Family fun for the holidays: 13 things to do with kids around Indianapolis this season

Caroline Beck, Indianapolis Star
·3 min read

Need to find some family fun activities that get you and your kids out of the house while on winter break? Here are some activities around Indianapolis that the whole family can enjoy.

A Merry Prairie Holiday

Through Dec. 22

Enjoy Christmas lights while strolling through historic Prairie Town at Conner Prairie. Take a ride on the Kringle's carousel, take a selfie with Santa or take a ride on the Polar Bear plunge tubing slide.

Tickets can be purchase online. Ticket prices for members are $12 and $24 for non-members.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Through Dec. 24

The Carmel Christkindlmarket brings a German Christmas to Indiana. This market offers German food vendors, ice skating and fun for the whole family.

There's no admissions fee for the market. Tickets for ice skating can be purchased online ranging from $9-$15.

Beyond hot cocoa & gluhwein: Eater's guide to the 2023 Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Christmas at the Zoo

Through Dec. 30

Experience Santa's village under the Bicentennial Pavilion with chances to meet characters like the Ice Princess and Jack Frost. Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and see Santa's sleigh along with a few reindeer all while enjoying beautiful holiday lights.

Tickets can be purchased online and range from $20-$32.

Christmas Nights of Lights

Through Dec. 31

Families can enjoy a display of synchronized lights to Christmas music at the Indiana State Fair Grounds from the comfort (and warmth) of their car.

Online reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $30-$75 depending on the number of passengers.

Circle of Lights

The "world's tallest Christmas tree" is lit during the 2018 Downtown Indy Circle of Lights ceremony, held on Monument Circle in Indianapolis on Nov. 23, 2018.
The "world's tallest Christmas tree" is lit during the 2018 Downtown Indy Circle of Lights ceremony, held on Monument Circle in Indianapolis on Nov. 23, 2018.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument through Jan. 14

Monument Circle's historic circle of lights has been updated with new lighting, staging, audio and video technology updates that transform the circle into a life-size snow globe.

The Circle of Lights is free. Attendees can pay to park in any parking garages or open street parking.

Festival of Trees

Through Jan. 6

Families can view 78 elaborately decorated trees that represent individuals, organizations and companies from around Indiana. Families can listen to caroling in the Cole Porter Room or see an interactive display from the movie "A Christmas Story."

Tickets can be purchased online and range from $15-$5. Children under five can attend for free.

Indianapolis Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Carol

Through Dec. 24

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" returns to Indy this holiday season. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he find the joy in celebrating Christmas through kindness and love.

Tickets can be purchased online and range from $25-$116.

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

Indiana State Museum: Celebration Crossing

Through Dec. 31

Hop on the Snowfall Express to journey through the forest populated by animals celebrating the coming winter and first snowfall. Families can also enjoy a visit to Santa, activities in Santa's Front Yard, the 92 County Tree, Santa's Holiday Breakfast, or lunch in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room.

Tickets are included with the museum admission which ranges from $13-$19.

Ice Skating

Guests ice skate at Holiday Park on Black Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Indianapolis.
Guests ice skate at Holiday Park on Black Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Indianapolis.

Families can enjoy ice skating at various outdoor rinks around the city:

Eiteljorg Museum: Jingle Rails

A model train passes through in the Jingle Rails exhibit Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. The museum is undergoing renovations to its Native American galleries for the first time since it opened in 1989. As part of these renovations, the space Jingle Rails is held will be expanded.
A model train passes through in the Jingle Rails exhibit Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. The museum is undergoing renovations to its Native American galleries for the first time since it opened in 1989. As part of these renovations, the space Jingle Rails is held will be expanded.

Through Jan. 15. New extended hours for the rest of December.

Experience a magical model train wonderland consisting of nine G-Scale trains winding through stunning landscapes and past iconic landmarks of Indianapolis and the West.

Tickets can be purchased online ranging from $2-$18.

Children's Museum: WinterFaire

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis launched its annual Jolly Days Winter Wonderland on Nov. 23, 2019. Through Jan. 5, 2020, families can enjoy favorites like the 47-foot Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa (Nov. 29-Dec 24 only).
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis launched its annual Jolly Days Winter Wonderland on Nov. 23, 2019. Through Jan. 5, 2020, families can enjoy favorites like the 47-foot Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa (Nov. 29-Dec 24 only).

Through Feb. 11

WinterFaire is a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Families can also slide down the classic WinterSlide through Jan. 7 or visit Santa.

Tickets can be purchased online and attendees save 20% when buying general admission tickets at least two weeks in advance. Prices may vary depending on the day.

Nutcracker Sweets Ballet at Newfields

Through Dec. 30

At the Toby theatre at Newfields, experience a one-hour abbreviated version of The Nutcracker with Indianapolis Ballet dancers.

Tickets can be purchased online and range from $25- $35.

Winterlights at Newfields

Through Jan. 7

For the seventh year in the row, families can enjoy magical light displays in The Garden at Newfields while listening to arrangements from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in a dazzling synchronized lights display in front of Lilly House.

Tickets can range from $14-$119 depending on which date attendees choose.

Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy.

Caroline’s reporting is made possible by Report for America and Glick Philanthropies. As part of its work in Marion County, Glick Philanthropies partners with organizations focused on closing access and achievement gaps in education. 

Report for America is a program of The GroundTruth Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local newsrooms. Report for America provides funding for up to half of the reporter’s salary during their time with us, and IndyStar is fundraising the remainder.  

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Christmas 2023 events near me: 13 things to do around Indianapolis