If someone asked you what the best states in the nation are for a veritable winter wonderland, what are the first few that come to mind? Let us guess: probably somewhere on the East Coast, like Maine, Massachusetts, or even places farther away – like Alaska or Colorado. But perhaps – just perhaps – Indiana deserves a spot on that list, too. I know it sounds crazy, so if you’re not convinced, look no further than this awesome, all-inclusive list of Indiana winter activities to keep you warm all season long. Here, you’ll find all the best things to do in Indiana in winter, including cold-weather delights like free things to do in Indiana in winter, inexpensive things to do in winter, and so much more.

Holiday Events

If there’s one thing about winter just about everyone looks forward to, it’s the holiday season. There’s something purely magical about it, and here in the Hoosier State, we take our festivities very seriously. You’ll find all kinds of amazing things to do in Indiana during the holidays, no matter which one(s) you celebrate! Check out some of our favorite holiday events in Indiana to check out this year. If you've ever wondered what it's like to wander through a winter wonderland with friends or family, these are your best options!

1. Christmas Lights Display: Santa Claus Land of Lights

• Location: Santa Claus, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: General admission price is $20 per vehicle. Pre-sale passes are $15 per vehicle.

Every year, the town of Santa Claus lights up to go above and beyond for the holidays. More on the town itself in a moment – for now, the legendary Christmas lights display known as the Santa Claus Land of Lights is worth mentioning all on its own. It typically begins on Thanksgiving in November and goes through December 23rd. Be prepared for amazing magic because that’s what you’re in for... hot chocolate included! The kids love to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the grown-ups love to watch the kids' eyes light up.

2. Tree Lighting: Westfield In Lights

• Location: Grand Function Plaza, Westfield, Indiana
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: Free

The annual Westfield In Lights is nothing short of spellbinding for the whole family! This year, festivities take place on December 7th from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. It’s so much more than just a tree lighting ceremony – it's an entire welcome to the winter season, and in style, at that. Meet Santa, pet some real-life reindeer, enjoy carnival games, and more. This is one winter delight you’ll want to come back to every year. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:50 p.m. sharp on the Main Stage. Few things in this life are as magical as a tree lighting, right? I love it! Best of all, Westfield is just 30 minutes from Indy, so it’s located near just about everything.

3. Holiday Festivals: Festival of Trees

• Location: Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: $10 for adults (13+ years), $5 for kids ages one to 12, and children under one are free (ticket required, please visit the STAR bank box office)

There are a few good words to describe the annual Festival of Trees, like “magical”, “enchanting”, and “wonderful”. All of these are excellent adjectives to have when describing any holiday event, and the Festival of Trees is probably one of the Hoosier State’s most elegant traditions. The lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and the Indiana Hotel are set to transform into the ultimate, glowing winter wonderland with dozens of decorated Christmas trees in all shapes, sizes, and themes. This year’s festivities take place from November 27th through December 4th, 2024.

4. Long-Time Traditions: Christkindlmarkt

• Location: Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater, Carmel, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: Free entry to the market

Like many of the items on this list, it’s pretty difficult to overstate the majesty and wonder of Christkindlmarkt, the ultimate holiday market that takes place each and every year in beautiful Carmel. Open Wednesday through Sunday, there is an assortment of wonders to explore, from hundreds of unique vendors to local eats, live music, artist demonstrations, arts and crafts, ice skating, Igloo dining, and so much more. Individual activities might cost a little bit, like ice skating, and require reservations ahead of time. This year, the market is on from November 23rd through December 24th, 2024. Talk about a magical Christmas Eve! Visit the official Christkindlmarkt website for this year’s most up-to-date pricing, hours, and more.

Christmas Towns

What on earth is more magic-filled and wonderful than a good old-fashioned Christmas/holiday town? I think nothing! As luck would have it, Christmas in Indiana (or, of course, whichever holiday your family may enjoy) is a time when Hoosiers tend to go all-out, including some entire towns! A handful of wonderful small towns in Indiana stand out way above the rest in terms of sheer awesomeness during the winter season. Come check out some of the cutest, most picturesque holiday/Christmas towns in Indiana and fall in love with the Midwest in the winter.

5. Santa Claus

• Location: Spencer County, Indiana
• Popularity: Extremely Popular
• Price: It varies depending on the attraction, event, and other details, but as always, visiting the town is always free!

It’s no secret at all that Santa Claus is THE ultimate Christmas town in Indiana for winter fun. It’s even named after Saint Nick, for holiday’s sake! It actually specializes in every holiday, even down to a holiday-themed adventure park, but Christmas is when it really shines – for obvious reasons. Every year for decades now, kids have sent their letters to Santa Claus right here in Indiana – and sometimes, there’s even a dedicated team of elves that answer them! Santa Claus belongs at the top of every single “Christmastime to-do" list any Hoosier might have. Who needs the North Pole when you’ve got Santa Claus? Indiana is one of THE best winter destinations thanks to this town alone.

