25 Best Holiday Light Displays and Christmas Activities Indiana: Speedway and Beyond

Holiday Fun Activities and Light Shows in Indiana

'Tis the season! Are you looking for fun family activities and things to do this holiday season? We've gathered up the 25 best holiday light displays in the greater Indianapolis area and beyond. During the holidays, Indiana is a festive place. Many of the holiday light displays start the weekend before Thanksgiving. Some of these Indiana holiday activities and light shows are free. 

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You've eaten until your belly feels like it is going to pop. You've unbuttoned the top button of your pants to make room for desserts. What next? You can sit in the chair and watch the same old holiday movies while in a food coma or you can go for a ride and get in the holiday spirit with a festive holiday light show display or an immersive holiday activity that's fun for the whole family. If you start now, you can do them all before New Year's Day!

25 Best Holiday Light Display Shows and Family Friendly Activities in Indiana

Speedway - Indianapolis Motor Speedway Holiday Light Show

2016 was the inaugural light show at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway. Pay per car load and take a ride around the famous track.

See over 2 million lights at the Brickyard: 11/17 - 12/30, $25 per car Monday to Wednesday, $30 Thursday to Saturday, $50 for vehicles with 15+ passengers, speedy passes also available for an additional cost. 


Danville - Ellis Park Drive Thru Light Display

Winterland is open daily starting 11/24 thru 12/30 (Closed Christmas Day)
Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm and Friday & Saturday 6pm to 10pm. $10 per car load.

See Santa in the Train Station on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 23rd.

Copy and print this discount coupon to save $5 at the gate.

Carmel -  ChristKindlmarkt

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt offers a  blend of traditional German foods and gifts, surrounding a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink. The whole family will enjoy exploring the market and making cherished memories. Event is located at 10 Center Green - Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater 11/18 - 12/24 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) Wednesday thru Thursday 4-9 pm and 1-9 pm weekend days.


Kokomo - We Care Park Light Display

Located on the north side of Kokomo in the 2300 block of North Market Street (just west of the intersection of Gano and Lafountain) this outdoor display has over 1,000,000 lights and animated displays. Drive thru the park or walk the 3 acres to enjoy.


Muncie - Minnetrista Enchanted Luminaria Walk

Kick off the holiday season with this family event. Experience sweet treats, winter games and crafts, carriage rides, and holiday music in celebration of the season. Enjoy rides and food for a small fee. Indoors, Minnetrista also hosts a holiday tree event.


Fishers - Conner Prairie by Candlelight  

As a past Conner Prairie Interpreter and Manager of Music and Theatre programming, I participated in this event many times. Dress warmly. This magical, family friendly 90-minute walking tour transforms you back in time to 1836 Prairietown where it’s the night before Christmas. 12/8-12/23, $16/adult ($14/adult member) $13/youth ages 2-12 ($11/youth member) Groups of 15+ guests $15/adult & $12/youth. Tours begin at 6 PM and run every 12 minutes until 9 PM. Best for ages 7+.


Fishers - Winter Wonderland

Celebrate the magic of the season when Fisher's Nickel Plate District transforms into a Winter Wonderland, complete with a place to leave letters for Santa. Starts 11/30, FREE.

Fishers - Reynolds Farm Christmas Light Show
A million bulbs illuminate a 57' tall abominable snowman and donations benefit a local food bank. 11/21 - 1/1, FREE.

Indianapolis Museum of Art - Newfields - Winterlights 

Winterlights is an outdoor strolling experience in the gardens of IMA. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. Enjoy millions of lights that dance to music and beverages and firepits to roast s'mores at Newfields (Art Museum).  11/9 - 1/7, $8 to $20, FREE for children 5 and under, 5 & 7 PM  






Indianapolis - Christmas at the Zoo 

Twinkling lights surround the seals, sea lions, walruses and tigers. 11/24-26, 29-30; 12/1-3, 6-10, 13-23, 26-30, $9.95 for children and $12.95 for adults.


Indianapolis - Circle of Lights 

See the Soldiers and Sailors Monument transformed into a giant Christmas tree made of more than 4,000 lights. Lighting of the tree is 11/24, FREE. 


Indianapolis - Chinese Lantern Festival

Thirty sets of giant Chinese Lanterns light up the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 11/24 - 1/7, $10 to $15, FREE for children 4 and under.



Broad Ripple - Broad Ripple Lights Up!

Broad Ripple lights up for the holidays complete with a Wonderland activity village and twilight parade. 12/3, FREE.


Mooresville - Victorian Christmas Celebration

The annual Victorian Christmas Celebration features a number of fun stops and activities throughout Mooresville. A free shuttle service takes you to each stop so you don't miss a thing! Enjoy carolers, craft fair, carriage rides, performances and Victorian characters 12/2, FREE.

While in Morgan County, hop over to Martinsville and see the candy canes being made at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.


Santa Claus  - Santa Claus Indiana for the Holidays

The town with Santa's name is packed with holiday activities. Visit Santa, mail a letter and more. Check the website for dates and details.

