Gov. Braun Encourages Hoosiers to Celebrate Christmas with the State of Indiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Gov. Braun Encourages Hoosiers to Celebrate Christmas with the State of Indiana

Holiday events, lights and family traditions across the state

INDIANAPOLIS - Christmas festivities are in full swing across Indiana. Governor Mike Braun encourages all Hoosiers to enjoy Christmas with the State of Indiana by exploring the many seasonal events offered through state agencies and partners. These opportunities provide families with festive, affordable ways to celebrate the holiday season together.

"Indiana is a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas. Our agencies and partners offer extraordinary opportunities for families to make memories together. I hope Hoosiers take full advantage of these holiday gatherings and the chance to create new traditions." - Governor Mike Braun

Here are some of the light displays, winter activities and holiday programs happening around the state, listed alphabetically by agency, as well as links to where families can find more events hosted by each agency in their area:

Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The DNR announced light displays at a number of its parks, including but not limited to:

• Lieber State Recreation Area - Winter Lights (Cloverdale)
  Dec. 12-14, with Santa appearances

• Mounds State Park - Nights of Lights (Anderson)
  Weekends, Nov. 28-Dec. 28

• Ouabache State Park - Wonderland of Lights (Bluffton)
  Nov. 28-Dec. 25, nightly from 6-9 p.m.

Other fun activities include:

• The Toboggan run at Pokagon State Park. This activity operates through March 1, 2026.

• Hoosiers can enjoy a Christmas Eve meal at one of six Indiana State Park Inns. Details and participating inns can be found online here.

Details about these activities and more at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

Plus, Indiana DNR is selling the perfect gifts for Hoosier outdoorsmen.

• Hoosiers can purchase a 2026 Holiday Gift Pack, which includes a 2026 State Park Entrance Pass and a gift card to use for lodging, online here.

• Hoosiers can give the gift of a hunting, trapping or fishing license by logging into GoOutdoorsIN.com or selecting guest checkout.

Indiana Destination Development Corporation (Visit Indiana)

The Indiana Destination Development Corporation has launched its statewide holiday campaign on its website to help families find local:

• Christmas lights

• Ice rinks and winter recreation

• Holiday markets

• Train rides, parades, and community traditions

Explore activities at VisitIndiana.com/holiday.

Indiana Grown

This holiday season, Indiana Grown is back selling its popular holiday box. Plus, Indiana Grown is featuring a number of holiday markets and events at its partner locations.

Here's a breakdown of what Indiana Grown is doing this holiday season:

• Selling the limited-edition Indiana Grown Holiday Gift Box, filled with locally made foods and goods

• Holiday markets featuring Hoosier artisans and producers

• Holiday events at partner locations like Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms in Whiteland, A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie, and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

Events calendar: IndianaGrown.org/local-events
Gift Box orders: in.accessgov.com/indiana-grown-store/

Indiana State Fairgrounds

The Indiana State Fairgrounds has the Christmas Nights of Lights. This is a drive-through holiday light show open nightly Nov. 7 - Dec. 31.

Learn more at IndianaStateFairgrounds.com.

Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum's Celebration Crossing is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 4.

Activities include:

• Playing in Santa's front yard and reindeer barn

• Riding on the Snowfall Express

• Musical performances from local choirs and ensembles

More holiday activities are being held at the museum's state historic sites, located across the state of Indiana.

For activities at state historic sites, click here.

For more information about Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum, click here.