Indiana Hannah

Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis

Nov 22 – Jan 4: Every year around this time, the Indianapolis Zoo becomes even more magical with the lights and sounds of Christmas!

Indianapolis, IN

Lark Ranch Country Christmas

This year, Lark Ranch (Greenfield) is celebrating the season with the ultimate country Christmas! We rode on a snowy, mile long train ride to look at the light displays, met the elves and Mrs. Claus in Santa’s workshop and helped make our own stuffed animal, made ornaments while snacking on fresh cookies and hot chocolate from Mrs. Claus’ bakery, sat around a bonfire listening to Christmas music and playing in the snow, and so much more!

You can use my 2025 partnership code: “ChristmasHannah” for $5.00 off per ticket!

Greenfield, IN

Harvest Tyme – Christmas Tyme Lights

Nov 28 – Dec 28: Harvest Tyme has a Christmas light walkthrough called Christmas Tyme Lights: millions of lights, a winter petting zoo, holiday character visits and for two nights only (Dec 20 & 22) Harvest Tyme will have live reindeer!

Lowell, IN

Traders Point Creamery

If your vibe is rustic Christmas, then a dinner at Traders Point Creamery is perfect for you! Lunch or dinner in their loft restaurant is so cozy, and make sure you grab a bottle of their famous eggnog (made from their pasture cows) from their farm store on your way out!

Zionsville, IN

Hensler Nursery

This 300 acre Christmas tree farm is open daily from Nov 22 – Dec 21 and is a destination in itself! They have pre-cut and cut your own trees, visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause, food trucks, the Decorating Barn, the Christmas Barn for shopping, farm animals and free entry and free parking!

Hamlet, IN

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

You can skate the night away at Headwaters Park! Surrounded by festive light and Christmas music, you can skate, sip hot cocoa, and sample treats from the concessions.

Fort Wayne, IN

Winter Wonder Ice Festival at PSM Ice House

This two day event (Dec 19–20) celebrates the season with all things twinkling lights, ice skating, free “try it out” skating and hockey sessions for kids, the winter village vendor fair, a Nutcracker performance on ice (tickets needed), and more!

Fort Wayne, IN

Corydon Christmas Extravaganza

Nov 22: Spend the entire day shopping from over 150 vendors offering vintage, antique and handmade items! Plus, you can visit with Santa from 10-12pm that day!

Corydon, IN

A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade

Dec 6: This celebration includes a parade and after parade celebration of Santa, reindeer, giant balloons and more!

Madison, IN

Miracle on Maryland

One of Indy’s most beloved pop-up Christmas themed bars, they serve up handcrafted cocktails and mocktails all with a festive theme! They fill up fast but you can make reservations.

15 E. Maryland St. in downtown Indianapolis (connected to the Hampton Inn, 105 S. Meridian.)

3Up Rooftop Winter Wonderland

Cozy up by the fire with a festive, seasonal cocktail and city views! 3Up rooftop bar is a great stop to warm up after visiting the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

Carmel, IN

Stauffer Farms

I love this cozy Christmas tree farm! Their cozy barn is full of fresh cut trees and this year they’re hosting their very own family friendly holiday event: Holiday Haus Market (Dec 6) with vendors and tons of Christmas cheer!

Markle, IN

Blitzen’s at Bar Cardinale

Nov 28 – Jan 2: Located inside the Omni Severin Hotel, their signature pop-up bar is over the top and everything holiday magic should be! They really do go all out, and this year they have a partnership with mixologist Julie Reiner, a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters, to curate their cocktail recipes.

Indianapolis, IN

The Ice Rink at Holliday Park

Open until March 1st, the ice rink at Holliday Park is great way to enjoy the winter season even after the holidays are over.

Indianapolis, IN

Urban Apples

From their cozy igloos to their festively decorated private stalls, Urban Apples knows how to celebrate the holidays with custom dining options for the holidays!

Westfield, IN

Dudeck’s Pine Country Christmas Tree Farm

Nov 28 – Dec 21: There’s something about a horse drawn carriage ride out to pick the perfect tree that screams hallmark Christmas! You can expect to see this and more including Santa (and horse rides) at this Indiana Christmas tree farm! Be sure to check their FB for updates on when the horses and Santa are available.

Rolling Prairie, IN

Sippin’ Santa

With 3 different locations across IN: Fort Wayne (Night Train), Indy (Almost Famous), and South Bend (The Exchange), this is such a unique tropical holiday themed pop-up bar!

Various locations across IN

Berne Christkindlmarkt

Nov 28 – Dec 21: Berne is famous for its Swiss culture and heritage, and the Berne Christkindlmarkt is a reflection of that! You can visit with Santa, shop from local makers, grab delicious German food and drinks, find items from Germany and Switzerland, take a carriage ride and more!

Berne, 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!

See more information and pictures from my trip to Dull’s Tree Farm here on Instagram.

