The holidays are just around the corner and November is here! Here is our round up of some of the family fun activities and events happening this month in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas! And there is A LOT happening, so get that calendar out and schedule your month of fun now.
Meet Our Sponsor: St. Richard’s Episcopal School
St. Richard’s Episcopal School provides a timeless, challenging curriculum that embraces diversity while developing global citizens socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. Located at the corner of 33rd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis, we provide a rigorous academic curriculum that incorporates three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program, organized athletics, and city-wide experiences that bring learning to life.
For more information, visit their website.
Facebook | Instagram
Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
Events Around Our City:
November (Dates vary based on YMCA location)
Kids Night Out at YMCA
Event Website: Family Specialty Activities
Head to your local YMCA for their KIDS NIGHT OUT EVENT. Parents, this event is perfect to allow yourself a night out on the town and the kids will have fun too! Program activities include swimming, gym play, arts and crafts, and kid friendly movies. Dinner and snacks provided. Prices and details vary with each YMCA. Call your local YMCA for more details and date information.
November 1st
Indiana Pacers versus Brooklyn Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Event website: Pacers v Nets
Our beloved Indiana Pacers will take on the Brooklyn Nets on November 1st at 5:00 pm. Check out their full schedule on the website. Go Pacers!
November 1st
Elmo’s Got Moves at the Old National Centre
Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show coming to the Old National Centre! This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite songs, including “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.”
November 5th-15th
Spirit & Place Festival
Event Website: Spirit & Place
Held at the School of Liberal Arts on the IUPUI campus, the Spirit & Place Festival is from November 5th-15th. This year’s theme is CONNECTIONS and the festival has over 30 events throughout these ten days. From the event website, “The festival is a multi-day series of independently created events that each use the arts, humanities, and/or religion to explore a common theme.” Make sure to visit their event calendar to learn more.
November 6th
Christmas Nights of Lights Begins
Event Website: Christmas Nights of Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights is coming back to Indianapolis for the 2026 season! Come see all the lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition with us. Registration is required, and you can get your tickets here.
November 7th
Veterans Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum
Event Website: Veterans Appreciation Day
On Saturday, November 7th, all veterans and active military receive free admission and 20% off for additional family members at the Children’s Museum. All you have to do is provide your military ID at the box office.
November 7th
Scandinavian Fest
Scandinavian Fest brings the Indianapolis community together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Hosted at Lille Bønne Community Living Room, an historic former Danish church, the festival honors the building’s Scandinavian roots while showcasing the vibrant Scandinavian community here in Indiana. Spend the afternoon enjoying traditional Scandinavian music, singing and dancing, sampling Swedish baked goods, exploring handcrafted Scandinavian arts & crafts, and connecting with organizations that keep Scandinavian culture alive in Indiana.
November 11th
Indianapolis Ballet presents Cinderella at Clowes Memorial Hall
Event Website: Indianapolis Ballet presents Cinderalla
Experience the magic of Cinderella, Indianapolis Ballet’s company premiere of the beloved fairytale ballet, choreographed and staged by Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Emerita, Victoria Morgan. The first of three collaborations with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra during the 2026–27 season, this enchanting production at Clowes Memorial Hall brings a timeless story to life with dazzling choreography, sweeping live music, and unforgettable characters, making it a perfect outing for audiences of all ages.
November 11th-15th
Christmas Gift & Hobby Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Event Website: Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
Get your holiday shopping on at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show. Not only will you be able to shop ’til you drop, you can enjoy the beautiful holiday tablescapes, local entertainment, and you can even have a Girls Night Out and shop with your friends! And this year, you can see Robert Buckley of the Hallmark Channel on November 13th. Make sure to look through their Show Features Page for all the info.
November 13th
Festival of Trees Begins at Indiana Historical Society
Event Website: Festival of Trees
Indulge in a winter wonderland of more than 75 beautifully decorated trees and special programs at the Festival of Trees, running until January 2nd, 2027. There’s something magical happening every day – including Twilight Tuesdays, scavenger fun, and holiday treats.
November 14th
Reindeer Ride Express Begins at Nickel Plate Express
Event Website: Reindeer Express
All aboard! The Nickel Plate Express is in the holiday spirit, and they want to take you for a fun, family-friendly train ride. The 75-minute drive includes a hot chocolate, a holiday cookie, and a chance to see Santa. You even get to write a letter to have delivered to the North Pole! Kids under two ride for free (please note they will need to sit in your lap).
November 14th
Cereal Cinema: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie. And this month’s movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere. A bowl of cereal is included with ticket purchase. