INDIANAPOLIS – The holiday season is getting brighter at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center as Christmas Nights of Lights, presented by Fifth Third Bank, returns November 6 through December 31, 2026. The annual drive-through light show invites families and friends to celebrate the season with more than one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music, festive displays, and a memorable experience for guests of all ages.
The 2.1-mile experience transforms the Fairgrounds into a holiday destination, allowing guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas from the comfort of their vehicles. From colorful light tunnels to larger-than-life holiday scenes, Christmas Nights of Lights continues to be a seasonal tradition for visitors throughout Central Indiana and beyond. For this year’s new feature, the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand will be lit up with 300 colorful gumdrops.
“Christmas Nights of Lights has become a holiday tradition that people look forward to year after year,” said LeRoy Lewis III, Director of Community & Media Engagement at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “It’s an opportunity for people to spend time together, create lasting memories, and celebrate the season. We’re especially proud that this event also allows us to support organizations doing important work throughout Central Indiana.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in a reserved time slot for the day you plan on attending. Guests can tune their vehicle radios to the designated station and enjoy the show at their own pace.
Beyond the lights, Christmas Nights of Lights continues its commitment to supporting local nonprofit organizations through its annual charitable giving initiative.
During the first two weeks of the show (November 6-22), participating organizations will have unique promotional codes that guests can use when purchasing tickets. Guests receive discounted admission, and a portion of the proceeds from qualifying purchases will benefit the organization associated with the code.
This year’s participating charitable partners include:
- Mozel Sanders Foundation | MOZEL26
- Brooke’s Place | BROOKES26
- WRTV Toy Drive | WRTV26
- Salvation Army | SALARMY26
- Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation | MDFF26
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition | NOCC26
- Special Olympics | OLYMPICS26
- Shepherd Community Center | SHEPHERD26
- A Kid Again | AKIDAGAIN26
- Gleaners Food Bank | GLEANERS26
- Second Helpings | SECHELP26
- The parks alliance | PARKALL26
- Riley Children’s Foundation | RILEY26
- Indianapolis Indians Charities | INDIANS26
“This initiative is an important part of what we want Christmas Nights of Lights to represent,” Lewis added. “When guests purchase tickets using one of our participating charity codes, they’re helping organizations that serve our neighbors, support young people, and provide essential resources to those who need them. It’s a simple way to make the holiday season meaningful for even more people.”
Guests are encouraged to support participating organizations by using their designated discount codes during the charitable giving promotion.
Christmas Nights of Lights offers an easy and convenient way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends, and loved ones.
Event Details:
- Dates: November 6 through December 31, 2026
- Hours: Two time slots available. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended weekend availability
- Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
- Entrance: Gate 3 (1698 E. 42nd Street)
- Tickets: Advance online reservations required and can be found at www.christmasnightsoflights.com
Guests must remain inside their vehicles throughout the experience. Pets are welcome but must remain in vehicles.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their preferred date and time, particularly during weekends and the days leading up to Christmas.
