The 2025 Indianapolis Holiday Bucket List
It’s the most wonderful time of year - the holiday lights are twinkling, the shops are bustling, and our annual bucket list of holiday fun in the Circle City has arrived. We asked CityMoms: What are your holiday must-dos? And boy did they answer.
It’s time for the 2025 Indianapolis Holiday Bucket List!
You’ll want to make room on your calendar ASAP, especially for classics like A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie, we never miss it!
Here’s Our 2025 Indianapolis Holiday Bucket List:
Load up the sleigh for family fun…
All aboard Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum
Or, snag a train car of your own at the annual Sullivan Express
Visit Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum for a historical holiday experience
Or, wander back in time for a Merry Praire Holiday with Conner Prairie
Kickstart a family tradition of seeing A Christmas Carol at Indiana Repertory Theatre
Make spirits bright - find a way to donate that works for your family
Take a drive with a thermos of cocoa to find the best-decorated home in town
Go for a spin at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza Elevance Ice Rink in downtown Indy
Pop in to the now-annual Winterfaire at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Hit the road with these unique Midwest holiday experiences
Take a walk on the wild side with the holiday lights display at the Indianapolis Zoo
PLANNING FESTIVE FUN WITH LITTLES?
Plan a holi-date night…
Complete your holiday shopping for the kids together… to help, here’s the top 5 gifts for kids in 2025
Warm up with hot chocolate at Schokolad Chocolate Factory in Hendricks County
Watch an adult Christmas movie together - here are our faves
Visit a pop-up bar (like Tinseltown!)
Go on a romantic carriage ride…don’t forget a cozy blanket!
Keep them guessing with a fun excursion thanks to Guess Where Trips
Stroll through the Winterlights at Newfields
Check out the holiday line-up of movies (and bevs!) at Flix Brewhouse
Get out of the cold and into the warm glow of IHS’s Festival of Trees
Create movie-worthy magic and #SkateTheRuins at Holliday Park
Get into the festive spirit with friends…
Venture out to an igloo together
Throw on your best holiday dress for a night of unforgettable fun at the ISO Yuletide Celebration
Host a “wrap party” to wrap gifts without kids or partners sneaking a peek
Leave the kids at home and enjoy an adult group outing to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
See a Nutcracker performance, or two
Skip the traditional gift-giving sesh and swap favorite things
WE MENTIONED A CHRISTMAS CAROL…
Find joy (to the world?) with these…
Go for a solo drive, and while you’re out, see Veal’s Ice Tree
Treat yourself to a getaway without the jet lag to Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt
Get moving in a holiday 5k
Ensure your home and holidays are fire-safe
Take a break from the seasonal chaos with Urban Meditation
Visit Hendricks County for holiday shopping at Perry Crossing (watch out for these gifting don’ts!)
