Indy Holiday Guide: Winterlights at Newfields

Hi, Friends,

There is snow outside, which means it’s almost holiday time in Indianapolis and I know ALL the holidays things to do in my city. However, holiday time ALSO means PhD finals time, so my blog usually goes dark for a couple weeks until I come out of my study hole in January. I have so many fun things to tell you about, though, so I’m going to try to at least post once a week. You can hold me to it.

I’m writing about Winterlights first because it is new-ish (started last year) and it’s pretty and fun and the perfect family/date night activity. Winterlights is a light display with over 1,500,000 lights on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which has now been rebranded to Newfields. This is a (mostly) outdoor activity where you bundle up and take a festive walk amongst the nature and art of the museum. There is a Wintermarket that you can enter on your way outside and your way back inside to stop and get hot beverages (like hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps!) to carry with you on your trek. While walking along the sparkling trails, you can experience photo op stops, a tour of the (gorgeous) Lily House, s’more stations, and even Santa (if you’re lucky!).

Big picture? It’s a glorified light display. But does it still give you warm fuzzy feelings to watch countless lights set in time with music from The Nutcracker or to walk through an enchanted light bridge? OF COURSE! This holiday perfection can get pricey, though, since online tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for Newfields members), and you’ll also want drinks and snacks and s’mores. Husband and I went on a regular Thursday night last year and it was PACKED! Everyone wanted to see the lights and I felt a little gypped of my romantic experience due the long lines and marching pace of the crowds. We were smarter this year and went on a “member preview” night where we paid 1/2 price for 1/3 of the crowds. I will definitely be doing that again next year!

I know most cities have their own version of an elegant light display, but I live in Indianapolis, so I’m partial to ours. And even though I know I’m going to see the same thing next year, I’m going to want to go again to buy my hot cocoa and roast my s’more with the beautiful backdrop of Christmas music and lights because this is very easily an event that becomes a tradition. True holiday magic at its best.

You can learn more and buy your tickets here.

Winterlights at Newfields
November 18, 2018 to January 6, 2019
5pm-9pm