Best Winter Events in Indianapolis for 2025 and 2026

When the temperature drops, Indianapolis turns the season up ,with sparkling light displays, festive markets, family-friendly museum shows, and weekend farmers markets that keep winter feeling warm and local. Whether you’re making a new holiday tradition or just looking for a weekend adventure, here are the top winter events in Indianapolis for 2025.

Woman Standing Inside of Room  by Inga Seliverstova

1. Circle of Lights at Monument Circle  

There’s nothing quite like the glow of Monument Circle decked out for the holidays. The Downtown Indy Alliance’s Circle of Lights tree-lighting is a long-running tradition that officially flips the switch on Indy’s holiday season the day after Thanksgiving, followed by nightly illumination through the holidays. Expect live entertainment, TV coverage, and crowds bundled up to watch the Soldiers & Sailors Monument sparkle. If you want the classic downtown experience — music, Santa sightings, and huge LED displays — plan a visit around the official lighting ceremony and enjoy the lights throughout the season.

2. Winterlights at Newfields 

Newfields (the Indianapolis Museum of Art campus) transforms its gardens into a luminous wonderland with Winterlights. This walk-through light experience features synchronized displays, illuminated trees, and photo-worthy installations scattered across the campus grounds; perfect for date nights, family outings, and slow, festive walks. Tickets usually sell in advance for timed entries, so check the Newfields site for dates, ticket windows, and member nights before you go. 

3. Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo 

The Indianapolis Zoo’s Christmas at the Zoo is one of the region’s most enduring holiday lights shows and it’s especially fun for families. The Zoo builds out illuminated paths and themed displays, often including extended evening hours during the event window (typically late November through early January). You’ll get the glow of holiday lights plus the zoo’s creatures and seasonal programming ,a great combination for kids and anyone who loves an outdoor lights walk with animal encounters nearby. 

4. Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg 

If miniature worlds and model trains are your thing (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love them at the holidays?), Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg Museum is a must-see. This long-running exhibit features G-scale trains chugging past hand-crafted landscapes, including miniatures inspired by local Indianapolis landmarks and the American West. The Eiteljorg also pairs the exhibit with seasonal makers’ markets and family workshops on select dates, making it a cozy, indoor winter option that’s ideal when the weather is especially brisk. 

5. Indy Winter Farmers Market 

For a winter Saturday ritual, the Indy Winter Farmers Market runs through the cold months inside The AMP at 16 Tech. It’s a prime way to buy local produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, and small-batch treats when outdoor markets are on pause. The market is family-friendly, perfect for grabbing breakfast from a vendor, stocking up on pantry items, and supporting Central Indiana farmers and makers. Check the market calendar for vendor lists, parking details, and special market days. 

Planning tips for winter event-goers

  • Tickets & timing: Big draw events (Newfields Winterlights, Zoo lights, Jingle Rails) often require timed tickets. Buy ahead on event pages to secure your slot.

  • Parking & transit: Downtown events like Circle of Lights draw crowds and road closures; consider arriving early, using public transit, or planning for nearby paid lots. 

  • Dress in layers: Indianapolis winter evenings can be biting; pack warm coats, hats, and comfortable shoes for outdoor walks.

  • Combine stops: If you’re heading downtown, you can often pair a market stop with an evening lights walk to make a full night of it.

How Speedway Subaru can help you explore Indy all season

All this city-hopping around lights, markets, and museums means extra miles on your car and winter driving brings its own challenges. Speedway Subaru offers factory-trained technicians, express service options for quick oil changes or tire rotations, and online service scheduling so your Subaru is ready for every festive outing. Whether you need a battery check before a long night out, winter tires installed for snowy roadways, or a pre-road-trip inspection before heading to a holiday market, Speedway Subaru lists services and current specials online and makes appointments simple. Book service online or call their service department to set up routine maintenance. Express service is even available if you don’t want to miss a morning market!