Let there be lights—that you can enjoy safely from your car!
Sure, certain holiday staples around town may not be happening this year, but that’s no reason to despair. Lucky for us, the greater Indianapolis area is home to a host of light shows that you can view from the socially-distanced safety of your vehicle.
We rounded up five festive drive-through light shows that will allow us to spread holiday cheer—and holiday cheer alone—this month.
INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS’ CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds boasts over one million holiday lights synchronized to festive tunes available via your car radio. This 2-mile long drive-through display is Indy’s largest synchronized light show and will be taking place from dusk until 10 p.m. every night until January 3.
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Indy’s North Meridian Street
As Indy’s central north-south roadway, Meridian Street runs through many of the city’s historic neighborhoods—many of which feature homes with beautiful winter displays. Turn on some holiday classics (if that’s your vibe) and take a drive with your quarantine crew.
LOG RUN LIGHTS IN CLERMONT
Located on the west side of Indianapolis, Clermont is home to the family-owned and operated Log Run Lights show. Drive by to see thousands of whirling, twirling lights, and don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa! In addition to over 300 amazing displays, the exhibit has a mailbox for visitors to send a note to jolly old St. Nick.
We’re in the Christmas spirit and construction mode. Can’t wait to light up the city!
Posted by Log Run Lights on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
CARMEL’S CITY CENTER
This year, Carmel’s Light Up the City event took place virtually to keep city dwellers in the holiday spirit safely. To continue these efforts, visitors are invited to drive around the perimeter of the city center (and, if comfortable, walk through the area and the Monon Greenway) to view dazzling and shimmering lights for the remainder of the holiday season. Christkindlmarkt or not, Carmel City Center sparkles with holiday magic.
Circle of Lights in Downtown Indy
Last, but obviously not least, is one of Indy’s most well-known and highly-anticipated holiday traditions. Even though this winter’s tree lighting is virtual, Downtown Indy’s beloved Circle of Lights is as bright as ever. Grab your family and make your way to Monument Circle for a 360-degree drive around nearly 5,000 LED lights guarded by larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors. Psst! Arrive at 6:30, 8, or 10 p.m. and see a special holiday version of the Shining A Light show, a nightly tradition introduced in 2019.
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Visit our Event Calendar for more holiday fun in and around Indy this winter! For updates on COVID-19 guidelines in Indianapolis, visit https://www.indy.gov/topic/covid.
Kylie Stine is an Indy Maven intern and senior at Butler University. When she isn’t at a coffee shop geeking out on her latest project, Kylie enjoys having dance parties with her roommates, listening to music at max volume in her car, and perusing Indy’s small businesses.