101 Ideas for Holiday Family Fun in Indianapolis - 2022
(This list is always a work in progress: We update it continually through the season, so check back frequently!)
KidsOutAndAbout is Indy's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! All activities should be checked for updated status, and many require reserving ahead of time. Enjoy the holidays!
If we're missing an activity that should be on our list, please email Mindy Mangan at mindy@kidsoutandabout.com. Please make sure to include a link to the event when you email. Thank you!
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Santa Sightings
| Nov 19, 2022 | Holiday at Carter Green |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 19, 2022 | 2022 Reindeer Ride Express Nickel Plate Express |
| Nov 18, & 19, 2022 | Pictures with Santa - With Noblesville Parks and Recreation |
| Nov 25, 2022 | Santa’s Big Arrival - At The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 18, 2022 - Dec 24, 2022 | Santa Photo Experience - At Castleton Square |
| Nov 19 - Dec 24th, 2022 | Meet Santa & His Reindeer Tour- Reindeer Ridge |
| Multiple dated beginning Nov 25, 2022- Dec 23, 2022 | 2022 Sullivan Santa Express - With Sullivan Hardware & Garden |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 31st, 2022 | 2022 Celebration Crossing -Indiana State Museum |
| Nov 26, 2022 | 2022 Holly Jolly Jetway - At Indianapolis International Airport - With Town of Plainfield - IN |
| Nov 26, 2022 | Christmas in the Village Parade & Tree Lighting - With Zionsville Chamber of Commerce |
| Nov 26, 2022 | Polar Express Experience - At Murphy Aquatic Park - With Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department |
| Nov 26, & Dec 3, 10, & 17 2022 | Christmas At The Orchard - Photos with Santa - At Beasley's Orchard |
| Dec 1-24, 2022 | Photos with Santa at Hamilton Town Center |
| Dec 2, 2022 | 2022 Town of McCordsville Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration - With Town of McCordsville |
| Dec 2, 2022 | Deck the Downtown - With Downtown Noblesville |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Christmas Parade - With City of Greenfield |
| Dec 3 - 24, 2022 | Santa Saturdays - At Indiana Design Center - With City of Carmel |
| Dec 4, 2022 | Meet Santa Claus - At The Philippines Cultural Community Center |
| Dec 4, 2022 | Cookies with Santa - At Urban Vines Winery & Brewery |
| Multiple Dates Dec 1 - 24, 2022 | Santa Photo Experience- At Clay Terrace |
| Dec 3, 10, & 17, 2022 | Christmas in the Village - Santa Photos - With Zionsville Chamber of Commerce |
| Dec 4, 11, & 18, 2022 | Santa Sundays At the Carmel Christkindlmarkt - With City of Carmel |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Christmas in the Cabin - Lebanon Parks & Recreation |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Christmas on the Square - The Heart of Lebanon |
| Dec 2, 2022 | KiD CiTY Christmas in Greenwood |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Holidays in the Arts District - At Indiana Design Center - With City of Carmel |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Christmas Parade - With Lebanon Parks & Recreation |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Fortville Winterfest 2022 - With Town of Fortville |
| Dec 4, 2022 | Caring Santa - At Castleton Square |
| Dec 4, 11, & 18, 2022 | Christmas in the Village - Santa Selfies - With Zionsville Chamber of Commerce |
| Dec 4, 2022 | 2022 Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Music Spectacular & Christmas Tree Lighting - With Visit Morgan County |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Christmas in the Village Family Day- With Town of Zionsville |
| Dec 10 & 11, 2022 | Holiday Happenings - At Hamilton Town Center |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Santa Claus Christmas Parade - With Santa Claus, Indiana |
| Dec 9 & 10, 2022 | Christmas with the Ponies! - With Strides To Success |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Doughnuts with Santa - With Johnson County Shrine Club |
| Dec 10, 2022 | 2022 Sensory Friendly Visit with Santa - At Conner Prairie |
| Dec 10, 2022 | 2022 Santa’s Workshop & Santa Parade - with Town of Whitestown |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit the Palladium - The Center for the Performing Arts |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Sensory Santa - With Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department |
