INDIANA– With Christmas just days away and many Hooiser students out of school for holiday break, Governor Mike Braun is reminding families of festive, family-friendly Christmas activities happening across Indiana this week.
Indiana’s state agencies and partners are offering affordable ways for families to celebrate the season and spend time together, including through holiday light displays and seasonal programs at state parks, museums, and historic sites.
“Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ with family, making memories and starting new traditions. Indiana offers so many great opportunities for families to enjoy this special season together, and I encourage Hoosiers to take full advantage of these holiday events happening across our state,” said Governor Mike Braun.
Here are some of the light displays, winter activities and holiday programs happening around the state, listed alphabetically by agency, as well as links to where families can find more events hosted by each agency in their area:
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The DNR announced light displays at a number of its parks, including but not limited to: 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. Other fun activities include: The Toboggan run at Pokagon State Park. This activity operates through March 1, 2026.Hoosiers can enjoy a Christmas Eve meal at one of six Indiana State Park Inns. Details and participating inns can be found online here. Details about these activities and more at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.
Indiana Destination Development Corporation (Visit Indiana)
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation has launched its statewide holiday campaign on its website to help families find local: Christmas lights, Ice rinks and winter recreation Holiday markets, train rides, parades, and community traditions. Explore activities at VisitIndiana.com/holiday.
Indiana State Fairgrounds
The Indiana State Fairgrounds has the Christmas Nights of Lights. This is a drive-through holiday light show open nightly Nov. 7 – Dec. 31. Learn more at IndianaStateFairgrounds.com.
Indiana State Museum
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, musical performances from local choirs and ensembles. More holiday activities are being held at the museum’s state historic sites, located across the state of Indiana.
For more information about Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum, click here.
For activities at state historic sites, click here.
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 Winter programming throughout the park. Details about these activities and more are available at whiteriverstatepark.org/events/.
