Shorter days, twinkling lights, and a calendar full of ways to warm up — winter has arrived in the White Riverway. Whether you’re pedaling a railbike through a tunnel of holiday lights, sliding down a snow tubing hill, honoring a cultural celebration, or simply bundling up for a quiet bird hike, the season brings something for everyone. Here’s what’s happening in Hamilton and Marion Counties this winter.
Holiday Magic on the River
The riverway lights up during the holiday season. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Christmas season along the riverway- including light displays, visits with Santa, and a gingerbread wonderland.
- Holiday Lights Railbike Adventure, select dates Nov. 19–Dec. 29, 5–9 p.m. — Check in at Santa’s House in Noblesville’s Forest Park, warm up by the fire pits, then pedal a railbike through the glow of holiday lights. Fun for guests of all ages.
- Reindeer Express, select days Nov. 14–Dec. 23 — Hop aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a 75-minute holiday train ride with seasonal music, a holiday cookie, a letter-to-Santa activity, and a visit from Santa himself.
- A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie, Nov. 27–Dec. 28 (select nights), 5:30–9:30 p.m. — Stroll beneath thousands of lights along an oxbow bend of the White River, visit Prairietown’s Historic Holidays, ride Kringle’s Carousel, take on the Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, and snap a selfie with Santa.
- Breakfast with Santa at Conner Prairie, Nov. 28 and select weekend mornings through Dec. 20 — Enjoy a breakfast buffet and tales of Christmas past, then share your wish list with Santa.
- Christmas at the Zoo, Nov. 21–Jan. 3, 5–9:30 p.m. — Sip hot cocoa and stroll through twinkling lights at the Indianapolis Zoo, visiting red pandas, penguins, walruses, and Arctic foxes before dropping in on Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves at Santa’s Magic Cottage. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
- Winterlights at Newfields, Nov. 20–Jan. 3, entry starting at 5 p.m. — Wander the Garden among nearly two million lights, including the Landscape of Light show on the Lilly Allée. Tickets are sold in advance by date and time, and dogs are welcome on the final night, Jan. 3, for Dog Night.
- Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum, Nov. 21–Jan. 18 — Model trains wind past miniature landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West in this beloved holiday tradition.
- Gingerbread Wonderland at Broad Ripple Park, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–noon — Build a graham cracker gingerbread house, then enjoy holiday crafts, treats, and a special visit from Santa. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
- Holiday Shopping – Need a last minute gift for some last minute holiday visitors? Not sure what to get that coworker in the secret santa gift swap? Downtown Noblesville and Broad Ripple Village have you covered! Both offer a wide assortment of local vendors and small business to help find that perfect gift for someone special right along the Riverway.
Celebrating Culture This Winter
Winter is also a season of cultural traditions. November is Native American Heritage Month, and Kwanzaa runs Dec. 26–Jan. 1, with celebrations right along the river in downtown Indianapolis’ White River State Park.
- “The Oteros” Screening and Talk at the Eiteljorg Museum, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. — Mark Native American Heritage Day with a film screening and talk with previous Artist in Residence JJ Otero in the museum’s Community Gallery.
- Artist in Residence Susan Locke Charlesworth at the Eiteljorg Museum, Nov. 17 and 20 — Meet artist Susan Locke Charlesworth (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) during open studio hours on Nov. 17 (1–4 p.m.) and a Coffee & Conversation on Nov. 20 (9–10 a.m.).
- Kwanzaa Community Festival at the Indiana State Museum, Dec. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Celebrate community and culture with African drumming and dance, local and international vendors, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and storytelling, presented in partnership with Witherspoon Presbyterian Church.
Winter Adventures
Looking for ways to embrace the winter weather? The river has plenty of ways to get outside — or get inspired — all season long.
- The Ice Rink at Holliday Park, November 27- March 1— Holliday Park transforms into a winter wonderland of its own during the winter months by building an ice-skating rink! Multiple events like hockey and figure skating lessons are available, as well as occasional discounted skating opportunities. Rental skates are available and included in your $14 ticket price.
- Koteewi Run Snow Tubing at Strawtown Koteewi Park, December–March (weather permitting) — Slide 700 feet down central Indiana’s only groomed snow tubing hill, then ride the tow line back to the top for another run. Snow is made on site, tickets for the 2026–27 season are on sale now, and weekends and holidays typically book up at least a week in advance.
- Beginning Bird Hikes at Strawtown Koteewi Park, first Wednesday of each month (Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3), 8:30–9:30 a.m. — Join a Hamilton County Parks naturalist or guest leader for a beginner-friendly hike and learn to spot birds along the White River.
- Friday Campfire: Talk Turkey to Me at Holliday Park, Nov. 20, 6:30–8 p.m. — Enjoy a sweet treat by the fire, learn something new, and try a night hike. Roasting sticks and s’mores are provided, and pre-registration is required.
- Free First Thursday at Newfields, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden with live music, open studio hours, and an Artful Conversation inspired by the exhibition Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.
Warm up with the White River!
Plan your perfect winter day along the White River at DiscoverWhiteRiver.com.
Share your moments by tagging us @INWhiteRiver — whether you’re tubing near Noblesville, riding the rails through the lights, or strolling the Garden at Newfields, we would love to see your riverway story!