Thorntown, IN

Winterlights at Newfields

Nov 21 – Jan 4: 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

Pioneerland Christmas

Dec 6 – 7: Christmas Open House at the LaPorte County Pioneerland is the first Saturday and Sunday in December, 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.  (local time). They have warm cider and cookies, decorations, and draft horse wagon rides throughout the evening!

LaPorte County Fairgrounds

Metamora Christmas Walk

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, lights and decorations adorn the entire village! At this free event, you can walk around and shop, cozy up by one of the many fires, take a horse drawn carriage ride, visit Santa or enjoy live music.

Whitewater Canal / Metamora, IN

Miracle at Fair Oaks Farms

Nov 22 – Jan 5 2025: Miracle is a family friendly pop-up event new to Fair Oaks Farms this year: they’ll have themed drinks (for adults and kids), games, and the Farmhouse restaurant will be decked out in holiday decor. There’s also some light displays and the options for their igloo dining.

Fair Oaks, IN

McCord’s Candies

If you have a candy lover in your life, or are looking for a unique vintage Christmas experience, then you have to check out McCord’s Candies! This vintage candy store is also an ice cream parlor, old-fashioned soda, and thrift shop store. They offer candy cane tours throughout the holiday season that often fill up quickly.

Lafayette, IN

Piney Acres Tree Farm

This 73 acre Christmas tree farm has choose-and-cut trees, pre-cut trees, a farm store, barnyard animals and their Glimmer Lights train! Board the train with some hot cocoa and a fresh cookie as you take the 20 minute ride to the North Pole.

Piney Acres, IN

Reindeer Express – Nickel Plate Express

There’s several ways to ride this fun and authentic holiday train including individual seating, table seating, and…the red caboose! The caboose includes seating for up to 20 people, so if you have a larger family or friend group looking for some fun holiday fun, a holiday train ride in your own private caboose would make for the coolest memories!

See more information and pictures from my trip to the Reindeer Express here on Instagram.

Noblesville, IN

Christmas on the Farm by The Farm and Co.

Dec 5-7: Looking for that Hallmark style evening on the farm? Then Christmas on the Farm should be top of your list this year! With vendors full of goodies, shopping, and complimentary smores and carriage/wagon rides…it’s sure to be one of the most magical Christmas things to do in Indiana…and it’s their last year for the event so if you’re wanting to visit them, this is the year!

Bowling Green, IN

HolidayFest: Night of Lights

Nov 26: Fort Wayne kicks off it’s city’s holiday season with a night full of festive cheer and activities like: lighting ceremonies, cocoa and carols, and holiday strolls downtown to see all of the festive windows. (The lights remain on throughout the holiday season, so if you can’t make it to this night, they have a map of all of the lighting locations you can use to drive around and see them!)

Fort Wayne, IN

Bridgeton Country Christmas

Nov 30, Dec 5-7: With two weekends of holiday magic, this Christmas event in west central Indiana is such a quaint way to spend a day. Browse from local vendors and shops full of unique gifts, live music, food and more.

Bridgeton, IN

Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt

Nov 29 – Dec 21: What could be more magical than an authentic Christmas market full of traditional German vendor huts selling food and gifts? It is smaller than the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, but just authentic and beautiful!

Indianapolis, IN

The Parkview Field Holiday Lights

 Nov 13 – Jan 3: Over 1 million lights, smores stations, train rides , festive drinks and more…this is the perfect Christmas thing to do in Indiana!

Fort Wayne, IN

The Festival of Trees at Embassy Theatre

Nov 26- Dec 3: 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

Nov 28 – Dec 23: 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

Nov 22 – Dec 24: 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.

See more information and pictures from my trip to The Carmel Christkindlmarkt here on Instagram.

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

Nov 15 – Jan 6: With more than 80+ trees, there’s no shortage of Christmas magical at the Indiana Historical Society! They offer several different activities throughout the season, including “Twilight Nights” where you can see the trees at night.

Indianapolis, IN

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Christmas Caboose

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

Nov 15 – Jan 19: 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!

See more information and pictures from my trip to Jingle Rails here on Instagram.

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

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! WinterFaire includes a cast of winter wonderland animals and encounters for kids to experience.

See more information and pictures from my trip to The Children’s Museum here on Instagram.

Indianapolis Children’s Museum

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! They also have a garden center, free hot chocolate, cider and popcorn, free letter writing to Santa, train rides for kids and more!

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

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.

See more information and pictures from my trip to Howard Park here on Instagram.

South Bend, IN

Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights

Nov 17 – Dec 31: 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

Nov. 30 – Jan. 4: 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 our favorite…the snowfall express train!

See more information and pictures from my trip to Celebration Crossing/The Snowfall Express train here on Instagram.

Indiana State Museum – Indianapolis, IN

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.

You can see my full travel guide on “Magical Winter Dining in Indiana” here!

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

Season of Lights – French Lick Resort

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

French Lick, IN

The Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo

Nov 28 – Dec 28: Visit with the zoo animals, sip hot chocolate, visit with Santa and more, all while gazing at the beautiful lights!

South Bend, IN

Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy

Nov 20 – Jan 2: 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