6. Madison

• Location: Jefferson County, Indiana
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: It varies depending on the attraction, event, and other details, but as always, visiting the town is always free!

Madison is probably the cutest little winter town in Indiana, with plenty to see and do to keep you occupied all season long, be it for one day or one week. Every year, the whole town is decked out in beautiful lights. The annual lighting ceremony in town is just the beginning of some truly wonderful events and festivities, including a holiday market, holiday light displays, Christmas open house, candlelight tours of beautiful old homes on chilly winter nights, the Tinsel Twinkle Trail, and lots more. Careful: visiting Madison may result in your wanting to live here forever, and I don't blame you.

7. Shipshewana

• Location: LaGrange County, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: It varies depending on the attraction, event, and other details, but as always, visiting the town is always free!

There are so many beautiful things to say about the deeply Amish town of Shipshewana that we can’t say it all in one short paragraph, but rest assured that, other than Santa Claus, Shipshewana is THE place to be for the winter season, no matter what holiday(s) you might celebrate. The amazing season-long festivities in Shipshewana range from an annual tree lighting to a day with Santa, a gingerbread house competition, an incredible ice festival and chili cookoff, and many, many more experiences to be had. This is all on top of the entire town being decorated top to bottom, with plenty of unique festivals, live music, and lots more. Shipshewana is a must-do during the holidays for families, single folks, friend groups, and everyone in between. It is pure magic, through and through. Come experience it this year!

8. Carmel

• Location: Hamilton County, Indiana
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: It varies depending on the attraction, event, and other details, but as always, visiting the town is always free!

When thinking about the fancier, more elegant cities in Indiana, the photogenic little town of Carmel is probably one of the first places to come to mind. And for good reason: it’s beautiful all year long, but in the winter, it becomes a wonderland unlike any other. Every Christmas town in Indiana listed here is wonderful, but Carmel is probably the one you’ll want to enjoy for a less rustic, more modern, or romantic feel to your holiday season. Carmel is the home of the earlier-mentioned Christkindlmarkt, so while you’re visiting to attend the market, be sure to explore the rest of town, too - shops, restaurants, and breweries galore. Also in central Indiana are attractions like Koteewi Run, cross-country skiing, and more.

9. Richmond

• Location: Wayne County, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: It varies depending on the attraction, event, and other details, but as always, visiting the town is always free!

One does not simply write a guide to all the best winter towns in Indiana without mentioning Richmond. When we say this town looks like something out of a Normal Rockwell holiday painting, we mean it – it's outrageously idyllic and tends to go above and beyond every winter to create a snowy, white wonderland. Every year Richmond hosts the awe-inspiring Meltdown Ice Festival, hosting dozens of world-class ice sculpture artists facing off for the ultimate title. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... and in this case, Christmas looks a lot like Richmond.

Outdoor Activities

Who says winter is a bad time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors? We sure don’t; that’s why we’ve got a laundry list of fantastic outdoor activities perfect for a brisk winter’s day. Why stay indoors when you can experience Indiana at its most peaceful? Whether you’re heading out for some old-fashioned ice skating, enjoying our beautiful state and National parks, skiing, tubing, snowboarding, or anything else, winter in Indiana is just plain better when you’re experiencing it outside. It might be cold, sure, but it's beautiful - and it's worth exploring through and through.

10. Ice Skating: The Ice at Carter Green

• Location: Carmel, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: Skate sessions are $11 for adults and youths age 11 and older and $9 for children ten and under. Skate rental is $4 per person.

As we mentioned a moment ago, Carmel is easily one of the best Christmas towns in Indiana, and for lots of reasons – one of which is the epic ice-skating rink located there. The Ice at Carter Green is Indiana’s best ice-skating rink and is offered in blocks of one and a half hours each that can be booked online ahead of time. Open Thursday through Sunday in conjunction with Christkindlmarkt from November 23rd, 2024, until February 2nd, 2025, this ice rink is a must-do for lifelong Hoosiers and tourists alike. What’s more perfectly winter than ice skating? Not a whole lot. Visit The Ice at Carter Green's official website for more details.

11. Snow Tubing: Perfect North Slopes

• Location: Lawrenceburg, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: Monday through Thursday, ages 13 and up are $39, and ages 12 and under are $34.

Perfect North Slopes is a bit of an anomaly in the sense that it’s an alpine resort... located in Indiana, a destination with very little alpine anything. It offers everything from skiing to snowboarding and, of course, some of the best snow tubing in the Hoosier State (if not the entire Midwest). Perfect North Slopes will make you wish every day was winter, and you’ll never want to check out. Do note that personal tubes are not permitted, so leave yours at home – they've got you covered here! Not sure where (or how) to start? Check out the lessons offered at Perfect North Slopes as well. Visit the official website for FAQ, booking ahead, and everything else you’ll need to plan your trip. Cowabunga... or should we say cowa-brr-ga? Either way, sledding hills don’t get more epic than these.

