Last updated on October 5th, 2020 at 05:42 pm
For our date day in December, we decided to check out a few Christmas events in Indianapolis. While I was researching what events we could explore as a couple in Indy, I was surprised at just how many Christmas activities the city has to offer.
Christmas Events In Indianapolis That Are Perfect For Couples
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We couldn’t possibly explore all of Indianapolis’ Christmas events in one day, so we decided to enjoy two and fill in the rest of our day with Christmas shopping and of course, eating.
Festival Of Trees At The Indiana Historical Society
Our first Christmas event of the day was taking in the Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society. We paid $9 per person to get in, but since there was so much else to see besides the 80 Christmas trees, we felt like the admission price was well worth it.
By far the largest and most elaborate tree was the one found in front of the entrance to the Eli Lilly Hall. The tree has a walkway through the middle of it complete with a kissing ball, and yes, my husband and I did share a kiss beneath it.
What Indiana Christmas tree display would be complete without a Colts-themed tree? It is found within the Colts exhibit where you can learn the history behind the NFL team.
The tree that captured my heart, however, was the tree decorated by the Mass Ave Knit Shop.
This probably has something to do with the fact that I love to knit. If you too like to knit, you can visit my other blog and grab a free pattern for fingerless gloves or a free pattern for DIY Knitted Christmas Tree Ornaments.
Jack’s favorite tree was the one by the Indianapolis Zoo. He loved how colorful and unique it was.
Conservatory Crossing At Garfield Park Conservatory
After exploring all the exhibits at the Indiana Historical Society, we made our way over to Garfield Park Conservatory. During the Christmas season, the conservatory puts on a display that includes hundreds of Christmas poinsettias. The exhibit also features Christmas lights, two train displays, and a giant Christmas tree.
The exhibit costs $4 per person to get in. We didn’t think the admission charge was outrageous, but had we known the majority of the display was all located in one room, we probably would have brought our beloved kindle paperwhites with us. That way we could have spent some time reading side by side on one of the benches near the pond in the warmth of the garden area so we could have soaked up the beauty and the heat just a bit longer while squeezing it some reading time.
If you are a model train lover, then admission will be well worth it to you to see the model train and village on one side of the Christmas display and the circus train around the bottom of the big Christmas tree on the other side.
This last picture is of a Christmas event almost an hour out of Indianapolis, but since it was on our way home, we stopped to see it.
Every year at Christmas time the city of Elwood, Indiana lights up their city blocks with an outrageous amount of Christmas lights. Since I am such a huge fan of Christmas light displays, we try to drive through Elwood and stop to walk the lights every year.
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10 More Christmas Events In Indianapolis Couples Can Explore
1. Christmas At The Indy Zoo–Admission Fee
Our family did this a few years back and I remember thinking that the light display had a very romantic feeling to it.
It does cost you a ticket to the Indianapolis Zoo to take in the lights, but I think it is worth it, especially if you take the time to walk over to the gardens and enjoy the display there as well.
Thrifty tip: Admission is less when you pay in advance online.
2. Circle Of Lights At Monument Circle–Free
This is a no-cost event that is well worth doing. We have driven through the circle during the Christmas season before, but I want to one year walk around it.
3. Winterlights–Admission Fee
There is a $20 per adult charge for Winterlights at Newfields, but from the pictures I have seen of it, I think it is worth paying to see it at least once. There are a million and a half Christmas lights used in the display. We didn’t make it this year, but I have it on our bucket list for next year.
4. Lights At The Brickyard–Admission Fee
Three million lights on the two-mile display make the lights a Brickyard an event you have to do at least once — especially if you are a race car fanatic because the course includes a drive around the historic oval, the front stretch and “Yard Of Bricks” start/finish line. The cheapest admission for a ride around the loop is $25 per carload if you go Monday through Wednesday night.
Thrifty tip: Since the price is per carload, this would be a great event to put your minivan to use for something other than hauling kids. Invite two other couples to go with you and split the cost. Make a night of it and enjoy a meal together too.
5. Live Christmas Theatre Productions–Admission Fee
Check the Indianapolis Theater website for listings of Christmas themed musicals and plays. Hit the “Holiday And Christmas” tab to see a complete listing
Thrifty tip: I noticed Groupon and Living Social offer reduced tickets to events like these from time to time. Be sure to check these sites before you pay full price for a ticket.
6. Live Christmas Concerts–Admission Fee
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra puts on a Christmas event every year. The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus holds a Christmas concert.
7. Meridian Street Lights From Monument Circle To 86th street–Free
Meridian street contains many historic homes that are all lit up for the holiday season. If you love heritage homes and Christmas lights, this is a must see.
8. Carmel Christkindlmarkt -Free
These last few events are held in the suburbs of Indianapolis, but they are not that far out of the city, so I am adding them to the list.
I found out about the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Midwest Magazine (I subscribe for free thanks to RecycleBank) and it is now on my bucket list for Christmas events to see in the area.
It is free to get into the market and to park in surrounding areas, but if you want to go ice-skating, there is a fee for that. The website for the market suggests you book your skating time online. The market has vendors selling Christmas gifts and food and of course, those are not free.
Even if you don’t intend to purchase a thing or go skating, I think the Carmel Christkindlmarkt looks like a Christmas event you need to attend at least once–I know I want to.
The market is open Wednesday through Sunday. Check the website for times as it is mostly open during evening hours.
9. Reynolds Christmas Lights Display–Free
The Reynolds Christmas Light Display is put on by Reynolds Farm Equipment in Fishers. We have always viewed this from Highway 37 that borders the property, but I have heard that it is best observed by taking the time to get in line and drive through the display. Their Facebook page says it is open from 5:00-10:00 each night.
10. Sleigh Rides At Clay Terrace–Free
I don’t know if this is an annual event, but I hope it is because I want a ride. Sleigh Rides are offered Friday nights only from 5:30 to 7:30 during the holiday season. I would check their website for further details.
Indianapolis folks–did I miss any Christmas events that are great for couples? If so, list them in the comments because I would love to check them out.
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