The Most Magical Winter Things to do in Indiana

Grab your mittens and warm up your cocoa because there is no shortage of winter things to do in Indiana…but I’m in search for all the *magical* winter things! This guide is all about those “winter wonderland” experiences and places that radiate Christmas magic for kids and adults alike. From skiing and snowboarding at Perfect North Slopes to the old-world German charm of The Carmel Christkindlmarkt, there is no shortage of magical winter things to do in Indiana and you can find them all in this guide!

Tap on any image to see more information about each location or scroll to the bottom of this post for a full, interactive map.

Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis

Every year around this time, the Indianapolis Zoo becomes even more magical with the lights and sounds of Christmas!

Indianapolis, IN

Dull’s Tree Farm

Explore the fields and cut your own tree! When you’re done, warm up in the wreath barn, trading post, and sugar shack!

Thorntown, IN

Winterlights at Newfields

The stunning 100 acre gardens at Newfields twinkle and shine with over a million and a half lights!

Indianapolis, IN

The Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park

Ride the Toboggan at Pokagon State Park! The toboggan is refrigerated, so it doesn’t have to snow to experience it.

Angola, IN

Circle of Lights

One of the most famous holiday attractions in Indy is the Circle of Lights at Monument Circle! According to Visit Indy, it recently had a multi-million dollar update of lights, staging, and sound that transforms the Circle into a life-size snow globe!

Indianapolis, IN

Perfect North Slopes

That ski resort feel nestled right in the heart of Southeast IN! It’s perfect for all levels of skill as they offer a few different path options.

Frankfort, IN

The Festival of Trees at Embassy Theatre

Both elegant and timeless, walking through this festival of trees with the ones you love will give you all those winter wonderland feels!

Fort Wayne, IN

A Merry Prairie Holiday

A 3D experience of “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, sock skating rink, polar bear plunge, acres of twinkling lights, a North Pole Village, tubing hill, and a carousel are ALL at Connor Prairie!

Fishers, IN

Veal’s Ice Tree

Weather permitting, this ice tree is the perfect winter photo spot!

Indianapolis, IN

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Experience the old-world charm of Christmas in Germany at this open-air Christmas market! Shop, eat and ice skate all in one day or make it a weekend and stay at the Hotel Carmichael, located just a few feet away.

Carmel, IN

The Nutcracker Ballet

South Bend, Evansville, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis are all locations where the ballet performs.

See schedule for locations

Sullivan Express

Sullivan Hardware offers three different express options so you can pick which one is the best fit for you! While you’re at Sullivan Hardware, stop by their enchanted Christmas tree forest to see all the beautiful trees and the model train landscape.

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana Historical Society Festival of Trees

With more than 75 trees, there’s no shortage of Christmas magical at the Indiana Historical Society! They offer several different activities throughout the season, including “Twilight Tuesday” where you can see the trees at night.

Indianapolis, IN

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Santa Train

Climb aboard the vintage train and Santa’s red caboose for a 20 minute trip. Afterwards, explore Santa’s railroad workshop and drink some hot cocoa!

Fort Wayne, IN

Marion Walkway of Lights

This holiday display spans over two miles and features more than 2.5 million lights. Over 120 individual displays run side by side along the Mississinewa Riverwalk from Riverview school to Matter Park. The Walkway of Lights is one of the longest running and largest light displays in the Midwest!

Marion, IN

Charlestown Express and the Winter Holiday Market

Ride the Charlestown express train, gaze at the 55 ft Christmas tree, stroll around the winter holiday market, or play Christmas themed mini golf….there’s something for everyone at this hallmark worthy market!

Charlestown, IN

Eiteljorg Museum Jingle Rails

This is the perfect Winter indoor activity for both parents and kids. Watch as a model train makes its way through all kinds of different winter landscapes and see if your kids can name all of them!

Indianapolis, IN

Wellfield Botanic Gardens

A 1/2 mile path illuminated by 1.2 million lights will lead you though the gardens like you have never seen them before. This is the perfect alternative to a drive thought light show because you can take all the time you want walking around and letting the little ones explore!