| Dec 17, 2022 | Pictures with Santa - With Town of Plainfield - IN |
| Dec 3 & 10, 2022 | PHOTOS WITH SANTA - At Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson |
Holiday Themed Meal
| Nov 27, Dec 3, 4, 11, & 17 2022 |
Dine with Santa in the great hall - At Indiana State Museum |
| Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2022 |
Breakfast with Santa -Conner Prairie |
| Nov 26, Dec 10, & 18, 2022 |
Santa's Holiday breakfast in the L.S. AYRES TEA ROOM™ - At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 3, & 4, 2022 |
Breakfast with the Grinch 2022- 10 Year Anniversary Celebration - At The Silver Centre |
| Dec 3, 4, 11, & 17, 2022 |
Breakfast with Santa-Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Dec 4, 2022 | Nutcracker Tea - At The Bridgewater Club - With Indianapolis Ballet |
| Dec 8, 2022 |
MEMBERS ONLY! Supper with Santa and Friends- At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 10, 2022 | |
| Dec 10 & 11, 2022 |
Christmas Tea- At Maplelawn Farmstead |
| Dec 17, 2022 | Ho Ho Ho Holiday Breakfast - With Greenfield Main Street |
| Dec 17, 2022 |
Donuts with Santa 2022 - At McAllister Recreation Center - With Lafayette Parks & Recreation |
| Dec 17, 2022 |
Breakfast with your favorite elf - At Murphy Aquatic Park - With Washington Township Parks and Recreation |
Old-Time Christmas
| Nov 12, 2022 | Christmas in Pendleton 2022 - With Pendelton Business Association |
| Nov 11, 2022 - Jan 7, 2023 | Festival of Trees-Indiana Historical Society |
| Multiple events & dates beginning Nov 19, 2022 - Jan 9, 2023 | 2022 Holidays at the Hill - At Federal Hill Commons |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 25, 2022 | A Merry Prairie Holiday - Conner Prairie |
| Multipile dates Nov 27, 2021 - Dec 19, 2021 | 2021 Christmas in the Village - Zionsville |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Christmas on the Farm-Traders Point Creamery |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 33rd Annual Victorian Christmas Celebration - Mooresville Park & Recreation District |
| Dec 4 & 11, 2022 | Go back in time- Christmas of the past - At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 3, 2022 | LIVE! Family Christmas - At Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site |
| Dec 7, 2022 | Propylaeum Holiday Open House - At The Indianapolis Propylaeum |
| Dec 9 , 2022-Jan 2, 2023 | 2022 Winterfest - With Town of Zionsville |
Light Displays
| Multiple Dates Nov 2022- Jan 2023 | Map of Holiday Lights in Fishers |
| November 11, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | Christmas Nights of Lights- Indiana State Fairgrounds |
| November 13, 2021 - January 2, 2022 | MacAllister Machinery Gift of Lights - At Marion County Fairgrounds & Events Center |
| November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023 | Magic Of Lights: Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience - Ruoff Music Center |
| Nov 19, 2022 | Grand Lighting Celebration 2022 - With Log Run Lights |
| Nov 19, 2022 - Jan 9, 2023 | Holiday Walking Light Tour - At Federal Hill Commons |
| November 20, 2022 - December 31st, 2022 | 2022 Winterlights - At Newfields |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 19, 2022 | Christmas at the Zoo - Indianapolis Zoo |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 19, 2022 | Danville Winterland Holiday Light Show - With The Greater Danville Chamber of Commerce |
| November 19, 2022- January 1, 2023 | 2022 Holiday Lights - With Log Run Lights |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 24 - Dec 26, 2022 | Santa Claus Land of Lights - With Santa Claus, Indiana |
| Nov 24, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023 | Christmas in Dale synchronized light show |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 25 - Dec 24, 2022 | Waterman's Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival & Interactive Light Show at the FARM - At Waterman's Family Farm |
| Multiple dates beginning November 25, 2022 | 2022 Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms |
| Multiple dates Dec 1, 2022 - Dec 31, 2022 | Holiday Walking Path - At Clay Terrace |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 25, 2022 | CHRISTMAS tyme lights - At Harvest Tyme |
| Multiple dates Nov 25, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023 | Lights in the Airpark - At Grissom Air Museum |
