A Somewhat Tipsy Guide to Indianapolis Christmas Events, 2019

The Holidays are upon us! Whether it's with friends, family, or a solo mission, check out these lovely and festive things to do in Indianapolis this Christmas season!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Obviously, drinking recommendations are 21+. Not legal advice.

No matter how often I travel, I'm *always* happy to come back to Indy, especially at the Holidays. For a relatively small place, Indianapolis really shines at Christmas. We love Christmas, we do have perfect holiday weather, and we fill the city with holiday-themed *everything.*

From theatrical productions, to over-the-top museum displays, and, of course, our concrete Christmas tree, let's walk through the top Christmas activities in Indianapolis in 2019. They mostly involve drinks...or at least the easy proximity of drinks! Not necessarily advocating it...but did you know Indianapolis does not have open container laws?

So spike that hot cocoa and let's get strolling.

Christmas Activities in Indianapolis

​Indianapolis Christmas 2019: A Christmas Carol at the IRT

Seeing A Christmas Carol at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre is one of the highlights of the Christmas Season and an excellent way to get yourself into the right mindset for the holidays. Running November 16-December 26, 2019, you've still got plenty of time to stop by and give your tear ducts a work out! If you happen to be an Indiana State Employee, you get a discount on tickets if you go in November (but not December!)

Buy your tickets from the IRT website, or stop by (easier if you're looking for one of the discounts).

Indianapolis Christmas 2019: Winterlights at Newfields

Interior of Oldfields, the Lilly Mansion, at Newfields' Winterlights

Winterlights at Newfields was a recent creation of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, after it underwent rebranding a few years back. A massive success, Winterlights features both the grounds of the museum and the interior of Oldfields, the Lilly family mansion on the property, lit up magnificently, from 5-9 in the evenings.

So grab a beverage (yes, there is alcohol at Winterlights), and stroll the grounds! Winterlights runs November 23, 2019 - January 5, 2020.

​Be sure to coordinate with your out-of-town family and buy your tickets in advance. If you buy before December 3rd, you can enjoy a discount! And if you're into strolling the grounds of lit-up museums, The Indianapolis Zoo offers a unique and popular experience as well, Christmas at the Zoo.

Exterior lights at Newfields, Winterlights

Newfields, Winterlights

Indianapolis Christmas 2019:
Mass Ave Midnight Sip & Stroll

Get a head start on the shopping on Friday, November 22, with a special shopping event Downton on Mass Ave, Sip & Stroll! Drinks and shopping local- an unbeatable combination!

Indianapolis Christmas 2019: Christmas Tree Lighting

Monument Circle Christmas Tree

On November 29, come downtown Indy to enjoy all the festivities surrounding the lighting of our "Christmas Tree" aka the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Monument Circle, the heart of downtown Indianapolis. We've been lighting it up like this for 57 years, so why stop now! Fair warning: it's a bit crowded!

And even if you can't make it to the lighting, be sure to check out Monument Circle during the Holiday Season when you're Downtown. I'd recommend dinner over on Mass Ave beforehand!

Indianapolis Christmas 2019: Miracle on South Street

So I have never personally experienced this, but it is *definitely* on my list for this year! My favorite Indy hotel, The Alexander, is hosting a Christmas pop-up bar, Miracle on South Street, which premiers on Black Friday. What better way to celebrate surviving Thanksgiving?

​Fun fact of the day: Christmas and alcohol in Indianapolis have a strange history...we weren't actually allowed to buy alcohol on Christmas Day in a grocery/liquor store until 2015.

Christmas Activities on Indianapolis's North Side

Indianapolis Christmas 2019: Carmel Christkindlemarkt

Carmel's Palladium and ice rink during Carmel Christkindlemarkt

I am *definitely* biased here, but Carmel's Christkindlemarkt is my absolute top recommendations for Indianapolis-area Christmas events this year (and every year!). It runs November 16-December 24, 2019, so it's open now and remember - you can't go *after* Christmas!

From ice skating (if they have space!) to the most delicious gluhwein, to checking everyone off your Christmas list with authentic, German Christmas decor and gifts, the Christkindlemarkt really has something for everyone, of any age. Plan to spend a little while at the Markt - you'll need some time to take it all in...and get a second little mug of gluhwein.

Gluhwein Tower at Carmel's Carmel Christkindlemarkt

Makers at work at Carmel's Carmel Christkindlemarkt

Indianapolis Christmas 2019:
​A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

I had the pleasure of working at Conner Prairie, in various positions, for around 10 years - and their events just keep getting better. Conner Prairie has revamped its holiday offerings. Be sure to add A Merry Prairie Holiday to your Christmas agenda, weekends, starting December 29! Check out all the festivities they're offering here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful holiday season in and around Indy! There's so much to see and do - be sure to send your tips my way in the comment section!

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