12 classic shows, light displays and more to celebrate the holidays around Indianapolis

Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star
·4 min read

Indianapolis' traditional Christmas favorites have largely returned to normal after the mess than was 2020. Hilbert Circle Theatre will once again welcome the flock of Yuletide fans, and audiences and actors can share the cozy lessons of "A Christmas Carol" under the same roof.

Those who'd like more distance will have no trouble choosing an awe-inspiring light display that you can tour by foot or car. Admire festive trees and new model trains in museums with plenty of space to spread out, too.

Read on for 12 warm and fuzzy ways to spend your holidays. Be sure to check event websites before you head out to make sure you meet negative test or vaccination requirements, which some venues have imposed. And while you can buy tickets at the door for some activities, many are still asking that you purchase in advance.

Vaccination or test requirements: What to know about venues' protocol for concerts and events

Festival of Trees

Nov. 12-Jan. 8. Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. Included with regular admission. festivaloftreesindy.org

The theme for the 75 decorated trees is "Back Home Again," and what feels more Hoosier than that? Keep an eye out for the 30-foot centerpiece tree and the Twilight Tuesday experiences to see the trees at night.

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland

Nov. 20-Jan. 2. The Children's Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St. Included with admission. Special events require another ticket. childrensmuseum.org/holiday-events

Greeting Santa, traveling to the North Pole to learn about St. Nick's life and building a gingerbread house are a few events on The Children's Museum's packed holiday calendar.

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure

Nov. 20-Jan. 17. Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. Included with regular admission. Reserve tickets in advance and apply for a discount by using promo code JINGLE. eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails

The Eiteljorg's Jingle Rails will return, starting Nov. 20 this year.
The Eiteljorg's Jingle Rails will return, starting Nov. 20 this year.

Enjoy a mini San Francisco skyline, including Alcatraz Island, along the model train route that's known for famous sites. Think Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium and, as it travels further west, Northwest Coast Native villages, Mount Rushmore and the Las Vegas Strip.

Christmas at the Zoo

Nov. 20-Dec. 30. Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. Included with regular admission. indianapoliszoo.com/events/christmas-at-the-zoo

Visit penguins, the Jolly Old Elf and Mrs. Claus' kitchen to decorate a cookie. Add mystery to the adventure by traveling through a tunnel with glowing lights and finding hidden mistletoe.

Sparkling light displays

The Rock Lawn and a vintage Christmas tree lots are among the new features at Winterlights. At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, towering snowmen will serenade you amidst more than a million lights, a life-sized Nativity and Candyland scenes. Also in the sparkle game is the mile-long Magic of Lights in Noblesville, which includes a Blizzard Tunnel that you can drive through.

Newfields opened its Winterlights exhibit for a staff dress rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. The Winterlights exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 21, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021. The interactive seasonal display features over a million and a half bulbs lighting up trees across the art museum grounds.
Newfields opened its Winterlights exhibit for a staff dress rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. The Winterlights exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 21, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021. The interactive seasonal display features over a million and a half bulbs lighting up trees across the art museum grounds.

  • Drive-Through Christmas Light Display: Nov. 12-Jan. 2. Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, Gate 12, 1698 E. 42nd St. $30 per carload, up to 8 people, $50 carload (9-15), $75 carload (16-35). Buy tickets in advance. christmasnightsoflights.com/indianapolis

  • Magic of Lights: Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St. in Noblesville. Advance tickets: $25 weekdays, $35 weekends. Gate: $35 weekdays, $45 weekends. $200 season pass. magicoflights.com

  • Winterlights: Nov. 22-Jan. 2. Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road. Public: $25 adults, $17 ages 6-17. Members: $20 adults, $13 ages 6-17. Free for kids ages five and under. Buy tickets in advance. discovernewfields.org/winterlights

WINTERLIGHTS 2021: What to know about Newfields' light display

'A Christmas Carol'

Nov. 26-Dec. 26. Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St. Tickets start at $25. $40 virtual tickets. irtlive.com/plays-and-events/2021-2022-Season/a-christmas-carol

The theater's signature holiday production is back. The sweet Tiny Tim, hard-hearted Scrooge and the inimitable spirits deliver warmth and forgiveness during the coldest part of the year, thanks to the classic work by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tom Haas.

A Merry Prairie Holiday

Nov. 26-Dec. 22. Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. $22 nonmembers. $11 members. connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday

A 3D projection mapping holiday show will blanket the William Conner House with "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." A sock skating rink, the Reynolds lights and lessons about holidays around the world are among more activities.

Celebration Crossing

Nov. 26-Jan. 2. Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. Included with admission. indianamuseum.org/experiences/celebration-crossing

The new Snowfall Express train will take you through a forest full of characters basking in the snow, cooking meals and playing sports. Activities also include an evening pajama party, visits with Santa and a dessert buffet that draws on L.S. Ayres Tea Room traditions.

Yuletide

Dec. 3-23. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. $40-$100 adults, $26-$65 children. Costs are subject to change. indianapolissymphony.org/event/yuletide

Grammy-award winner Sandi Patty and T.3, the three-man vocal group that's known from "America's Got Talent," will be highlights for this beloved longtime tradition by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Returning favorites include the Holly Jolly Dollies and famous tap-dancing Santas.

Yuletide: What to know about tickets and more for 2021

'Nutcracker' delights

Classic or with a twist, the story of Clara, her friend and their adventure is always top of mind this time of year.

'Tis the Season

Dec. 10-12. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St. $14.95-$17.95. bhpsite.org/events/tis-the-season

Characters from history and folklore will entertain you in the Victorian family home of the former president during 60-minute performances.

Festival of Carols

Dec. 15 at Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St. $27-$46. Dec. 17-19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green in Carmel. $35-$57. indychoir.org/foc

Star soprano Angela Brown and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will be among the guests of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. You'll also hear “Gather Round the Holy Manger" by Joyce Vickery, who won the 12th Annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition.

Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Holidays 2021: 12 shows and displays to celebrate Christmas and more