Elkhart, IN

Reindeer Express – Nickel Plate Express

You can take a magical train ride with Santa himself when you hop on this hour and fifteen minute adventure. The train passes “Santa’s workshop” as you make your way across Morse Reservoir.

Noblesville, IN

Indianapolis Children’s Museum Holiday Celebration

Every year the Indianapolis Children’s Museum puts on a magical display of sensory exploration for kids of all ages! This year (2023) is WinterFaire and includes a cast of winter wonderland animals and encounters for kids to experience.

Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Christmas Nights of Lights

Drive through this magical light show at the State Fair Grounds! Turn on the radio and watch over 1 million lights dance to the beat.

Indiana State Fair Grounds

Koteewi Run

Zoom down the 700 foot snow tubing hill and then enjoy a tow ride back up. The perfect way to cure that cabin fever and burn some energy!

Noblesville, IN

Whitetail Acres Tree Farm Reindeer Encounter

Visit this Christmas tree farm to pick up your Christmas tree and hang out with Santa’s reindeer!

Brookville, IN

Paoli Peaks

You can do it all at Paoli Peaks: ski, snowboard, and snow tube! The perfect Winter break activity for the whole family.

Paoli, IN

Holiday Cheers!

The perfect date night (for those 21+)! Sip on holiday drinks from the cash bar as you ride the train and enjoy the 2,000+ lights that it’s decorated with!

Noblesville, IN

Howard Park

A holiday market, igloo dining, and ice skating…such a winter wonderland! This award winning park also offers ice skating lessons and passes.

South Bend, IN

Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights

The perfect winter drive when you want to see lights without feeling that IN chill!

Fort Wayne, IN

Central Park Plaza

Ice skating, youth and adult hockey, and skating lessons are all offered at the park.

Valparaiso, IN

Indiana Railroad Company – Santa’s Train

Indiana Railroad’s Santa’s Train makes 12 stops over the course of 3 days, all over the state. See Santa’s elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa himself! You can even climb aboard and visit with Santa!

All over IN

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Winter Exhibit

Enjoy some “warm weather” while touring this charming exhibit at the conservatory. Visit at night to experience the lights!

Fort Wayne, IN

The Polar Express Ride in French Lick

Guests are whisked away to the “North Pole” while listening to the classic Christmas story and interacting with the conductor, Santa’s helpers, and Santa himself.

French Lick, IN

Celebration Crossing

The Indiana State Museum never disappoints, especially when it comes to their Holiday festivities: Santa holiday breakfasts, winter wonderland workshops, the reindeer barn, a giant Christmas tree, and the snowfall express!

Indiana State Museum

The Cake Bake Shop

Calling all the girls…this one’s for us! The Cake Bake’s attention to detail when it comes to creating a magical dining experience is one of the best, if not THE best, in IN in my opinion.

Indianapolis, IN

Santa Claus, IN

In this town, its always Christmas! Visit the many incredible light displays, Santa’s Candy Castle, the Christmas Store shops, and much more in this fun Christmas town!

Santa Clause, IN

50 Days of Lights – French Lick Resort

This perfect weekend getaway is known all over the world! Wine and dine, visit the casino, or spend the day at the spa. There is also SO many magical things for kids to experience too!

French Lick, IN

The Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo

Visit with the zoo animals while gazing at the beautiful lights!

South Bend, IN

Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy

Tune in on your car radio as you drive and watch the 2 million lights dance and twinkle. After your drive, enjoy dinner and a carriage ride at Blue Gate!

Shipshewana, IN

Please Note: All media shown within this post, with the exception of Indiana Hannah media, are from Instagram/location website and are owned by the photographer of the image. Image credits can be found within the guide on Indiana Hannah’s Instagram. The use of Indiana Hannah media and content without permission from the owner is prohibited. Any unauthorized use will be met with legal action.

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