Indianapolis, Indiana, December 23, 2025
Governor Mike Braun has announced a series of festive activities across Indiana, inviting Hoosier families to engage in holiday joy. The events feature a variety of family-friendly activities including holiday light displays and seasonal programs hosted at state parks and museums. This initiative focuses on community involvement and encourages families to participate in local traditions, creating memorable experiences. With events planned from November through January, there are ample opportunities for families to celebrate the season together.
Celebrate Christmas with Festive Events Across Indiana
Hoosier families are invited to experience holiday joy with state-sponsored activities.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun has announced a series of festive activities designed to bring Hoosier families together this Christmas season. With a focus on community engagement, the events span across the state, showcasing affordable family-friendly activities, including holiday light displays, seasonal programs, and more. This initiative not only aims to enliven local traditions but also underscores how a collaborative approach between state agencies and communities can enrich the holiday experience.
As local organizations and state agencies come together to promote these festive events, it’s a timely reminder of the power of civic innovation. When bureaucracy is minimized, local leadership can flourish, creating an environment where community members can thrive and build meaningful connections. This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of Christmas with open hearts and active participation in our local gatherings.
Holiday Light Displays and Seasonal Programs
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting several enchanting holiday light displays at various state parks. Participate in the following events:
- Mounds State Park – Nights of Lights (Anderson): Open weekends from November 28 to December 28.
- Ouabache State Park – Wonderland of Lights (Bluffton): Running nightly from November 28 to December 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Additionally, for thrill-seeking families, the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park will remain open through March 1, 2026. This season, families can also look forward to enjoying Christmas Eve meals at six Indiana State Park Inns, highlighting accessibility to local holiday experiences.
Statewide Holiday Campaigns
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation has rolled out a comprehensive statewide holiday campaign. This initiative equips families with information on various local Christmas light displays, ice rinks, holiday markets, train rides, parades, and community traditions. For a complete guide of festive hotspots, residents are encouraged to visit VisitIndiana.com/holiday.
Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing
Situated in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum will be featuring its popular Celebration Crossing event, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until January 4. Families can engage in delightful activities such as playing in Santa’s front yard and reindeer barn, riding the Snowfall Express, and enjoying musical performances from local choirs and ensembles. Beyond the museum, several historic sites across Indiana are also hosting holiday-themed activities.
White River State Park Events
Downtown Indianapolis is buzzing with holiday cheer at White River State Park, which hosts several exciting festive events, including:
- Zoo Lights at the Indianapolis Zoo
- Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails
- Various winter programming throughout the park
Attendees can find additional information about these activities by visiting whiteriverstatepark.org/events/.
Governor Braun’s Invitation
Governor Braun has emphasized the significance of family and community during this festive period. Reminding Hoosiers that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, he encourages families to make memories and start new traditions by taking full advantage of the holiday offerings throughout the state.
Weather Forecast for Indianapolis
The weather in Indianapolis for the upcoming days is as follows:
- Tuesday, December 23: Low: 32°F (0°C), High: 55°F (13°C), Description: Considerable cloudiness
- Wednesday, December 24: Low: 49°F (10°C), High: 54°F (12°C), Description: Cloudy with spotty drizzle in the afternoon
- Thursday, December 25: Low: 47°F (8°C), High: 53°F (12°C), Description: Times of clouds and sun
- Friday, December 26: Low: 47°F (8°C), High: 63°F (17°C), Description: Breezy in the morning with occasional rain
- Saturday, December 27: Low: 42°F (6°C), High: 61°F (16°C), Description: Low clouds
- Sunday, December 28: Low: 12°F (-11°C), High: 48°F (9°C), Description: A brief shower in the morning; variable cloudiness, breezy and cooler
- Monday, December 29: Low: 13°F (-10°C), High: 24°F (-4°C), Description: Much colder with plenty of sunshine
Families planning to attend these holiday events are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather conditions to fully enjoy the festivities.
Conclusion
As Indiana abounds with festive events this holiday season, there are numerous ways for families to engage with their communities. From stunning light displays to immersive museum experiences, the opportunities for creating lasting memories are abundant. This Christmas, let’s actively participate in our local traditions and support the initiatives that make Indiana a cherished place to celebrate. Embrace the holiday spirit and get involved, for the strength of our communities lies in our collective enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What holiday events are available for families in Indiana?
- Governor Mike Braun has invited Hoosier families to celebrate Christmas with Indiana’s state agencies by participating in various festive activities across the state. These events include holiday light displays, seasonal programs at state parks, museums, and historic sites, offering affordable and family-friendly ways to enjoy the season together.
- Where can I find holiday light displays in Indiana?
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has organized several holiday light displays at state parks, such as: Mounds State Park – Nights of Lights (Anderson): Weekends, Nov. 28–Dec. 28 Ouabache State Park – Wonderland of Lights (Bluffton): Nov. 28–Dec. 25, nightly from 6–9 p.m. Additionally, the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park operates through March 1, 2026. Families can also enjoy Christmas Eve meals at six Indiana State Park Inns.
- What other holiday activities are available in Indiana?
- The Indiana Destination Development Corporation has launched a statewide holiday campaign to help families find local Christmas lights, ice rinks, holiday markets, train rides, parades, and community traditions. More information is available at VisitIndiana.com/holiday.
- What is the schedule for the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing?
- The Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 4. Activities include playing in Santa’s front yard and reindeer barn, riding on the Snowfall Express, and musical performances from local choirs and ensembles. More holiday activities are being held at the museum’s state historic sites across Indiana.
- What events are happening at White River State Park?
- Holiday events at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis include: Zoo Lights at the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails, and winter programming throughout the park. Details about these activities and more are available at whiteriverstatepark.org/events/.
- What is the weather forecast for Indianapolis during the holiday season?
- The weather in Indianapolis for the upcoming days is as follows: Tuesday, December 23: Considerable cloudiness, High: 55°F (13°C), Low: 32°F (0°C) Wednesday, December 24: Cloudy with spotty drizzle in the afternoon, High: 54°F (12°C), Low: 49°F (10°C) Thursday, December 25: Times of clouds and sun, High: 53°F (12°C), Low: 47°F (8°C) Friday, December 26: Breezy in the morning with occasional rain; mostly cloudy and warm with the temperature approaching the record of 19 set in 1875, High: 63°F (17°C), Low: 47°F (8°C) Saturday, December 27: Low clouds, High: 61°F (16°C), Low: 42°F (6°C) Sunday, December 28: A brief shower in the morning; otherwise, variable cloudiness, breezy and cooler, High: 48°F (9°C), Low: 12°F (-11°C) Monday, December 29: Much colder with plenty of sunshine, High: 24°F (-4°C), Low: 13°F (-10°C). Families planning to attend these events should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Types | Holiday light displays, seasonal programs, community traditions |
| Key Locations | Mounds State Park, Ouabache State Park, Indiana State Museum, White River State Park |
| Dates | November 28 – January 4, specific events on various dates |
| Weather | Temperatures ranging from 24°F to 63°F through the holiday period |
| Community Engagement | Encourages local participation and tradition-building |
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