm and select evening hours.

Christmas at the Seiberling

Image Credit: Paula Groff

Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas:

From unique art, gifts, crafts, decorations, live music, plenty of good food, vendors and local shops open and full of gifts in Bridgeton, to visiting with Santa, Mrs. Claus & Elves while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and caroling in Rockville, Christmas in Parke County is the place to be!

Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas

 

Santa Train and Christmas Market:

Santa will arrive via train, and he will pose for pictures with the children. The Christmas Market will feature craft vendors and bakers. Free admission.

Santa Train and Christmas Market

 

Southern Indiana

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Nights Before Chrismas Candlelight Tour Homes:

Step Back in Time this Holiday Season at Madison, Indiana’s 42nd Annual Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes! Experience the warmth and wonder of an old-fashioned Christmas as you explore beautifully decorated historic homes, public sites, and a local church—each offering its own unique holiday charm. Located in Madison’s National Historic Landmark District, this event is a festive journey through centuries of holiday traditions.

Nights before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes

Live Reindeer Exhibit:

Bring your kids to Santa’s TOYS to see the 8th Annual Live Reindeer Exhibit! And browse thousands of specialty toys while you’re there, including STEM toys that encourage learning through play. There will be a walk-up line, but tickets are recommended for this free event and can be reserved online. 

Live Reindeer Exhibit
 

Festival of Lights Parade:

Columbus Festival of Lights Parade is an annual event where the community gathers to watch illuminated floats grace the street of the City of Columbus, Indiana. Thousands gather to create new traditions and remember nostalgic times from their childhood.

Festival of Lights Columbus

Santa Claus Christmas Store:

Enjoy shopping at the gigantic Santa Claus Christmas Store, featuring Christmas gifts, decorations, hundreds of collectibles, fudge and other sweet treats, and so much more. Explore a huge selection of indoor and outdoor lights, wreaths, tree trimmings, nativities, and Christmas yard art.

Santa Claus Christmas Store