LIST: Winter events, holiday activities in central Indiana that you don't want to miss
Make the most of the winter season by trying out some of the best cold-weather activities central Indiana has to offer.
If you needed a sign — or maybe a gentle nudge — to season the day this winter, this is it.
The holiday season has finally arrived! And with it comes a long list of festive experiences, activities and holiday light displays.
Some highlights include Carmel's Christkindlmarkt, Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg, Christmas at the Zoo and Winterlights.
But the events and activities don't stop there. There's plenty to do and just a few months to do it. So, grab your coat — and maybe a warm cup of hot cocoa from Cake Bake Shop — and check out one or all of these cold-weather activities in central Indiana.
CARMEL
Christkindlmarkt: Carmel's Christkindlmarkt, which was named the best holiday market in 2021 and was nominated again this year, returns Nov. 19 through Dec. 30.
The market features the only Glühwein Pyramid in the U.S., standing 33 feet tall with more than 3,000 lights. This year’s market has food and gift vendors, activities and special guests throughout the season.
Glühwein Gallop 5K Run/Walk: Carmel Christkindlmarkt will host the second annual Glühwein Gallop 5K Run/Walk on Dec. 3.
The race starts at 9 a.m. and the course will finish at the Christkindlmarkt, taking runners and walkers on a scenic route through Carmel.
There will also be a costume contest and those 21+ will receive a ticket for a complimentary serving of Glühwein or beer, or complimentary hot chocolate at the end of the race.
Cumberland
Weihnachtsmarkt: The 11th annual Weihnachtmarkt celebration returns Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event, which highlights Cumberland’s German heritage, includes more than 30 artisan offerings for holiday shopping and an entertainment tent. There will also be holiday games, live music, food and drinks. Horse and carriage rides will be offered. Plus, crafts, caroling, a light parade and the lighting of the Cumberland Town Christmas tree.
Fishers Subtitle here
Conner Prairie: A Merry Prairie Holiday showcases thousands of lights and something for everyone to enjoy. The holiday spectacle is open Fridays through Sundays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 18, as well as Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22. Hours of operation are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ASL nights will be held Dec. 2 and Dec. 17.
Greenwood
Santa at Greenwood Park Mall for the Holidays: The Santa Photo Experience launches on Friday, Nov. 11, and will be open on Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are encouraged. Make Santa reservations by clicking here.
The mall will also host events with Santa this season including:
- Caring Santa® – For families that have children with special needs, enjoy a subdued holiday environment on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Pet Photos – Bring your pets by for a photo with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., families are invited to dine with Santa before getting the chance to tell him what’s at the top of their wish list. In addition, kids can participate in some holiday-themed crafts. Breakfast will be provided by Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.
INDIANAPOLIS
Artisan Marketplace (AMP) at 16 Tech
Indy Winter Farmers Market returns Saturday, Nov. 5. The AMP offers a warm, indoor space for the winter market every Saturday through the end of April. The market will have more than 60 vendors every weekend.
Arts for Lawrence's Theater at the Fort
Merry Movie Nights, presented by Heartland Film, is a new mini-movie series showcasing classic Christmas films on the big screen.
Here is the schedule at Arts for Lawrence's Theater at the Fort (8920 Otis Ave.):
- Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.: "The Grinch"
- Friday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.: "Elf"
- Friday, Dec. 16 at 8:15 p.m.: "White Christmas Sing-Along"
- Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.: "The Polar Express"
- Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8:15 p.m.: "White Christmas"
- Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
Tickets are $12 for anyone 12 and older, while tickets for kids under 12 are $10. Heartland film members get 20% off tickets. Plus, all attendees will get free hot chocolate.
The Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum
Merry Movie Nights, presented by Heartland Film, is a new mini-movie series showcasing classic Christmas films on the big screen.
Here is the schedule at the Basil Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum (401 E. Michigan St.):
- Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.: "It's A Wonderful Life" (also an ugly sweater contest)
- Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.: "A Christmas Story"
Tickets are $12 for anyone 12 and older, while tickets for kids under 12 are $10. Heartland film members get 20% off tickets. Plus, all attendees will get free hot chocolate.
Carmel Fire Department Santa Claus neighborhood tours
Routes will start Sunday, Nov. 27 and run on a preset schedule on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Residents can find their tour date and follow Santa in the city's app.
Castleton Square Mall
Dasher's Lightshow: A new, drive-thru Christmas display will be at the Castleton Square Mall from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Families can connect their vehicle radio to a dedicated radio station and watch the roughly 1 million lights and displays dance and blink in sync with holiday music favorites.
Eiteljorg Museum
Snow Days exhibition: Snow Days is a new exhibition opening Nov. 5. It features paintings, pottery, textiles and cultural objects, devoted to the winter season. Snow Days continues through Feb. 5, 2023, and is included with regular museum admission.
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure: Jingle Rails, the Eiteljorg's annual holiday model train display, opens Nov. 19 and runs through Jan. 16.
