‘Tis the season for hot cocoa, looking at Christmas lights, and spending time with loved ones. If you’re looking for things to do in Indianapolis this Christmas season, we’ve got a list of ideas for you! Whether you want to visit Santa or find the best places in Indianapolis to go on a family adventure, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event (first started in 1967). See holiday decor and lights throughout the zoo, watch a dolphin show, a penguin encounter, and a Christmas mirror maze, there’s so much to see and do at the Indianapolis Zoo – all included with regular admission.
Looking for a place to see Santa? The Indianapolis Zoo is offering a variety of holiday activities this year, including a visit from Kris Kringle himself! Santa will be at the zoo until December 23rd, so be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Indianapolis this holiday season.
Christmas Train Display in Indianapolis
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, at The Eiteljorg Museum, is an enchanting G-scale model train experience complete with nine trains travel through a picturesque miniature landscape. All of the materials used are natural and it is even more beautiful with all of the holiday lights! This exhibit showcases smaller versions of downtown Indianapolis’s most iconic landmarks, like the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle, Union Station, and Lucas Oil Stadium. The trains then journey through America’s majestic Western national parks, stopping at renowned sites such as grand railway lodges and Northwest Coast Native villages. Other highlights include natural wonders like Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon, man-made marvels like Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip, and much more.
Cozy Coffee Shops in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is home to many coffee shops that are perfect for families. Adults can grab a coffee, while kids can grab a sweet treat, hot cocoa, or a host of other drinks to warm up. Click here for a full list of Indianapolis coffee shops.
Watch an Indianapolis Hockey Game
Take In A Hockey Game: One of our favorite wintertime tradition is going to see the Indy Fuel play! Hockey games are always a blast, and there’s nothing like experiencing it live. The Fuel have several home games in December, and fun theme nights such as an ugly sweater night and a teddy bear toss – where everyone can bring a teddy bear and toss in on the ice after the Indy Fuel scores their first goal!
Monument Circle of Lights Christmas Display
One of the most popular things to do in Indianapolis during Christmastime is seeing the Monument Circle lights! Every year, downtown Indianapolis transforms into a winter wonderland, with lights and decorations covering the entire Circle. Be sure to mark this activity on your list of things to do in Indianapolis at Christmas time!
Ice Skating in Indianapolis
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by going ice skating? There are several places around Indianapolis where you can enjoy some time on the ice, including The Ice Rink at Holliday Park, the Indiana State Fairgrounds Ice Rink, and Perry Park. So put on your warmest coat, grab your friends or family members, and enjoy some time skating around Indianapolis!
Indianapolis Christmas Symphony
‘Tis the season for holiday music! If you love listening to Christmas carols as much as we do, then attending a holiday concert is one of the best things you can do in Indianapolis this time of year. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is putting on a performance of Handel’s Messiah, as well as several performances of the annual Indiana Yuletide Celebration.
Volunteer for Christmas in Indianapolis
‘Tis better to give than receive—and what better way to Spread some holiday cheer than by giving back? There are plenty of ways to volunteer around Indianapolis during Christmastime. Gleaners Food Bank, Wheeler Mission, and Coburn Place Safe Haven are just a few organizations that could use your help this time of year. So if you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, be sure to check out these great organizations!
From visiting Santa at the zoo to attending a holiday concert, there are plenty of things to do in Indianapolis this Christmas season! So whether you’re looking for festive family activities or ways to give back! Let us know your favorite thing to do in Indianapolis this Christmas.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!