2024 Indy Winter Bucket List
The holidays are officially here and it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year in Indianapolis. Don’t miss out on Christmas tree lights, train rides, and holiday flavors with the 2024 Indy Winter Bucket List with 50 ways to experience the holidays in Indy.
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1. Visit a Heated Patio or Rooftop
Stay cozy while dining outdoors! Head to Cannon Ball Lounge at Hotel Indy for delicious eats and heated outdoor seating. Perfect for enjoying the winter vibes without freezing.
2. Ice Skate at the Westfield Ice Ribbon
Skate along the scenic Westfield Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza. Pro tip: Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially on busy weekends.
3. Watch Yuletide at the Hilbert Theatre
Don’t miss the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s magical holiday performance of Yuletide at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Tickets sell fast, so grab yours early for this iconic Indy tradition.
4. Ski at Perfect North
Make the most of winter with a day trip to Perfect North Slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing only 1.5 hours from Indy. Weekdays are quieter for those looking to avoid crowds.
5. See the Circle of Lights
Downtown Indy transforms with dazzling lights at Monument Circle with Circle of Lights. Visit on a weeknight for a more relaxed experience and fewer crowds.
6. Find Your Next Book at Loudmouth
Support a local gem! Loudmouth Books on the Old Northside offers a curated selection of books. Ask the staff for personalized recommendations for you or for a gift.
7. Ride the Nickel Plate Express
Climb aboard this festive train ride departing from Noblesville’s Forest Park. Holiday-themed rides are especially popular, so book in advance for this magical experience.
8. Visit Winterlights at Newfields
Explore a stunning display of over a million lights at Newfields + inside the Oldfields home. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds, and members get discounted tickets.
9. Visit the athenaeum christkindlmarkt
Not willing to drive to Carmel? Enjoy festive German holiday vibes downtown at the Athenaeum’s Christkindlmarkt.
10. See Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society
Marvel at uniquely themed and beautifully decorated trees at the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees. This family-friendly event is a must-see during the holidays.
11. Cheer on the Colts
Catch the Indianapolis Colts in action at Lucas Oil Stadium. Arrive early to enjoy pre-game festivities at Touchdown Town or check out the Bullseye Events tailgate!
12. Check Out the Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Sip Glühwein and shop for authentic German gifts at the enchanting Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Don’t leave without trying their famous raclette cheese sandwich!
13. Hunt for a Thrifty Winter Look
Find cozy sweaters and stylish winterwear at Toggery Resale Boutique in Broad Ripple. A treasure hunt for the fashion-savvy on a budget - be sure to check out their designer section.
14. Sip on a South Bend Hot Cocoa
Take a trip to The South Bend Chocolate Company for their rich and indulgent hot cocoa—perfect for warming up on a chilly day before seeing the Circle of Lights.
15. Check Out Christmas at the Zoo
Explore festive lights and holiday exhibits at the Indianapolis Zoo. Visit in the evening to see nocturnal animals in action under sparkling lights.
16. Shop the Winter Farmers Market
Support local vendors and artisans at the Indy Winter Farmers Market at The AMP, open every Saturday from November to April.
17. Drink Inside an Igloo
Reserve a heated igloo at Urban Vines Winery in Westfield for a unique winter dining and drinking experience. Also worth checking out - Bourbon Bungalows at West Fork Whiskey.
18. Read at Red Door Cafe
Nestle into a cozy nook with your favorite book at Red Door Cafe downtown. Pair it with one of their signature lattes while enjoying the comforting vibes.
19. Movie Night at the Kan-Kan Cinema
Catch a classic or indie film at Kan-Kan Cinema in Windsor Park. Their in-house bistro offers delicious pre- or post-movie dining, perfect for a winter date night.
20. Attend a Pacers Game
Cheer on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Look out for promotional nights with free giveaways or discounted tickets. Pro tip: ice skate at Bicentennial Unity Plaza before the game.
21. Enjoy a Christmas Play
Celebrate the season with a live holiday production, like “A Christmas Carol” at the Indiana Repertory Theatre and make new annual Christmas traditions with family.
22. Bake Cookies with Local Ingredients and share them
Pick up fresh, local ingredients from Goose the Market or Amelia’s Bread to make delicious holiday cookies everyone will love.
23. Explore a Museum
Indulge in art, history, or science at Indy’s incredible museums like the Eiteljorg Museum or the Indiana State Museum for indoor winter fun.
24. Sip at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Check out H+C Tavern’s Nutcracker Suite for whimsical holiday drinks in a decked-out festive atmosphere for Instagrammable moments.
