# Christmas break with kids in Indianapolis, 2026

> What to do with kids in Indianapolis over Christmas break, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. We read the holiday hours posted by four museums, zoos and play places: none of them opens on Christmas Day and one on New Year’s Day. Plus 15 dated outings on Christmas Eve and the days in between.

- Last checked: 2026-10-21
- 4 places’ holiday hours; 20 dated outings
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/indianapolis/christmas-break/
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/indianapolis/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/indianapolis/llms.txt

## Open or closed: Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1

- **Dig Dig for Kids**: Christmas Eve 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Christmas Day closed; New Year’s Day not posted. Their page says: “Christmas Eve: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Christmas Day: Closed” Source: https://digdigforkids.com/hours (checked 2026-10-21)
- **The Children's Museum of Indianapolis**: Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Christmas Day closed; New Year’s Day not posted. Their page says: “Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Eve” Source: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit (checked 2026-10-21)
- **Indiana State Museum**: Christmas Eve closed; Christmas Day closed; New Year’s Day open. Their page says: “Christmas Eve– Closed Christmas Day: – closed New Year's Day: – open” Source: https://www.indianamuseum.org/plan-your-visit (checked 2026-10-21)
- **Traders Point Creamery**: Christmas Eve closed; Christmas Day closed; New Year’s Day not posted. Their page says: “We will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.” Source: https://www.traderspointcreamery.com (checked 2026-10-21)

## Christmas Eve

- **Christmas Eve free admission at The Children's Museum** at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. When: Thu Dec 24. Time: Opens 10 a.m., closes at 2 p.m. Price: Free; free advance tickets required (available Dec. 14). All five floors, WinterSlide and a visit with Santa. Official page: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/holiday-events (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Visit with Santa at WinterFaire** at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN. When: Nov 21 – Dec 24, 2026 (not every day; museum closed most Mondays). Time: Generally 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Dec 24 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (free admission, advance tickets). Price: Included with museum admission; optional photo packages $30–$70 (credit card only); one free family photo on your own camera. Santa's tent inside WinterFaire. Santa's BIG Snowball Fight Nov 21 at 9:30 a.m. (included with admission). Christmas Eve is free admission with free advance tickets (available Dec 14); the museum closes at 2 p.m. that day. Official page: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/santa (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Santa at Celebration Crossing (photos)** at Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. When: Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2026 (closed Christmas Day). Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Santa lunch 1–2 p.m. Price: Visit included with museum admission; photo packages nonmembers $11 / $16 / $21 (members $9 / $14 / $19); email photo +$5. No reservations; first come, first served. Schedule lists which Santa is on duty (Lafayette Santa with Mrs. Claus, Heart-2-Heart Santa, Santa Josiah, The Indy Santa). Snowfall Express train ride and Reindeer Barn in Celebration Crossing. Official page: https://www.indianamuseum.org/santa-schedule/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Santa's Magic Cottage at Christmas at the Zoo** at Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN. When: Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25, 31, Jan 1). Time: From 5 p.m.; line closes 1 hour before closing. Price: Included with Christmas at the Zoo admission. Photos with Santa in the cottage. Santa dates beyond Christmas not stated. Official page: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/christmas-at-the-zoo/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Santa Photos at The Fashion Mall at Keystone** at The Fashion Mall at Keystone, 8702 Keystone Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46240. When: Nov 13–Dec 24, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving). Time: Most days 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 24 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; hours change by day, full schedule on the booking page. Price: See photo packages on the booking page. Walk-ups welcome; booking a 15-minute slot online is encouraged (a few families share each slot). Official page: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1362 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Santa Photos at Greenwood Park Mall** at Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 US 31 North, Greenwood, IN 46142. When: Nov 6–Dec 24, 2026 (not every day in the first weeks; closed Thanksgiving). Time: Most days 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 24 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; hours change by day, full schedule on the booking page. Price: See photo packages on the booking page. Walk-ups welcome; booking a 15-minute slot online is encouraged (a few families share each slot). Pet photo nights on 1 evening (Dec 6). Official page: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1372 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Santa Photos at Castleton Square** at Castleton Square, 6020 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250. When: Nov 20–Dec 24, 2026 (not every day in the first weeks; closed Thanksgiving). Time: Most days 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 24 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; hours change by day, full schedule on the booking page. Price: See photo packages on the booking page. Walk-ups welcome; booking a 15-minute slot online is encouraged (a few families share each slot). Official page: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1351 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Santa Photos at Hamilton Town Center** at Hamilton Town Center, 13901 Towne Center Blvd, Noblesville, IN 46060. When: Nov 27–Dec 24, 2026 (not every day in the first weeks). Time: Most days 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 24 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; hours change by day, full schedule on the booking page. Price: See photo packages on the booking page. Walk-ups welcome; booking a 15-minute slot online is encouraged (a few families share each slot). Pet photo nights on 3 evenings (Dec 3, Dec 10, Dec 17). Official page: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1373 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **The Ice at Carter Green** at Carter Green, next to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032. When: Nov 21 – Jan 31. Pairs well with the Christkindlmarkt’s holiday market. Official page: https://www.theiceatcartergreen.com/ (checked 2026-10-20)

