Indiana’s Must-See 2025/2026 Winter Festivals You Won’t Want To Skip
Winter in Indiana transforms the state into a celebration of music, art, culture, and holiday cheer.
From the twinkling lights of European-style markets to the roar of blues guitars and the sparkle of ice sculptures, there’s something magical happening in nearly every corner of the Hoosier State.
Whether you’re a local looking for weekend adventures or a visitor seeking authentic Midwestern winter experiences, these festivals offer warmth, wonder, and memories that last long after the snow melts.
Festival Of Trees (Indianapolis)
The Festival of Trees at the Indiana State Museum is a seasonal tradition that transforms the museum into a glittering wonderland of holiday trees.
This event, located at 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, has been a staple of Indianapolis’ winter season for many years, offering families and visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere filled with bright colors, sparkling lights, and the scents of pine and cinnamon.
The festival features dozens of beautifully decorated trees, each one representing a different theme, from whimsical to elegant.
You’ll find trees inspired by everything from winter scenes to pop culture, with each artist’s unique touch reflected in their creations.
It’s a feast for the eyes and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including visits with Santa, who can be found in one of the museum’s beautifully decorated corners.
You can also participate in hands-on crafting activities where children can create their own holiday decorations, such as ornaments or holiday cards.
The museum’s special exhibitions also remain open during the festival, so you can explore other art and history displays in between enjoying the trees.
This festival runs for several weeks, making it a perfect outing for those looking to celebrate the season with loved ones, while supporting local charities that benefit from the event’s proceeds.
Families can make this a holiday tradition, returning each year to experience the magic that the Festival of Trees brings to the Indiana State Museum.
Christmas Tyme Lights At Harvest Tyme
Winter along the South Shore of Lake Michigan brings a series of exciting events that embrace the beauty of the season.
One of the most anticipated events is Christmas Tyme Lights at Harvest Tyme, which takes place at Harvest Tyme Family Farm, located in LaPorte, IN, just outside of Michigan City.
The festival features over a million twinkling lights that stretch across the farm, creating a dazzling winter spectacle for visitors of all ages.
From ice skating to holiday light displays, this collection of winter festivals along the South Shore has something for everyone.
The festival at Harvest Tyme includes a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, perfect for creating lasting memories.
You can wander through the light displays, visit Santa, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, and warm up with hot cocoa while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
In addition to the incredible light displays, the farm also hosts seasonal food vendors offering everything from homemade holiday treats to hearty winter comfort foods.
And with the added charm of a festive, small-town atmosphere, Christmas Tyme Lights provides the perfect setting for families to get into the holiday spirit.
The event also offers a series of themed nights, including Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, making each visit feel unique.
Whether you’re enjoying the beauty of the snowy dunes at the Indiana Dunes National Park or indulging in holiday cheer at local events, the South Shore offers the perfect winter getaway.
Ice Skating & Holiday Events In Indiana Dunes / South Shore
The Indiana Dunes National Park becomes a winter wonderland with its annual holiday events and outdoor activities, including ice skating at the Pavilion in Porter, IN.
This area offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, which is especially beautiful when it’s blanketed in snow.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, all while soaking in the peaceful winter landscape.
The scenic beauty of the dunes is a huge draw during the winter months, with the snow-covered landscape offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The nearby towns along the South Shore offer additional winter events, from holiday light displays to local concerts and seasonal markets, making this region a perfect winter retreat for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque winter getaway.
The South Shore offers a range of activities to keep you busy throughout the season.
Whether you’re taking in the beauty of the snowy dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park, enjoying winter sports, or exploring the local holiday events, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in this picturesque part of Indiana.
Winter Events & Markets In Indiana Small Towns
Across Indiana, small towns embrace the winter season with festive markets, winter fairs, and community celebrations.
From light displays in Noblesville to outdoor ice skating in Lafayette, each town adds its own special touch to the holiday season.
Local vendors offer handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods, and artisanal goods, while local parks and squares host live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
These smaller town festivals offer a cozy, intimate experience that captures the true spirit of a Midwestern winter.
The relaxed pace of these events allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of winter without the crowds of larger city celebrations.
Whether you’re exploring a local craft market, enjoying hot cider by a fire pit, or attending a holiday parade, Indiana’s small towns offer the perfect atmosphere for creating lasting memories.
In addition to the markets, many small towns offer special holiday performances, like community theater productions and choir concerts, that add to the festive spirit.
These events provide a great opportunity to support local businesses and artists while getting into the holiday spirit.
LaPorte WinterFest
LaPorte WinterFest invites visitors to embrace the cold with a variety of outdoor winter activities.
Held annually in LaPorte’s downtown, the festival celebrates the best aspects of winter, from snow sculptures to ice skating and winter sports competitions.
The festival has become a beloved tradition in the area, drawing crowds from across the region who come to experience the unique blend of family-friendly activities and the warmth of the community.
Local businesses get in on the action by offering winter-themed treats and warm beverages.
Whether you’re enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, sampling seasonal snacks, or indulging in locally made sweets, you’ll find plenty of ways to warm up after a day in the cold.
LaPorte’s charming downtown provides the perfect setting for the festival, with its historic buildings and quaint streets making the event feel even more special.
The highlight of WinterFest is often the snowman-building contest, where families and friends team up to create their best snowmen.
The competition has become a crowd favorite, with people of all ages participating in the fun.
With live entertainment and festive food stalls, this festival is a winter celebration that’s fun for the whole family.
The event is free to attend, making it accessible to everyone, and it’s a great way to experience the best of small-town winter charm.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Stepping into this market feels like teleporting to a European village square, complete with the scent of roasted almonds and the sound of carolers.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt, located at 1 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032, brings an authentic European holiday experience to the heart of Indiana.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this market transforms Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts plaza into a magical holiday village.
Wooden huts imported from Germany house artisans selling handcrafted ornaments, traditional nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
These artisans display their wares against the backdrop of festive decorations, creating an atmosphere that feels like you’ve been transported to the heart of a Bavarian village.
Food stalls serve glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst, schnitzel, stollen, and other German specialties that warm you from the inside out.
As you stroll through the market, the air is filled with the sweet smells of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and spiced wine.
The outdoor ice skating rink adds to the festive atmosphere, where visitors can glide across the ice as live music performances take place on the market’s stage.
Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends, though the bustling weekend energy has its own charm.
Parking is available in nearby garages, and the market is easily walkable from Carmel’s Arts & Design District, which is home to many galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Whether you’re there to shop, eat, or simply enjoy the ambiance, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is an unmissable event for anyone looking to experience a European holiday market right in the heart of Indiana.