Columbus - Holiday at the Farm

Bloomington - Canopy of Lights

French Lick - 50 Days of Lights

Indianapolis Indoor Holiday Events

Garfield Park - Conservatory Crossing

See the Conservatory decked with a brilliant display of poinsettias, enjoy model trains and villages, and thousands of twinkling lights. 11/24 – 12/31, Monday-Saturday: 10-5 pm, Sundays: 1-5 pm, Evenings Hours (until 8 pm): December 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23, $4 per person or $10 per family (2 adults max.)

​
Indiana State Museum - Celebration Crossing 

Celebration Crossing comes alive with holiday merriment from the sounds of bands, bell and vocal choirs and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will entertain visitors in their cozy home through 12/24. Take a trip back in time by gazing into the recreated L.S. Ayres store windows rekindling Christmases past. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission. Don't miss the train - it will make cherished memories for years to come.

Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis - Jolly Days

Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Enjoy favorites like the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission.


The Eiteljorg Museum - Jingle Rails  

This popular locomotive wonderland and Indianapolis family tradition opens  11/18 - 1/15, included with museum admission.


Indiana History Center - Festival of Trees

The history center is full of festive activities at the Festival of Trees. Visit the website for a full list of holiday happenings. 11/17 - 1/6, included with museum admission.


Nearby Events - Mason, Ohio - King's Island Winterfest

Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on select nights 11/24 - 12/30. The park transforms into nine enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a magical Christmas tree, up to 17 rides including Mystic Timbers, more than 5 million lights and 14 holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy. Visit the website for hours and cost.


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Holiday Road: Dress the whole family in festive Christmas pajamas while you tour the light shows from the comfort of your vehicle.

Ring in Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on 
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7 Winter and Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Simple Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Winter is here! Oh, and Christmas is also just around the corner! Not only do kids love this time of year, but so adults do too! Even the most mature people in society can’t help but get a little giddy when it’s snowing outside and the bells are ringing! Christmas brings out everyone’s inner child. Of course, winter means it’s time for fun, family, holiday activities and lots of them! Read on for 7 simple winter and Christmas activities to do with your kids.

Seven Simple Activities to do with Kids during Winter Season

There's no need to spend a lot of money or stress over making glorious holiday decorations and delectable cookies to achieve the perfect Christmas with kids. Simple winter and holiday activities make the best, long lasting memories. Why not start a new family Christmas tradition with these simple activities for family time with the kids.

1. Decorate your whole house with fancy lights

Winter isn’t the holiday season without fancy lights. 

From the colorful to the vibrant, get creative and beautiful LED fairy lights to your favorite rooms. Make sure to get the kids involved by allowing them to have input on which lights go in which location. LED lights don't get hot like those old fashioned Christmas lights so go crazy this year!

To get some amazing Christmas lights, as well as other cool bulbs and lamps, go to powerpointelectrics.co.uk. Be a clever mom or dad by ordering your lights now before it’s too late! The more lights, the merrier the holiday season. Your kids will treasure this family tradition, so go make it a thing!

2. Spend a day at your local slopes

Fingers crossed; it’s going to snow this winter! When it does, the entire family should wrap up nice and warm and head down to your local slopes. They’ll probably be lots of other families and kids there, too, which will make the occasion extra memorable. In Indiana, you can also do some stellar snow toboggan sledding at Pokagon State Park.

Don't Miss these Halloween activities!

3. Create paper snowflakes

Kids love to get creative during winter and Christmas time. A great winter holiday activity idea is to create snowflakes out of paper. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from Martha Stewart. Make sure to carefully guide your kids through the steps, and don’t forget to be extra careful with sharp scissors! Once you’ve created your paper snowflakes, scatter them around your home for a special winter holiday decoration.

Here are some more fun snowflake activities from the Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos.

4. Read Christmas stories

It's impossible to count the abundance of classic Christmas stories. So, this winter, give your kids freedom of choice when it comes to which stories they want to hear. Maybe it will be The Polar Express, or – wait for it - How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Click here for some great holiday books for kids that you may not of yet read!

Don't miss these Christmas activities!

5. Go on a Netflix marathon with the family!

Usually, the weather is freezing cold during the winter months in Indiana. Of course, this means that a lot of time is spent indoors (preferably with marshmallow.)

When your family is relaxing around the house during the holiday, load up Netflix and go on a movie-watching marathon! Elf, anyone? If you need extra help, here are 37 of the best Christmas movies for kids available on Netflix. 

Don't miss these New Year activities!

6. Have a cozy fire in your backyard

Bonfires don't have to be just for fall! If you have a nice spacious backyard, you should have a cozy (and safe) fire. You’ll even be able to toast some marshmallows, have some hot chocolate, and tell your best Christmas stories. While you're at it, make some savory s'mores!

Don't miss these holiday recipes!

7. Build igloos and snow forts

When it snows, it’s only right that the entire family has a huge snowball fight! When you do, make sure to build some igloos and forts to make it extra exciting. You can even make indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight!

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What are Good Outdoor Games to Play?

10 Great Outdoor Games for Kids

The days of simple parties where balloons, music, and a cake with candles were enough are long gone. In 2019, fun birthday ideas are at a whole new level. You need these 10 great outdoor games for kids to get moving and enjoy their special day.

