There are plenty of great things to do in Indiana in winter. Locals are willing to put on their heavy coats, gloves, hats and snow boots and brave the weather. This is because the state offers so much to do both inside and outside throughout the winter.
If you’re looking for something special to do with family, away from screens and your living room couch, here are some essential places to visit in Indiana during winter.
1. See a less-traditional tree lighting
Each winter, in downtown Indianapolis, Monument Circle transforms into a lighted wonderland. The Circle of Lights Festival features its own version of a Christmas tree, engulfing the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with 52 garland strands and 4,784 LED lights. Around the monument, you can see larger-than-life toy soldiers, sailors and peppermint sticks.
Lights switch on immediately following Thanksgiving and stay lit through the beginning of January. A big celebration (this year it’s virtual) occurs on the festival’s inaugural night, with live music, a visit from Santa and plenty of eager spectators.
2. Go for speed
Take advantage of the snowfall around Indiana, and try something totally different with the toboggan run in Pokagon State Park. Located less than three hours from Indianapolis, in Angola, this special attraction consists of a 30-foot tower and a quarter-mile-long, refrigerated run. You can rent toboggan sleds by the hour and ride as many times as you’d like. The run operates with or without snow from the end of November all the way through February.
While you’re at the park, you can take advantage of other wintery activities. There’s cross country skiing, specialty hikes and activities geared toward kids.
3. Visit Santa’s village
Also about three hours away from Indianapolis, you’ll find a very unique town, which comes to life in winter. Santa Claus, IN, is an appropriately-named, small town that’s perfect for families during the holidays.
Children can send letters to the North Pole from the Santa Claus Post Office, visit the Candy Castle and check out the Santa statue. There are also plenty of lights and Christmas shopping in this special town.
For history buffs, Santa Claus is close to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. Visitors can learn about this U.S. president’s childhood and tour through a recreated 1820s homestead.
4. Sip wine in an igloo
Source: Urban Vines Winery & Brewing Co.
This may not sound like the most pleasant experience given average winter temperatures in Indianapolis dip into the 20s, so let’s start with the fact that these igloos have heat.
This special experience created by Urban Vines Winery & Brewing Co. lets you spend a snowy day sipping wine in your own igloo. Each structure seats eight people and includes a heater, music and lights. Available November through the end of February, you can rent one of these for two hours at a time.
5. Hit the slopes
Use the winter snow as an excuse to take a ski vacation without having to go far. Located in the heart of southern Indiana, Paoli Peaks is an ideal place for skiers, snowboarders, snowbladers and tubers.
Built on a natural hill at a 900-foot elevation, the spot offers 17 runs to pick from while the mountain is open from mid-December through mid-March. In addition to all the outdoor activities, Paoli Peaks offers lodging, dining and shopping.
6. Enjoy a decorated mansion
Old, beautiful homes are some of the best places to enjoy the holiday season. Christmas at the Seiberling Mansion is no exception. Located in Kokomo, about an hour outside of Indianapolis, this home was built in 1891 by industrialist and entrepreneur, Monroe Seiberling. During the holidays, the mansion and grounds get covered in lights, wreaths and garlands. Throughout the interior, you’ll see carefully decorated Christmas trees.
7. Indulge in sweet treats
Lights and trees aside, for many, the holidays and colder months are about the sweets. Curling up with a nice cup of hot chocolate or nibbling on a decadent dessert are excellent ways to warm up.
Throughout Indiana, the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth is at a Chocolate Café. Owned by the South Bend Chocolate Company, the places offer coffees, hot chocolates and specialty beverages, all served with a hand-dipped chocolate spoon. There are cakes, special baked goods, fondue and chocolate-dipped fruit. Even their ice cream and sundaes, despite the cold temps, are worth trying in winter.
As a coffee shop and a candy store, there are plenty of to-go items to carry home with you, as well. These include year-round favorites like malt balls and cookies, as well as seasonal treats like pumpkin turtles.
8. Experience the holidays on the prairie
Conner Prairie is an excellent, local attraction at any time of year. Here you can step back in time and walk through an 1836 prairie town, experience what the Civil War was like for locals and live like a Lenape in a tribal camp. There’s history, animals and activities for every age.
Holidays are a special time with the addition of A Merry Prairie Holiday. This festival is in its second year and is full of lights, crackling fires and special activities you can’t find anywhere else. Encompassing traditions from yesterday and today, this is a weekend experience throughout late November and December. Advance tickets are necessary.
Note: The remaining few winter experiences in Indiana are taking 2020 off for safety precautions. Make sure you check them out in 2021 for some holiday fun.
9. Attend a theatrical celebration
The holidays are a wonderful time to patronize the arts. Indianapolis has its own traditions to enjoy with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
The Yuletide Celebration takes place at the Hilbert Circle Theater. It not only features the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra but also tap-dancing Santas and popular Christmas songs. The entire show is family-friendly and a lot of fun.
For another Christmas staple, the Indiana Repertory Theatre puts on an annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” The performance aims to transform the classic story for a wonderful night out.
10. Ride The Polar Express
One of the best things to do in Indiana in the winter has to be a ride on The Polar Express. Hosted by the French Lick Scenic Railway about two-and-a-half hours from Indianapolis, this magical experience takes place in November and December.
Each ride includes entertainment, hot chocolate and a cookie and a special keepsake to take home. Families can even dress like the characters in the famous movie and wear their pajamas for the ride.
11. Shop all the crafts
Just a short drive outside Indy, you’ll find Carmel Christkindlmarkt. It might be a little hard to say, but you won’t have any trouble shopping. The authentic German market is open in November and December. It features small, wooden stalls selling homemade crafts and classic toys. Many items are hand-made.
There’s also plenty of excellent German food and live entertainment. This is the kind of market that’s more of an experience than a simple holiday shopping opportunity, so plan to be there all day when you go.
So many things to do in Indiana in winter
The cold and snow won’t stop Hoosiers from having holiday fun, so follow their lead and get out and about this winter. You’ll find so much to do that captures the holiday spirit — both indoors and out. Which Indiana activity will you try first this winter?