The Eiteljorg will also host three Jingle Rails art-making workshops:
- Moose Hot Chocolate Cones Workshops: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. — Learn about the animals that populate the Western landscape and make a moose (or elk) hot chocolate cone to take home with you.
- Snow Globe Workshop: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. — Create a snowy train scene for your own snow globe.
- Paint a Train Workshop: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. — Paint a wooden model train inspired by the trains that populated the Western railways.
Registration for the workshops is available online.
The Garage Food Hall
The Garage Food Hall in downtown Indianapolis is hosting the following fun and festive events:
- Sunday, Dec. 11: Christmas carolers
- Monday, Dec. 12: Christmas trivia
- Tuesday, Dec. 13: Instagram giveaway
- Wednesday, Dec. 14: Instagram giveaway
- Thursday, Dec. 15: Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Friday, Dec. 16: Fishers Farm Ornament Pop-Up
- Saturday, Dec. 17: Rockin' Around The Garage with DJ Skidz
- Sunday, Dec. 18: Circle City Tap Dancing
- Monday, Dec. 19: Bottleworks Winter Market
- Tuesday, Dec. 20: Instagram giveaway
- Wednesday, Dec. 21: Ornament painting
- Tuesday, Dec. 22: Hard Truth holiday mixology class
Indiana Historical Society
Festival of Trees: The holiday extravaganza begins Friday, Nov. 11 and goes through Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. Guests will see 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana.
Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
'Night of Lights' holiday display: This year's display features singing snowmen more than 20 feet tall, a life-sized Nativity scene, Candyland, a giant American flag and a 240-foot wall of lights.
Indiana State Museum
Polar Pajama Parties: The IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum is hosting its annual polar pajama parties with special screenings of "The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience." Indiana's largest movie screen, located at 650 W. Washington St., will have screenings Nov. 28 through Dec. 14. Children under 12 years old who are wearing pajamas get in free with each adult ticket purchased.
Indianapolis Arts Center
Winter Art Sale: Check out artwork and wares from local artists and artisans on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. The Art Center showcase one-of-a-kind work including paintings, jewelry, textiles, ceramics and more, as well as refreshments and holiday spirit.
Indianapolis Zoo
Christmas at the Zoo: Christmas at the Zoo returns for its 54th year from Nov. 19 through Dec. 30. People will get to view holiday lights, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plus, there will be opportunities to get close to reindeer and penguins.
Newfields
Winterlights: This outdoor holiday walking experience returns for its sixth year beginning Nov. 20 through Jan. 8. Winterlights features more than 1.5 million lights throughout The Garden at Newfields. Family favorites will return, including the Landscape of Light on the Lilly Allée and the Ice Storm Walk in the Garden for Everyone.
Newfields promises new additions to impress guests. Those will include the Glowing Garden, featuring hundreds of color blossoms illuminating the path to the Snowflake Bridge.
Nightmare on Edgewood
Holiday Scares: Nightmare on Edgewood, located at 1959 S. Meridian St. on the city's south side, is reopening Saturday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The full-contact haunted attractions will undergo seasonal updates, including falling snow, over 10,000 light bulbs and more than 10 Christmas trees.
MUNCIE
Minnetrista
Enchanted Luminaria Walk: This free community event will be held Dec. 2-3 from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy warm hot chocolate and Minnetrista apple cider, winter craft kits, holiday shopping, enchanting lights and more in celebration of the season. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at The Orchard Shop and the Holiday Artisan Market during the event.
NOBLESVILLE
Cabela's
Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's: The Santa's Wonderland experience begins Nov. 5 and ends Dec. 24. It features a free outdoor tailgate on the opening Saturday, and the retailer will be transformed into a Christmas village with free games, activities and giveaways. Reservations to take photos with Santa are recommended and can be made online.
Nickle Plate Road
Nickle Plate Express: All aboard the Nickle Plate Express!
Reindeer Rides is sold out for a fourth season and features a 75-minute ride for families to share holiday cheer with cookies, hot cocoa, holiday lights and a visit from Santa.
There are still some tickets left for the adults-only train ride, Holiday Cheers, which includes cookies, hot cocoa and adult beverages.
Ruoff Music Center
Magic of Lights: Ruoff Music Center will transform into a holiday spectacle from Nov. 18 through Jan. 1.
Magic of Lights features dozens of displays, illuminated canopies and digital animation through millions of individual LED lights.
New displays this year include a 32-foot-tall animated Barbie, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life-sized dinosaurs, BIGFOOT Monster Trucks and Winter Wonderland.
Zionsville
Winterfest: Winterfest will take place from Dec. 9 through Jan. 2, 2023, at Mulberry Fields Park (9645 Whitestown Road). New to Winterfest is an ice skating rink larger in size, food trucks and a maker’s market.
Throughout Winterfest, visitors can enjoy ice skating on real ice, food and drink, a holiday maker’s market, visits from Santa and his reindeer, park programming, sledding and more. A packed programming schedule of more than 45 events includes crafts, campfires and s’mores, themed skate events, Homeschool and Scout Days and more. All programs are free unless otherwise indicated.