12. Winter Hikes: Turkey Run State Park, Indiana State Parks

• Location: There are 24 amazing state parks in Indiana, all of which are open in the winter; Turkey Run State Park is found in Marshall, Indiana.
• Popularity: Moderately popular during the winter season and extremely popular during all the other seasons.
• Price: $7 for the in-state daily entry fee, $9 for out-of-state entry fees. Pedestrians on foot get in for just $2. An annual entrance permit is $50 for in-state residents, and we definitely recommend these for anyone who plans to visit more than once.

Open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., with a few campgrounds open even in the winter, Turkey Run State Park is the ultimate outdoor destination for anyone who doesn’t have time for a resort and doesn’t care much for ice skating. Alternatively, of course, it’s perfect for anyone who loves those things, too – it's perfect for everyone! Just dress warm and wear great hiking shoes – few things are as lovely as a wonderful wintertime hike. Best of all, you can even make your winter reservations early in the year; reservations online are always allowed. Turkey Run is special in the sense that it’s one of the few Indiana state parks with water that remains on in the winter, making it an excellent camping destination. But no worries – even a day trip will be enough to drop your jaw at the beauty of the Hoosier State. Be sure to explore other options for the best winter hikes in Indiana as well. Other wonderful wintertime parks include Pokagon State Park (home to the most epic toboggan run in the Hoosier State), Indiana Dunes National Park, and more. Keep exploring!

Winter Getaways

Looking for the perfect escape with your special someone this winter? We don’t know about you, but there aren’t a lot of things more romantic than a nice, quiet wintertime getaway with the person you love most. Here are a few of the best winter getaways in Indiana that you won’t find anywhere else – each is amazingly unique and all ours. It might be cold outside, but inside, it’ll be nice, warm, and cozy – the best possible environment for some winter snuggles!

13. Snowy Cabin: Cabins & Candlelight

• Location: Colfax, Indiana
• Popularity: Well-Known
• Price: Sundays through Thursdays are $199 per night. Fridays and holidays are $239 per night, and Saturdays are $259 per night. There's a $30 surcharge for one-night stays, so be sure to book more than one and save!

Anyone on the lookout for the perfect romantic winter getaway in Indiana best looks no further than Cabins & Candlelight, an incredibly cozy, warm cabin experience perfect for two. Of course, there’s no rule saying you can’t book one all to yourself, either. For an extra $25 or $30, you can add on an amazing chicken (or steak) dinner for two brought right to your cabin! With a hot tub, in-cabin heat, fireplaces, and more, this is the ultimate cozy cabin escape perfect for a winter’s night. With plenty to do onsite and nearby, make this one your new favorite winter wander-off. Do keep in mind, though, that there is no wifi at these cabins – this is an escape for two, ultimately, and it’s meant to be an in-person experience without the aid of the hectic, chaotic connected world. It’s quiet here... enjoy it. Few things are as quieting for the soul as snowfall.

14. Hot Springs: French Lick Resort/Pluto Springs

• Location: French Lick, Indiana
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: Varies depending on booking! Visit the official French Lick Resort website for the most up-to-date rates for your specific needs, desires, and amenities.

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that there aren’t a whole lot of natural hot springs in Indiana, but there are a few – one of which has an entire resort built up around it! French Lick Resort is also home to Pluto Springs, an old hot spring whose water was once bottled and sold with supposed healing properties. Nowadays, the springs feed the spa at the hotel, and relaxing here is an incredible delight... especially when it’s cold outside! Winter also brings with it a plethora of themed events and adventures at French Lick, like the famous

15. Skiing/Snowboarding Resort: Paoli Peaks

• Location: Paoli, Indiana
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Price: Starts at just $47 per day with the Epic Day Pass. Customize your pass with your desired experiences and amenities. Prices go up on November 17th, so plan accordingly.

Since when can you ski and/or snowboard in Indiana? Since forever, thanks to Paoli Peaks. This amazing ski resort is everything you could ever hope for in wintertime shenanigans, offering a ton of stuff to do at affordable prices for the entire winter season. Ride the ski lifts, indulge in hot cocoa, and have the time of your life - winter in Indiana has never been so delightful!

Indiana is an amazingly diverse, interesting place that never seems to get enough credit – unless, of course, you’re a regular reader of this site; then, you know about all the best spots! Whether you prefer staying in, going out, enjoying something in nature, or heading to a holiday-themed event, you’re sure to find all sorts of fun stuff in the state of Indiana to enjoy when it’s cold outside. What are your all-time favorite winter activities in Indiana? Let us know!