25. Volunteer at a Local Organization
Spread holiday cheer by volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank or other local organizations.
26. Host a Holiday Party with Friends
For a fun twist, host your party at Pins Mechanical Co., complete with games and holiday cheer.
27. Check Out Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum
See intricate model trains surrounded by festive holiday displays, a hit for kids and adults alike at Jingle Rails.
28. Visit a Holiday Market
Shop handmade gifts and local goodies at markets like the Amanda’s Winter Market at The Stutz for one-of-a-kind finds.
29. Stay in a Postcard Cabin in Brown County
Book a cozy Postcard Cabin in Brown County for a peaceful winter getaway with upgraded amenities like outdoor hot tubs, fire pits, and grills. Use CITYOFSHAY to save $25 on your next booking.
30. Watch Indy Fuel Play
Catch the action-packed excitement of an Indy Fuel hockey game at the newly opened Fishers Event Center. Pro tip: Family packs offer great value for a fun night out.
31. Girls Night at Board and Brush
Unleash your creativity with a DIY holiday wood sign workshop at Board and Brush in Noblesville, Greenwood, Brownsburg or Carmel. Bring your own drinks and enjoy a fun, crafty evening with friends.
32. Sip a Seasonal Latte
Warm up with a winter-inspired latte from Fresh Pots Coffee Bar in Greenwood, featuring unique house-made syrups and festival holiday flavors.
33. Visit Dull’s Tree Farm
Pick out the perfect Christmas tree and enjoy holiday activities like hayrides and hot cocoa at this family-friendly farm in Thorntown.
34. Binge Classic Christmas Movies
Create a cozy movie marathon night at home with classic holiday films like "Elf," "Home Alone," and "It's a Wonderful Life." Don’t forget the popcorn and hot chocolate! Pro tip: check these movies out from the library!
35. Try an Art Class
Join a winter-themed art workshop at Create Art Studio in Broad Ripple and create something truly unique this holiday season to keep or gift to someone special.
36. Shop local for gifts
Hit up a local district like Fountain Square or Mass Ave and shop locally for gifts at spots like Francis + Fern, Good Neighbor, and Three Dogs Bakery.
37. Make a Wreath with Flower Boys
Craft a beautiful holiday wreath with fresh greenery with Flower Boys. These workshops fill up quickly, so book your spot early.
38. Visit Conner Prairie for Merry Prairie Holiday
Experience a historical holiday celebration at Conner Prairie, complete with candlelit paths, live music, and sledding hills.
39. Sip Wine at Solely Wine Bar
Enjoy a relaxing evening sipping curated wine flights at Solely Wine on the Old Northside. It’s the perfect spot for a winter date night or outing with friends.
40. Rebound Class at MVMT House
Stay active this winter with a high-energy rebound fitness class at MVMT House in the Factory Arts District. Great for channeling holiday stress in a healthy way!
41. Make Handmade Gifts for Others
Craft meaningful, handmade gifts for loved ones at Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple, where you can join workshops for jewelry-making, painting, and more.
42. See the Fairgrounds Lights
Drive through the dazzling Christmas Nights of Lights display at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Tune in to the holiday music station for a synced experience.
43. Shop Locally for Decor at Decorate
Find unique and stylish holiday decorations at Decorate on Mass Ave. Their curated collection has unique finds for every home and style.
44. Check Out a Holiday Read at the Library
Browse festive reads at the Central Library downtown, where holiday book displays and cozy reading nooks await. Bonus points for staying warm and enjoying downtown views from the top floor!
45. Make Blankets for Those in Need
Spread warmth by making and donating blankets to organizations like Wheeler Mission. Host a blanket-making party with friends for a fun, impactful evening.
46. Warm Up with Whiskey Flights
Head to Hotel Tango Distillery in Fletcher Place for a toasty whiskey flight featuring locally distilled favorites.
47. Explore a Small Town Nearby
Visit Zionsville for charming cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and holiday festivities straight out of a Hallmark movie.
48. See Celebration Crossing at the State Museum
Ride the Santa train, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and explore festive exhibits at the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing.
49. Treat Yourself to Cake Bake
Indulge in a decadent holiday dessert at The Cake Bake Shop in Carmel or Broad Ripple. Their seasonal creations are as stunning as they are delicious, plus their oppulent decor is very Instagram friendly.
50. Visit Conservatory Crossing
Walk through Garfield Park Conservatory’s poinsettia and twinkling light displays, complete with an enchanting model train setup.
This list is perfect for making your winter unforgettable while exploring the best that Indianapolis and nearby areas have to offer! ❄️
