During the holidays the Circle City becomes the city of twinkling lights, as Christmas celebrations light up downtown Indianapolis.
1. Go downtown. Every year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis transforms into the world’s largest Christmas tree. The Circle of Lights presentation entails 4,784 lights, more than 6 miles of electrical wire and 2 miles of garland. Santa Claus is on hand to spread holiday cheer.
2. Visit the zoo. Christmas lights and carolers and Santa and his reindeer can be found throughout the month of December at the Indianapolis Zoo. Spend cool December nights at Christmas at the Zoo to see holiday displays in their brightly lit splendor. Also, watch the Indiana Rail Road’s Holiday Trainland as it winds through the zoo’s Hilbert Conservatory at White River Gardens.
3. See Santa. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are busy making their rounds during the holidays, including appearances at the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing. In December, a nostalgic celebration offers rides on the Santa Claus Express train for kids, retro holiday window displays from the old Indianapolis department store L.S. Ayres, carolers and children’s crafts.
4. Enjoy "Jolly Days." Another Indy holiday tradition featuring Santa is Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. From Thanksgiving through the first week of January, Jolly Days hosts the Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, ice fishing and the Cookie Café for kids of all ages.
5. Visit the Indiana Repertory, Indianapolis Civic, American Cabaret, Hilbert Circle, Murat and Beef & Boards theatres for classic holiday feature shows ranging from “The Nutcracker” to “A Christmas Carol.” Merry Christmas!
Tips & Warnings
Try a carriage ride for a memorable light-viewing experience.
Bring the video camera to make family home movies to cherish for a lifetime.
If attending the Circle of Lights tree lighting, come early and expect a crowd.
