The Best Holiday Traditions IN Indiana

Holiday Season at Fair Oaks Farm
Nov. 1 - Dec. 31

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

"A Christmas Story" Comes Home
Nov. 15 - Dec. 30

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.

2025 Festival of Trees
Nov. 26 - Dec. 3

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.

Christmas Carol Clue Hunt
Dec 9 - 29

Celebrate the holidays with us by participating in our CHRISTMAS CAROL CLUE HUNT! Look for the numbered stations along Trail 5 and guess which Christmas carol is being portrayed.

Festival of Gingerbread
Nov. 28 - Dec. 21

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.

Purdue Christmas Show
Dec. 6 -7

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.

Indiana Christmas Train
Dec. 5 - 7, 12 - 14, & 19 - 22

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. 

Christmas at the Zoo
Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 (Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24 & 25, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1)

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.

Celebration Crossing
Nov. 28 – Jan. 4

Visit Santa Claus, ride the Snowfall Express train, and experience the magic of the Holiday every day at the Indiana State Museum. 

Cambridge City Winter Wonderland
To be Announced

The family will love Christmas in downtown Cambridge City. Luminaries will set the stage for the 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.

Reindeer Express
Nov. 15 - Dec. 23

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.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Nov. 22 - Dec.22

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.

Jingle Rails
Nov. 15 - Jan. 19

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.

Martinsville Candy Kitchen
Open All Year | Candy Cane Schedule TBD

Watch candy canes get made at Martinsville Candy Kitchen and enjoy one of the most fun treats of the season! Get your sugar tooth satiated at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen this Holiday Season!

Christmas At The Seiberling
Nov. 29 - Dec. 31

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

Image Credit: Paula Groff

Parke County Covered Bridge Christmas
Nov 29 - Dec 1, Dec 6-8

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!

Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour Homes
Nov. 28 - 29, Dec 5 - 6

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.

Holiday in the Village, Spring Mill State Park
Dec. 5 - 6

The village comes to life during these beautiful evenings. Enjoy traditional pioneer treats while the villagers decorate and cook for the holidays.  Music in the Gristmill and other buildings.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Nov. 1 - Dec. 23 (Dates Vary)

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!

Live Reindeer Exhibit
Nov 29 - 30

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. 

Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 6

The 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.

Santa Claus
All Year

Festive shopping experiences, holiday activities, annual events, and Christmassy lodging—the town of Santa Claus is the place to be during the holidays! 

Santa Claus Christmas Store
All Year

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.