By Jeanni Ritchie
Indianapolis had been on my travel list ever since I first heard about the iconic train car rooms inside the Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station. I expected a fun, quirky stay—but what I found was a Christmas city rich in tradition, filled with welcoming energy, standout food, and a snow-filled weekend that turned downtown into a glowing winter scene.
This was my first visit to Indy, and it didn’t take long to understand why the city holds such a loyal place in the hearts of those who know it well.
Checking Into History
There is nothing ordinary about checking into an authentic 1920s Pullman train car. My room—the Charlie Chaplin car—sat on the original tracks inside Union Station, an architectural landmark where history quite literally hums through the walls.
The downtown location made exploring easy, as Indianapolis quickly revealed itself as a well-lit, walkable city at all hours—an underrated advantage during a snowy December weekend.
Circle of Lights: Indy’s Holiday Heartbeat
One of Indianapolis’ most beloved traditions is Circle of Lights, the annual tree-lighting celebration held on Monument Circle.
Each year, thousands gather as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument transforms into a towering Christmas tree wrapped in thousands of lights and garland. Every color honors a branch of the U.S. military, while toy soldiers and peppermint sticks ring the circle below.
A festive, free stage show builds anticipation until Santa flips the switch. Snow swirls through the air, cheers erupt, and suddenly the entire circle glows—an electric moment that makes even first-time visitors feel like locals.
I continued the evening at the Astrea Rooftop Bar at the InterContinental Hotel, where patio heaters warmed the terrace overlooking the newly lit Monument Circle and the revelers below. Sipping on a Coke and nibbling from a charcuterie board, the evening’s festivities continued.
Seasonal Museums & Holiday Traditions
Indianapolis leans fully into the holidays across its museums and cultural institutions.
At the Indiana State Museum, Celebration Crossing fills the building with interactive exhibits, Santa visits, and festive décor, while the Snowfall Express holiday train delights families throughout the season.
The Indiana Historical Society hosts its annual Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated trees created by community groups and organizations.
At the Eiteljorg Museum, Jingle Rails brings model trains through miniature landscapes inspired by iconic American landmarks, offering a festive blend of art, history, and play.
Together, these experiences form a citywide holiday circuit that brings North Pole energy to Indy.
WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis—often cited among the best children’s museums in the world—proves that curiosity doesn’t come with an age limit.
WinterFaire was in full swing, with ski races, snow splat games, penguin ring toss, ski ball, and holiday displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali.
In the permanent exhibit, Take Me There®: Peru, the museum highlights life in the country’s three major regions—the city and coast, the rainforest, and the mountains. Take Me There: Peru gives families the opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural tapestry in an immersive, authentic environment.
Other exhibits included Dinosphere, Carousel Wishes and Dreams, Beyond Spaceship Earth, Stories from 100 Years, Playscape, Power of Children, Treasures of the Earth, ScienceWorks, and Mini Masterpieces.
Walking past Star Trek costumes and memorabilia in the American Pop! gallery—after waking up earlier in a historic train car—brought the realization that I must be living Sheldon Cooper’s dream vacation!
I also designed a dress on a mannequin, built a cowboy in an interactive exhibit, and spotted cruise-happy rubber ducks before making my exit via the giant ice slide instead of the stairs. Whimsical fun has no age limit!
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Snow fell steadily as I arrived at the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and I stopped outside to play in it—after all, how often does a Louisiana girl get to twirl in the snow?
Inside, the museum delivered high-speed thrills through cutting-edge technology, immersive race simulations, and interactive exhibits. I explored Gasoline Alley, admired historic helmets, stood inches from legendary cars, and crashed my simulated Indy car more than two dozen times.
When Mario Andretti appeared in one of the displays, I laughed, remembering how my dad used to call me “Mario” back in the 80s—right before he took away my keys for getting pulled over for speeding!
The Starting Line Experience places guests in an immersive video space showcasing the pageantry leading up to the start of the Indy 500 in one of the most emotional, heart-grabbing displays of patriotism I’ve ever seen.
Theatre, Lights & Seasonal Performances
Another cherished Indianapolis tradition is A Christmas Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Adapted by the late Tom Haas, the production blends Dickens’ original text with ensemble storytelling in a way that feels intimate and literary. My front-row seat, nicknamed one of the Sweet Seats came with a box of DeBrand Fine Chocolates of Indianapolis!
Christmas at the Zoo
Created in 1967, Christmas at the Zoo was the nation’s first holiday lights event held at a zoo, and it remains one of Indianapolis’ most beloved seasonal experiences.
As the sun went down and the lights came alive, the campus transformed. Live penguins danced in the falling snow, trees shimmered with color, and families gathered throughout the grounds to explore the dazzling light displays. I decorated a cookie in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and visited with Santa Claus in his village.
White River State Park & The Central Canal
Walking to the museums through White River State Park, I was distracted by the water. It was right there—shaping the walk—like the canals in Venice. I learned that from April-October, Old World Gondoliers hosts public and private gondolier tours with real singing gondola operators!
White River Park welcomes over 4 million visitors each year, its greenspaces and amphitheaters—along with trails and groves—known as Indy’s backyard.
St. Elmo Steak House: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Meal
Dinner at St. Elmo Steak House was a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
Since 1902, the Indianapolis institution has been famous for its legendary shrimp cocktail—blisteringly spicy thanks to horseradish grown exclusively for the restaurant. I had to try it, and it lived up to its reputation.
The meal that followed was equally memorable: rich lobster bisque, a USDA Prime 60-day dry-aged New York Strip, loaded mashed potatoes, and a slice of double chocolate mousse pie. By the end, I felt like Violet Beauregarde rolling out of Willy Wonka’s factory—blissfully full and completely content.
Other Dining Spots
Look no farther than Cafe Patachou for elevated breakfast sandwiches. Gather 22
is a modern joint known for its chef-driven cuisine, an Indy hotspot for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
For a leisurely sit-down meal, make a reservation at RH Indianapolis, a magnificent 151-acre property with a dramatic restaurant, wine bar, and terrace that opens onto a 35-acre private lake, lush formal gardens, and vast forest landscape. Try the Whole Grilled Branzino with Truffle Fries.
Colts vs. Texans: Suite Life at Lucas Oil Stadium
Game day brought freezing temperatures—single digits with the wind chill—and I learned quickly just how cold a nose can get!
Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, the warmth returned fast. Watching my first NFL game from a private suite—with cushioned seats, unlimited food and drinks, and a bird’s-eye view of the field—I learned how the other half lives! The energy of the crowd was electric, and I learned the meaning of #FortheShoe.
The Heart of Indy
Some cities just win you over with heart.
What stayed with me most about Indianapolis wasn’t just the lights, museums, or events—it was the people. The kindness. The easy conversations. The steady, unpretentious warmth that makes visitors feel welcome and strangers become family.
Indianapolis is a city grounded in tradition, fueled by community, and generous with its joy. At Christmastime, that spirit shines even brighter in the Crossroads of America.
Jeanni Ritchie is a travel writer from Central Louisiana. Read more of her adventures at jeanniritchie.com.