| Nov 25, 2022 | Downtown Indy, Inc.'s Circle of Lights - Downtown Indy |
| Nov 25 - Dec 31, 2022 | Dasher's Holiday Light Show - A Christmas Drive thru - At Castleton Square |
| Multiple dates beginning Nov 25, 2022 | Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights - Wellfield Botanic Gardens |
| Dec 2 & 3, & 9 & 10, 2022 | NPT Night lights - With Fishers Parks |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Westfield in Lights - With Westfield Welcome |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Holiday Lighting and Winter market -Franklin |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Avon Tree Lighting - With Town of Avon Indiana |
| Multiple dates beginning Dec 4, 2022 | The Lighted Trail - Powered by Duke Energy - With City of Greenwood |
| Dec 9, 2022 | The lighting of the Old Northside- A Winter Light in the Old Northside- With Old Northside Historic District |
| Dec 12, 2022 | Holiday of Lights: Bicentennially Bright - At John R. Drybread Community Center - With Edinburgh Parks and Recreation |
| Dec 15, 2022 | 2022 Las Posadas at Winterlights - At Newfields |
| Dec 16, 2022 | Winter Luminary Walk- At Maplelawn Farmstead |
Living Nativities
| Dec 2 & 3, 2022 | Live Nativity- At Castleton United Methodist Church |
| Dec 9-11 & Dec 16-18, 2022 | Lafayette Living Nativity-Faith Church |
| Dec 18, 2022 | 2021 Live Nativity - With Danville United Methodist Church |
| Dec 16, 2022 | Live Nativity - First Baptist Greenwood |
Hanukkah
| Dec 18, 2022 | 2022 Latkes and Lights - At Newfields |
| Dec 18, 2022 | Fort Wayne Chabad Jewish Center Chanuka Celebration |
| Dec 18, 2022 | Menorah Aflame Hanukkah Service - At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
Holiday Concerts
| Multiple dates Nov 19 - Dec 30, 2022 | Daily Entertainment Variety - At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
| Multiple dates Nov 25, 2022 - Jan 1 , 2023 | The Mistletoes Family and Friends Reunion! - At The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Nov 26, 2022 | Elf-A-Palooza Christmas Sing-A-Long Show - At Brandywine Creek Vineyards & Winery |
| Multiple dates Nov 29,2022 - Dec 15, 2022 | Mistletoe Music Festival 2022 - At Indianapolis Artsgarden |
| Multiple dates Dec 2 -23, 2022 | 2022 YULETIDE CELEBRATION - With Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Canadian Brass Christmas - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 5, 2022 | Holiday Concert at the Library - Indianapolis Public Library - Wayne Branch |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Jingle Bones 2022 - At Indianapolis Artsgarden |
| Dec 6, 2022 | A Motown Christmas - At The Palladium - The Center for the Performing Arts |
| Dec 8, 2022 | Luminare Christmas - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 8-11,2022 | Deck the Halls - At Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site |
| Dec 9, 2022 | Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve - At Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Dec 11, 2022 | A Classical Christmas - At Indiana Landmarks - With Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra |
| Dec 13, 2022 | Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits & Holiday Favorites - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 15, 2022 | Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour 2022 - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 16-18, 2022 | Festival of Carols with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir - At The Center for the Performing Arts |
| Dec 17, 2022 | The Christkind's Choir Competition - At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
| Dec 22, 2022 | Handel's Messiah - At The Palladium |
Holiday Theatre
| Multiple dates Nov 25-Dec 23, 2022 | It's A Wonderful Life - At Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre |
| Dec 1-4, 2022 | Butler Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker - At Butler Arts & Events Center |
| Dec 3 & 4, 2022 | Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Murat Theatre, Old National Centre |
| Dec 4, 2022 | The Nutcracker Short & Sweet - With Village Dance Studio |
| Dec 9, 10, & 11, 2022 | Nutcracker Sweets-Indianapolis Ballet |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Cereal Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol - At Athenaeum Indy |