Kim and Kanye set the bar high with a "kidchella" themed party, featuring bouncy houses, a Ferris wheel, and several music stages. While you won't have the same budget as the Kardashians, take inspiration from their intuitive ideas and create a party with good outdoor games to play.

If you're arranging a summer party for your kid's birthday bash, what outdoor games can you play? Read on for the 411 on which outside games your kids will actually love!

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Outdoor Games Kids Will Love

We all know the math. Kids + Birthday parties = Chaos!

Instead of expecting kids to sit around, drink tea, and chat like adults, prepare some cool games that will burn all their pent-up party energy. We've chosen 10 outdoor games that will have your guests giggling from beginning to end. Are you ready? Let's get this party started!

1. Hop Your Way to Victory

Try a traditional sack-race to get the kids moving. Give each child a good quality burlap bag or king-size pillowcase. Line them up in a grassy area and have them hop their way to victory down a marked path.

To mix it up a little, decorate the plain sacks. Make it more challenging and make the marked path curvy. Even if you just do it the old-fashioned way, it'll get a lot of laughs on the way, Scout's honor!

2. Make Your Birthday Party Pop

Balloon stomping is one of the best group games for parties. What's a party without balloons popping?

Before the party starts, prepare by blowing up at least one balloon per guest and a few extras just in case. Tie a long string or ribbon around the end of the balloon so that it is long enough to tie around the children's ankles.

When the party gets started, tie a balloon around the ankle of each child. The aim of the game is to pop everyone else's balloon while protecting your own. The last kid with an intact balloon wins.

3. Jump to It

Let the kids blow off a little steam before you sit down to open presents. One of the best outdoor games for kids, is an outdoor bouncy house. Hiring a bouncy house is an exciting treat for the kids! It really is fun for all ages (even big kids!)

From bouncy houses and inflatable water slides to blow-up climbing walls and bouncy bungee runs, knowing which one to choose boggles the mind. Do your research to find out more about the options and you'll find the perfect match for your big outdoor birthday bash.

4. Treasure Hunt

Treasure hunts have been around a long time, but they're still one of the most interesting outside games for kids to play. Adapt the hunt depending on the ages of the guests and the style of the party. Be sure to offer prizes and other birthday party favors for the winning team.

For instance, create a list of items in nature they have to find in a certain time limit. Give each guest some magnifying glasses, binoculars, and a treasure bag for their adventure. They can search for various bugs, pinecones, daisies, leaves, and more on a nature scavenger hunt or you can hide items throughout the yard and give them a list of riddles to solve to find the next treasure. As an alternative, hide pieces of treasure and candy for the kids to find. Give them a bucket and send them on their scavenger hunt,

5. Cool Pool Party

Fun birthday ideas for the summer usually involve water. Wet and wild games give kids the chance to get soaked and cool off. A pool prize search is one of the most fun outside games for a kid's party.

Use an inflatable pool filled with water. Hide weighted treasures at the bottom of the pool. Then, fill the rest of the pool with floating toys and balls, so that it's hard to see what's at the bottom. Give the kids a time limit and tell them to find the treasures at the bottom of the pool.

If kids are a bit older and it seems too easy, try blindfolding them. Their teammates can shout out directions to help them find the treasure.

6. Use Your Noodle

One of the cheapest outside games for kids is Pool Noodle Croquet. It's budget-friendly but takes a little bit of time to set up.

Create several pool noodle arches in your back yard and stake them into the ground. Give each child a pool noodle and an inflated beach ball. The idea is to be the first to get the ball through the course of arches.

7. Make a Splash

Another variation of a classic game is water balloon baseball. It's one of the easiest outdoor games for kids and parents because it's so easy to set up.

All you need is a baseball bat and some pre-filled water balloons. Make sure the guests are ready to get soaked!

8. A Tasty Mess

Fun birthday ideas have got to include cakes and treats, right? So why not turn your dessert into a game? When played outside, this donut game is lots of fun.

Tie dangling donuts from a high place, such as a tree or doorway. Then have a donut eating race, without using hands. Chocolate donuts make the most mess, so be ready with a cleanup team when the game is over.

9. Water Shoot

Here's another outdoor water game for you. Divide the party into two teams. For each team, string a plastic sand pails onto one end of a clothesline.

The concept of this game is for each team to work together to move their bucket along the clothesline, using only the spray water guns. Of course, if you don't have enough squirt guns for the party, you could fill up plastic bottles instead. Be sure the squirt guns are powerful enough to make the pails move!

10. An In-Tents Party

Another awesome outside party activity is camping. If camping somewhere remote is too much of a task, just set up a camp ground in your backyard.

Set up tents and a supervised fire-pit. Play some camping-themed games during the day. And when it gets dark, roast some s'mores on the campfire and tell scary stories.

Keep Calm and Party On!

We hoe you like this list of outdoor games with a twist for parties. Pick one, two, or as many outside games as you want, to make your birthday bash super fun!

What if it turns out to be a rainy day and you can't have fun in the sun? For some more games inspiration, both inside and out, check out the "Games" section of our blog.

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