PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELEVANCE HEALTH RINK ON BICENTENNIAL UNITY PLAZA
The trees are well on their way to being bare, and holiday lists are being made, which means many of us have big calendar planning energy. Or, we’re already overwhelmed by the season ahead. So, what’s the best way to avoid feeling FOMO, overscheduled, or both?
Plan ahead! Here are some of our top recommendations for your bucket list this winter in Indy. From holiday markets and concerts by candlelight to ice skating in the city and cozy soups to slurp, here are 50 things to do in Indianapolis and beyond to keep the winter blues at bay.
1. If you’re looking to get out of town, Lights Under Louisville (the only underground Christmas light show in the world) is a fun destination in a 2-hour drive from Indy (Nov. 8 – Jan. 4, 2025).
2. Check out the 2024 Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society (Nov. 15 – Jan. 4, 2025) where you can walk through a winter wonderland (indoors) of more than 80 trees decorated by local individuals, families, and organizations.
3. Take the little train lover in your life to Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg (Nov. 16 – Jan. 20, 2025).
4. Treat your bestie to dinner and a showing of “A Christmas Carol” at IRT (Nov. 18 – Dec. 24).
5. Experience the old-world charm of Christmas in Germany at the Carmel Christkindlmart (Nov. 23 – Dec. 24).
6. Enjoy the magic and wonder of Winterlights (Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2025).
7. Go cocktail tasting in Tinsel Tavern, snag a selfie in the Polar Pathway, and say “Hi” to Santa at Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo (Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2025).
8. Make a date with your partner (or BFF) to go ice skating at Elevance Health Rink on Bicentennial Unity Plaza (Nov. 22 – Jan. 26, 2025) or Holliday Park Ice Rink (Nov. 29 – Mar. 1, 2025).
9. Check out the new Winter Wonderland stroll at A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie (Nov. 29 – Dec. 22)
10. Celebrate more than 60 years of Downtown Indy Inc.’s Monument Circle of Lights (Nov. 29- Jan. 11, 2025).
11. Take a thrill ride on the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park, open with or without snow (Nov. 29 – Feb. 23, 2025).
12. Find traditional German festival elements (music, warm raclettes, gluhwein and plenty of platzchen to go around) at The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt (Nov. 29 – Dec. 22).
13. Take a stroll through Garfield Park Conservatory or check out one of their upcoming events from the ‘Conservatory Crossing’ holiday wonderland (Nov. 29-Dec. 29) or do a guided tour after the New Year to keep winter blues at bay.
14. Support your favorite locally owned shops on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30).
15. Experience the magic of the season with a stunning performance of The Nutcracker. There are several shows throughout Indy including Palladium Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 30-Dec. 1), Butler’s Clowes Memorial Hall (Dec. 5-8), and Murat Theatre (Dec. 19-22).
16. Attend an Indy Fuel Hockey Game – Catch the excitement of opening night at Fishers Event Center (Dec. 6) and cheer on the home team with friends or family throughout the season.
17. Round up the family to see the Indianapolis Symphony’s Yuletide Celebration (Dec. 6 – 23).
18. From Jane Lynch’s ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’ (Dec. 7) to Handel’s Messaiah (Dec. 19), there’s something for everyone at Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts this season.
19. Candlelight Theatre’s newest production, Winter Wonderland, invites families to celebrate the holidays in a beautifully decorated setting where history and festivity intertwine at the President Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site (Dec. 12-15).
20. Do a cold-weather fun-run like the Santa Hustle (Half-maraton, 5k, or kids dash), at White River State Park (Dec. 15).
RELATED: 8 WAYS TO FIGHT OFF THE WINTER BLUES
21. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. See ‘Elf The Musical’ at Butler’s Clowes Memorial Hall (Dec. 17-22).
22. Listen to beautiful holiday music by candlelight at ‘Candlelight: Christmas Music on Strings’ at the Scottish Rite Cathedral (Dec. 19).
23. Sip Local Brews at Winterfest. The annual beer festival at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Feb. 28, 2025) is a perfect way to taste seasonal brews from local breweries.
24. Create your own holiday-scented candle at Penn & Beech, Unplug Soy Candles, or Circle City Candles.
25. Hit up one of Indy’s sledding hills. See a list of top sledding locations from our friends at FOX59 here.
26. Have a drink by the fire at Just Pop In! and pick up a 12 Days of Christmas gift set while you’re there.
27. Try your hand at cross-country skiing or take a winter hike at Eagle Creek Park.
28. Clear your house of clutter for the New Year – using The Baer Minimalists’ list of recommended donation locations to guide you.
29. Hit up a local winter farmers market to support local makers and vendors year-round.
30. Purchase a new puzzle to get you through the long winter nights—some of our favorite jigsaw retailers include Silver in the City, Stomping Ground, and Wild Geese Bookshop.
31. Freshen up dry winter skin with a facial at FACE FOUNDRIÉ. Try the FOUNDRIÉ Glow facial. It hydrates the skin and leaves you with that perfect glow. *Indy Maven members – don’t forget about your discount!
32. Get a team together for regular trivia nights at Ash & Elm, Baby’s, or your favorite local pub.
33. Unleash your inner rock star at Maru Studio Karaoke, which features private karaoke rooms where you can sing your heart out with friends while enjoying a delectable menu of Korean food and drinks.
34. Enjoy a unique dining experience in a cozy igloo at Urban Vines. Savor delicious cuisine surrounded by twinkling lights and winter scenery. Reserve your igloo here.
35. Learn to make French macarons, croissants, or the perfect pumpkin pie at a Circle City Sweets cooking class. They even have a cookie class for kids.
36. Take yourself out for a tea tasting at Tea’s Me Cafe’s original location.
37. Take a Winter Bird-Watching Walk. The Indiana Birding Trail website offers website offers maps and resources on where to go and what to look for—you can even hire a guide.
38. Get Cozy with a new twist on hot chocolate, like the Italian drinking chocolate treats at Caffè Buondi.
39. Catch a Flick at Kan-Kan Cinema. Enjoy a cozy night with an indie film at this artsy theater with plenty of winter and holiday-themed screenings.
40. Create a Winter Terrarium – Bring a bit of green indoors by making a terrarium at spots like the Newfields Greenhouse or local plant stores. 
41. Try an Art Class at the Indianapolis Art Center. Winter is a great time to experiment with painting, ceramics, or other crafts at this Broad Ripple studio.
42. Have a family (or grown-up) game night at Books and Brews (kids eat free on Sundays and Wednesdays!).
43. Solve a Mystery at a local escape room—Breakout’s ‘Island Escape’ will do the trick on a cold day.
44. Winter skies are some of the clearest; see if you can catch a meteor shower or join a stargazing night to marvel at the stars at the Holcomb or Link Observatories.
45. Grab your sled and head to Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, where you’ll find a 60-foot sledding hill—the tallest point in Hamilton County.
46. For even more fun in the snow, consider Koteewi Run in Noblesville—Central Indiana’s only groomed snow tubing hill.
47. Keep your green thumb active throughout the colder months with events and workshops like “Winter Wonderland Terrariums” and “Winter Porch Pots” at Alice’s Garden.
48. Treat yourself to a monthly pass for The AromaRoom where you can do as many Halotherapy, AromaTherapy, and Hydramassage sessions as your heart and soul desire.
49. Pair dinner with a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a one-of-a-kind theater opening in Speedway on Nov. 18th.
50. Challenge yourself to try as many favorite local soups as possible.
Leslie Bailey is the founder and CEO of Indy Maven.
All of our content—including this article—is completely free. However, we’d love if you would please consider supporting our journalism with an Indy Maven membership.