| Dec 16-18, 2022 | The Nutcracker -Indianapolis Ballet - At Murat Theatre at Old National Centre |
| Dec 10, 2022 | "Holiday Cabaret on Strings" with Melchior Marionettes | Faegre Drinker Peanut Butter & Jam - At The Center For The Performing Arts |
| Dec 16-18, 2022 | The Nutcracker - With Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy |
Hands on Holiday Fun
| Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, Nov 11, 2022 - Feb 26, 2023 | Special event Igloo rental at - At Penguin Park - With Washington Township Parks & Recreation |
| Nov 19, 2022 | Gingerbread Houses - At Children’s Museum of Indianapolis |
| Dec 3 & 8, 2022 | Hands-on Holiday activities - At Indiana State Museum |
| Multiple dates Nov 1- Dec 17, 2022 | Write a Letter to Santa -At Santa Claus Museum & Village - With Santa Claus, Indiana |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Candy Cane Unicorn - At Painting with a Twist - Carmel ( Ages 7 & up ) |
| Dec 10, 2022 | The Sweet Experience - At Indiana Historical Society |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Family Day - In the Village - With Zionsville Chamber of Commerce |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Holidays Around the World - at Garfield Park Arts Center |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Sunday Family Camp Holiday Scoops - At Painting with a Twist - Carmel |
| Dec 13, 2022 | Flow Paint - Xmas Ornaments - At Garfield Park Arts Center ( Ages 16+) |
| Dec 15, 2022 | Gnomie for the Holidays - At Painting with a Twist - Carmel ( Ages 7 & up ) |
| Jan 7, 2023 | Sparkling Winter Painting - At W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park - With Hendricks County Parks and Recreation |
Christmas Tree Experience
| Opening Nov 26, 2022 | Pheifer’s Tree Farm- Monrovia |
| Opening Nov 19, 2022 | Piney Acres Farm-Fortville |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Dull's Tree Farm-Thorntown |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Lost 40 Christmas Tree Farm-Greenfield |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Hilgert Tree Farm - Fairland |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Evans Whispering Pines Tree Farm-Danville |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Clearview Family Christmas Tree Farm-Arlington |
| Opening Nov 19, 2022 | Tower Family Christmas Tree Farm -Columbus |
| Opening Nov 25, 2022 | Jay's Tree Farm - Mooresville |
Active Holiday Fun
| Dec 1-31, 2022 | A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ 5K/10K/13.1 Virtual Run - with Medal Dash Virtual Runs |
| Dec 3, 19, & 23, 2021 | 2021 Winter Luminary Walks - With Town of Zionsville ** 3 dates & locations ** |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Glühwein Gallop 5k- At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
| Dec 10, 2022 | The Red Nose Romp Half Marathon & 5k - At White River State Park - With Racemaker Productions |
| Dec 24, 2022 | 15th Annual Donut 5K Holiday Run/walk - At Carmel Racquet Club |
| Dec 18, 2022 | 2021 Santa Hustle® Indy 5k & Half Marathon |
| Dec 18, 2021 | Friends in the Forest (Winter Stroll) - At Cope Environmental Center |
| Dec 18, 2021 | Cold Full Moon Hike - At Cope Environmental Center |
| Dec 18, 2022 | Lilly Lake Lantern Walk - Lilly Lake inside Eagle Creek Park -Indy Parks and Recreation |
| Jan 1, 2022 | Resolution XC Run - At Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department - With Racemaker Productions |
Ice Skating
| Opens Nov 11, 2022 - Feb 26, 2023 | Ice Skating - At Penguin Park - With Washington Township Parks & Recreation |
| Public skate open 2022 | The Arctic Zone Iceplex |
| Public skate open 2022 | Hamilton Ice Arena |
| NOV 19, 2022 - FEB 26, 2023 | The Ice at Carter Green |
Shopping & Craft Fairs
| Nov 4, 2022 | First Friday: Holiday Open House- With Downtown Noblesville |
| Nov 5, 2022 | Arts and Crafts Marketplace - At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church |
| Nov 9-13, 2022 | 2022 Christmas Gift & Hobby Show - At Indiana State Fairgrounds & Events Center |
| Nov 12, 2022 | Holiday Open House - With Time & Again Shop Fortville |
| Nov 12, 2022 | 2022 Artie Fest Holiday Craft Fair - At Morgan County Fairgrounds |
| Nov 19, 2022 | 2022 Holiday Craft Fair - With Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department |
| Nov 18 & 19, 2022 | Holiday Fair 2022 - At Irvington Historical Society |
