Indianapolis, November 25, 2025
Indianapolis is celebrating the holiday season with a multitude of festive events that cater to both residents and visitors. From enchanting light displays to family-friendly concerts, the city’s diverse celebrations emphasize community spirit and local participation. Key events include Winterlights at Newfields and the Circle of Lights at Monument Circle, igniting the holiday atmosphere across the city. With activities designed for all ages, Indianapolis is set to create lasting memories this holiday season.
Festive Events Light Up Indianapolis This Holiday Season
Explore the Wonders of Indianapolis IN This Holiday Season
Indianapolis is embracing the holiday season with a spectacular array of events and attractions designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages. This year, the city’s commitment to community spirit and resilience shines through a variety of festive celebrations, offering a chance for everyone to gather and enjoy the spirit of the season. The blend of local leadership and community choice has made it possible for these events to flourish, serving as excellent examples of how reduced bureaucracy can pave the way for civic innovation and engagement.
From dazzling light displays to captivating concerts, the city presents an impressive lineup of holiday experiences. As Indianapolis continues to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere, the emphasis on personal initiative and community involvement drives the success of these celebrations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the prominent seasonal happenings in the city.
Winterlights at Newfields
Newfields has transformed into a winter wonderland with nearly two million lights illuminating the grounds. Visitors can stroll through The Garden, experience synchronized light shows set to holiday music, and explore the historic Lilly House adorned with festive decorations. This enchanting event runs from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Circle of Lights on Monument Circle
On November 28, 2025, Monument Circle will host the 63rd annual Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW Local 481. This beloved event features a festive lighting ceremony, engaging live performances, and the illumination of a 100-foot Christmas tree, marking the official start of the holiday season in downtown Indianapolis.
SPARK: Holidays on the Circle
SPARK: Holidays on the Circle will take place every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 21, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Monument Circle. Family-friendly activities including themed musical performances and appearances by Santa Claus will create a vibrant holiday atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
From November 7 to December 31, 2025, the Indiana State Fairgrounds will host Christmas Nights of Lights, an exciting drive-thru light show featuring over one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music. This unique experience allows families to enjoy the festive ambiance from the comfort of their vehicles.
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
Running from December 5 to December 23, 2025, the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration at the Hilbert Circle Theatre showcases a spectacular blend of Broadway-level vocalists, sensational choreography, and festive costumes. This engaging event brings together artists and the community in a celebration of the holiday spirit.
Freetown Village Singers at Winterlights
Adding to the musical magic, the Freetown Village Singers will perform holiday carols during Winterlights at Newfields on December 9, 16, and 20, 2025. These performances will enhance the dazzling ambiance with soulful melodies at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Christmas at the Zoo
From November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Indianapolis Zoo will welcome guests to its beautifully decorated grounds featuring impressive light displays and holiday-themed activities for visitors of all ages. This annual event is a favorite family tradition and encourages community engagement in a fun and educational environment.
Additional Holiday Events
Other notable events this season include the TPA Park Festival of Lights in Frankfort, Indiana, running from November 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026. This event features over one million LED lights and animated displays in a free, donation-based format, offering a festive atmosphere reinforced by live Christmas music broadcast on local radio stations.
With these diverse events and attractions, Indianapolis is set to provide a festive and memorable holiday experience for all, emphasizing the strength of community bonds and the joy of celebrating together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Winterlights at Newfields?
Winterlights at Newfields is an annual event where nearly two million lights illuminate the grounds of Newfields, creating a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy synchronized light shows set to holiday music and explore the historic Lilly House adorned with festive decorations. The event runs from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
When is the Circle of Lights event on Monument Circle?
The 63rd annual Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW Local 481 will take place on November 28, 2025, at Monument Circle. The event features a festive lighting ceremony, live performances, and the illumination of a 100-foot Christmas tree, marking the official start of the holiday season in downtown Indianapolis.
What is SPARK: Holidays on the Circle?
SPARK: Holidays on the Circle is an event that takes place every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 21, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Monument Circle. The event includes themed musical performances, appearances by Santa Claus, and festive decorations, providing a vibrant holiday atmosphere in the heart of the city.
When is Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?
Christmas Nights of Lights is a drive-thru light show featuring over one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music. The event runs from November 7 to December 31, 2025, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, offering a unique way to experience holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle.
What is the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration?
The AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration is a holiday production at the Hilbert Circle Theatre running from December 5 to December 23, 2025. It features Broadway-level vocalists, sensational choreography, and festive costumes, co-hosted by Broadway star Ashley Brown and multi-genre talent Curtis Bannister, conducted by Maestro Jack Everly.
When are the Freetown Village Singers performing at Winterlights?
The Freetown Village Singers will perform holiday carols during Winterlights at Newfields on December 9, 16, and 20, 2025. Their performances at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. will add a musical touch to the dazzling light displays, enhancing the festive experience for visitors.
When is Christmas at the Zoo?
Christmas at the Zoo is an event at the Indianapolis Zoo running from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland with impressive light displays, festive decorations, and holiday-themed activities for visitors of all ages.
What is the TPA Park Festival of Lights?
The TPA Park Festival of Lights is an annual holiday event in Frankfort, Indiana, running from November 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026. It features over one million LED lights and animated displays in a drive-thru format. The event is free and donation-based, offering a festive atmosphere with live Christmas music broadcast on local radio stations.
Key Features of Indianapolis Holiday Events
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winterlights at Newfields | Newfields | Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Nearly two million lights, synchronized light shows, historic Lilly House decorations |
| Circle of Lights | Monument Circle | Nov 28, 2025 | Lighting ceremony, live performances, 100-foot Christmas tree illumination |
| SPARK: Holidays on the Circle | Monument Circle | Nov 29 – Dec 21, 2025 | Themed musical performances, Santa appearances, festive decorations |
| Christmas Nights of Lights | Indiana State Fairgrounds | Nov 7 – Dec 31, 2025 | Drive-thru light show with over one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music |
| AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration | Hilbert Circle Theatre | Dec 5 – Dec 23, 2025 | Broadway-level vocalists, choreography, festive costumes |
| Freetown Village Singers at Winterlights | Newfields | Dec 9, 16, 20, 2025 | Holiday carol performances at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. |
| Christmas at the Zoo | Indianapolis Zoo | Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Festive decorations, holiday-themed activities, impressive light displays |
| TPA Park Festival of Lights | Frankfort, IN | Nov 27, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026 | Over one million LED lights, animated displays, donation-based entry |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