## Between Christmas and New Year’s (Dec 26–30)

- **Christmas Nights of Lights** at Indiana State Fairgrounds (Gate 3), 1698 E 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN. When: Nightly Nov 6 – Dec 31, 2026. Time: Timed reservations (see ticket calendar). Price: Per vehicle; price shown at checkout. Online reservations required; no refunds; music via car radio. Rain, shine or snow. Official page: https://www.christmasnightsoflights.com/p/tickets (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Winterlights (10th anniversary)** at The Garden at Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208. When: Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: Evening timed tickets; closes 90 minutes after last ticket time. Price: From $25 public adults (dynamic pricing); kids 5 and under free; $10 promo days Nov 23 & Nov 30; $2 fee per ticket; priority parking $20 or free at Michigan Rd entrance. About 90 minutes to walk; nearly 2 million lights. Tickets on sale to public Oct 20. Official page: https://discovernewfields.org/events-exhibitions/winterlights (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Christmas at the Zoo** at Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN. When: Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25, 31, Jan 1). Time: Festivities daily from 5 p.m. Price: See zoo ticket page. Lights plus red pandas, penguins, walrus; Santa's Magic Cottage. Official page: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/christmas-at-the-zoo/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **A Merry Prairie Holiday** at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. When: Nov 27-28; Fri-Sun Dec 4-20; Dec 21-23; Dec 26-28, 2026. Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Price: $26 nonmembers, $15 members; parking free. Thousands of lights, the Reynolds LED lights display in The Junction, and a 3D projection show of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on the William Conner House. Admission also covers sock skating, the carousel, a tubing hill and Santa's Sleigh Barn, which closes Dec 23. Paths are gravel and uneven. Official page: https://www.connerprairie.org/a-merry-prairie-holiday (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Elevance Health Rink at Morris Bicentennial Plaza** at Morris Bicentennial Plaza, next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. When: Nov 18 – Jan 24. Price: $15 admission, no time limit. Free skating on MLK Day, Jan 18, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (reservation required). Santa and reindeer visits Dec 21–23. Tickets sold from Oct 26. Official page: https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/events/detail/ice-skating-at-elevance-health-rink-on-morris-bicentennial-plaza (checked 2026-10-20)
- **The Ice Rink at Holliday Park** at Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260. When: Nov 27 – Mar 1. Price: $14 per session, skate rental included; kids 4 and under free. Outdoor rink in the park, run by the Holliday Park Foundation. Official page: https://www.hollidaypark.org/rink/ (checked 2026-10-20)

## New Year’s Eve and Day

- **Countdown to Noon** at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: Countdowns at noon and 1 p.m. Price: Included with museum admission; under 2 free. Live music from Zak Morgan and free party favors while they last. Two countdowns, so you can pick the one that fits nap time. Official page: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/holiday-events (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Family New Year's Eve** at Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 6–8:30 p.m.; countdown and balloon drop at 8:30 p.m. Price: $18 per person; ages 2 and under free; Snowfall Express train $2 (buy online ahead); includes $4 parking validation. An alcohol-free party with a live DJ, face painting and hands-on activities in Celebration Crossing. Official page: https://www.indianamuseum.org/event/family-new-years-eve/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Noon Year’s Eve Party at Noblesville Library** at Hamilton East Public Library – Noblesville, One Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 11am–noon. Price: Free. A family program in the library’s Nov 2026–Jan 2027 Discover guide, held at the Noblesville branch. Official page: https://hamiltoneastpl.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/November-2026-January-2027-DG_Final.pdf (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Noon Year's Eve at Hussey-Mayfield Library** at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Zionsville Branch (Lora Hussey Room), 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville, IN 46077. When: Thu, Dec 31, 2026. Time: 9am–1pm. Price: Free. A family program on the library's event calendar. Check the listing for any registration before you go. Official page: https://hmmpl.libcal.com/event/17185504 (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Winterlights (10th anniversary)** at The Garden at Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208. When: Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Time: Evening timed tickets; closes 90 minutes after last ticket time. Price: From $25 public adults (dynamic pricing); kids 5 and under free; $10 promo days Nov 23 & Nov 30; $2 fee per ticket; priority parking $20 or free at Michigan Rd entrance. About 90 minutes to walk; nearly 2 million lights. Tickets on sale to public Oct 20. Official page: https://discovernewfields.org/events-exhibitions/winterlights (checked 2026-10-18)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
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## FAQ

### What’s open on Christmas Day in Indianapolis with kids?
Of the four places we checked, none posts Christmas Day hours as open; Dig Dig for Kids, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana State Museum and Traders Point Creamery are closed. A park or a drive past the lights is the easy plan.

### What can we do with kids on Christmas Eve in Indianapolis?
Open with posted hours: Dig Dig for Kids (9 a.m.–2 p.m.), The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). On the calendar: Christmas Eve free admission at The Children's Museum, Visit with Santa at WinterFaire, Santa at Celebration Crossing (photos) and Santa's Magic Cottage at Christmas at the Zoo.

### What’s open on New Year’s Day in Indianapolis?
Indiana State Museum.

### What can we do with kids on New Year’s Day in Indianapolis?
On the calendar for Jan 1: Winterlights (10th anniversary). Check each one’s own page before you go, since holiday hours can change.

### Where can kids go sledding or snow tubing near Indianapolis?
Indy Parks sledding hills. All of them need snow, so check the park’s status page first.

### What is there to do with kids between Christmas and New Year’s in Indianapolis?
Christmas Nights of Lights, Winterlights (10th anniversary), Christmas at the Zoo, A Merry Prairie Holiday and Elevance Health Rink at Morris Bicentennial Plaza. Check each one’s calendar for the exact nights; some close on certain days.

### How do you check these holiday hours?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them in early December and again the week before Christmas. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).