| Nov 19 & 20, 2022 | 4th Annual Holiday Open House - With The Little House at Earth & Turf |
| Multiple dates Nov 19, 2022-Dec 30, 2022 | Carmel Christkindlmarkt - 2022 |
| Multiple dates starting Nov 20, 2021 - Feb 27, 2022 | Holidays in the Arts District - Carmel |
| Nov 25, 26, & 27, 2022 | Suburban Indy Holiday Show - At Grand Park Sports Campus |
| Nov 26, 2022 | Downtown Lebanon Ornament Stroll - With The Heart of Lebanon |
| Dec 2 & 17, 2022 | Garfield Winter Art Market - at Garfield Park Arts Center |
| Dec 2, 2022 | Irvington Holiday Open House 2022- With Irvington Historic District |
| Dec 2, 2022 | Christmas Market & Santa Train - With Town of Bargersville |
| Dec 3, 2022 | WCFA Family Day - At Warwick Center for the Arts |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Holiday Bazaar & World of Trees Expo - At Indy's International Marketplace |
| Dec 3, 2022 | 2022 Cumberland Weihnachtsmarkt - With Town of Cumberland |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Holiday Author Fair - At Indiana Historical Society |
| Dec 3 & 4, 2022 | 4th Annual Holiday Craft Fair - At Brandywine Creek Vineyards & Winery |
| Dec 4, 11, 18 | Holiday Happenings - At Hamilton Town Center |
| Dec 3, 2022 | Christmas on the Farm, 2nd Annual Mini Holiday Market - At Walker's Homestead |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Christmas Shopping By Candlelight - With Farm Girl Mercantile |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Open-Air Maker's Market - At Mulberry Fields Park - With Zion Nature Center |
New Year's Eve
| Dec 31, 2022 | Ring in the new year - At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 31, 2022 | Countdown to Noon at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Dec 31, 2022 | NOON YEAR’S EVE SKATE PARTY - At Skateland Roller Skating - Indianapolis |
| Dec 31, 2022 | Annual Hoosier Warriors Gym New Year's Lock-In ( Ages 5-15 ) |
| Dec 31, 2022 | Noon Year's Eve - At Mulberry Fields - With Zionsville Parks and Recreation |
| Dec 31, 2022 | Family Countdown to 2023 - At W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park - With Hendricks County Parks and Recreation |
| Dec 31, 2022 | FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY - At Skateland Roller Skating - Indianapolis |
Miscellaneous
| Nov 12, 2022 - Dec 24, 2022 | The Wishing Tree 2022 - With Time & Again Shop Fortville |
| Multiple dates Nov 19, 2022 - Dec 30, 2022 | Character Meet & Greets - At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
| Nov 20, 2021 | 2021 Festival of Trees by Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County |
| November 19, 2022 – January 16, 2023 | 2022 Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure -Eiteljorg Museum |
| Multiple dates Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 31, 2022 | 2022 Conservatory Crossing - At Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens |
| Multiple dates Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 24, 2022 | 2022 Holiday Trolley - With City of Carmel |
| Nov 25, 2022-Dec 16, 2022 | 2022 Santa's Mailbox - With Fishers Parks |
| Nov 26, 2022 | Films at the Fort - The Muppet Christmas Carol - With Arts for Lawrence |
| Dec 2, 2022 | Movies in the Plaza - Elf - At Grand Junction Plaza - With Westfield Welcome |
| Dec 3, 10, & 17, 2022 | MEET SANTA'S REINDEER - At Clay Terrace |
| Multiple dates Dec 9 - Dec 31, 2022 | Campfire & S'mores - At Mulberry Fields - With Zionsville Parks & Recreation |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Military Appreciation Day- At Carmel Christkindlmarkt |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Sensory Friendly Afternoon - At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Carmel PorchFest - At Midtown Plaza - With City of Carmel |
| Dec 10, 2022 | North Pole PJ Party! - At The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Dec 10 & 17 2022 | 2022 Howliday Howl - At Wolf Park |
| Dec 13, 2022 | Snowflake Pajama Party - At Indiana State Museum |
| Dec 15, 2022 | Christmas in the Village - Christmas Crawl - With Zionsville Chamber of Commerce |
| Dec 15 ,16,17, & 18, 2022 | Trees of Plainfield - At Al and Jan Barker Sport Complex - With Town of Plainfield - IN |
| Dec 17, 2022 | Reindeer on Main - With Greenfield Main Street |
| Dec 16, 2022 | Friday Night Campfire - At Holliday Park |
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