The Ultimate Guide to Newfields Winterlights {2023}

If you're looking for fun, family Christmas activities in Indianapolis, my top recommendation has always been, and will always be, Winterlights at Newfields! I've rounded up everything you need to know before you venture out in the cold to discover the twinkling trails of Newfields' annual Christmas light extravaganza.

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. ​Updated November, 2023.

Considering a visit to Winterlights at Newfields?

Be sure to mark your calendar, as Newfields' yearly Winterlights holiday season event returns in 2023 for its seventh year.

If you enjoy strolling through thousands of Christmas lights with a festive beverage in hand, then Winterlights is the event for you. Newfields is transformed into a frosted forest that gives a whole new meaning to 'walking in a winter wonderland!'

For more on a visit to Newfields, check out the full blog post.

Newfields Winterlights: The Basics

Each year, starting after Thanksgiving and lasting through the Christmas holidays, Newfields hosts its most popular event of the year, Winterlights, when the grounds and Lilly estate on the property are fully illuminated with more Christmas lights than you've ever seen in one place. It's a wonderful way to entertain out-of-town-guests, and also the hottest ticket in town, so be sure to book early.

When is Newfields Winterlights?

Winterlights starts Sunday, November 19, 2023 and runs through the new year, ending January 7, 2024. The IMA is closed on Mondays, as is Winterlights.

What time is Newfields Winterlights?

Winterlights runs from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM.

Winterlights Tickets
​{2023 Update}

As Newfields did with Harvest Nights this year, they're premiering an array of ticket types for Winterlights. The new ticket scheme features value nights, regular nights, and peak nights. It's worth noting that Newfields Members pay the same prices, regardless of the type of evening they choose. We get a lot of use out of our Newfields Membership. If you're considering it, now's as good a time as any to take the plunge. The membership lasts for a year, so you'd have it through almost all of 2024.

Upgrades:
​Winterlights WinterWonder Pass and Premier Tickets

There are also "add-ons" that you can tack onto your ticket purchase, including ticket insurance, blinky lights, and snowflake glasses.

Looking for the luxury experience? Spring for the "WinterWonder Pass" which includes "VIP treatment" (mysterious?) flexible arrival time (5-8), access to the Lilly House Lounge overlooking Landscape of Light, a premium (alcoholic) beverage, fast pass access at the vending areas, and blinky lights and snowflake glasses. It's only available on the days marked with a snowflake.

Similarly, the slightly cheaper Premier Ticket Package offers just the expedited entry, blinky lights, a *non* alcoholic beverage, and snowflake glasses.

FAQ: Do kids need a ticket to Winterlights?

Kids under 5 are free! Kids 6+ have discounted ticket prices.

FAQ: Do I need a Newfields entry ticket in addition to a Winterlights ticket?

No. Only the outdoor Winterlights event is open when you will be visiting after 5 PM. That said, you will not have access to the indoor exhibits. If you're interested in seeing everything that the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to offer, you'll have to plan a daytime visit

FAQ: Do I need ticket insurance on my Winterlights ticket ($10/ticket)?

I tend to be "anti" all sorts of ticket insurance, but if you're interested, the ticket insurance will allow you to *change* nights one time. The insurance does NOT allow you to get a refund. Insurance also must be purchased for all tickets.

Parking at Winterlights

Parking for Winterlights is *free* with your ticket. On crowded nights, you may be directed to park at a church across the street and walk, but you will have a parking spot. Accessible parking is available, so let an attendant know if you need it.

What if it rains during Winterlights?

Tickets are non-refundable, and only changeable if you have that $10/ticket insurance.

It drizzled during our first visit to Winterlights, but with our winter coats and gloves, it was no less enjoyable. If Winterlights is cancelled for some reasons, Newfields will contact you via email and post on their social media channels.

Should I take my kids to Winterlights:

Absolutely. Winterlights is a family event. Since there are now entry times as early as 5 PM, we're looking forward to finally being able to take our toddler!

Newfields Winterlights:
​What to Expect

Your visit to Winterlights will start near the entrance of the museum. From there, you'll enter the grounds under a canopy of large, blazing snowflakes. Immediately on your left, you'll see Oldfields, the Lilly Mansion, with both its facade decorated, and featuring the highlight of the event, the light display in the estate's front yard, timed to festive music. This year, as in previous non-pandemic-disaster years, the historic home will be open and decorated for Christmas!

Oldfields Estate during Winterlights

After Oldfields, you'll continue through the grounds, walking under arbors of colored lights, and featuring warming stations. You'll find a giant Christmas tree constructed entirely of plastic kids toys, and an enchanting magical forest of lights, taking you back to the exit. 

Oldfields yard

How long does Winterlights take?
Expect to spend at least an hour, once you arrive, not including parking. The check-in lines aren't necessarily long, but security has increased. You'll want to have some time to stroll and get a cocktail once you've made it in to the grounds.
You're welcome to stay as little or as along as you please.

{2023} A new soundtrack

Indy natives will be excited to hear that The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, has created a synchronized soundtrack to accompany the light display in front of the Lilly House. This will include some our favorites from the Yuletide Celebration and a 'lively swing arrangement of the Nutcracker.'

Winterlights: Food and Drink

Local drinks (alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverage options) and snacks are on offer at several stands throughout the event. Exciting alcoholic beverage options include: Electric Reindeer brew from Sun King Brewing Co., spiced plum cider from Ash & Elm, a special "Holiday Spirit" peppermint vodka from West Fork Whiskey Co., and Old Hamer Bourbon Whiskey to keep warm on a chilly evening!

Hot cocoa topped with vanilla bean whipped cream and hot apple cider are the special drinks of the season. Just Pop In! is featuring its gingerbread popcorn (yum) and Circle City Sweets has its warm, giant chocolate chip cookies.

Newfields greenhouse

Newfields greenhouse

2023 Special Events at Winterlights

There are several types of special events you can expect, depending on the night you visit Winterlights.
Additionally, you can buy tickets to any of Winterlights special, inclusive programming, all of which also include tickets to Winterlights, as meaningful ways to highlight groups in our community. All of these tickets require advance tickets which you can purchase through the Newfields website. These events include:

• Winterlights Variety Show in partnership with Indy Pride (December 1)
• Jake Shimabukuro: Holidays in Hawai'i (December 9)
• Rockapella and Winterlights (December 13)
• Latkes and Lights (December 10)
• Las Posadas (December 14)

Santa, accompanied by the Freetown Village Singers and Dickens Carolers will appear on specific nights, scattered throughout the Winterlights fun (below).

Shopping at Winterlights

Need Christmas decor and presents? You'll find ornaments and handmade local gifts available for sale during Winterlights. The Museum & Garden Shop is also open during Winterlights.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoy your visit to Winterlights, either this year or in the future! Be sure to check out Harvest Nights as well, and if you live in Indy, consider becoming a member at Newfields!

To learn more about Newfields, check out:
Visiting Newfields, Indianapolis
Newfields, Harvest Nights

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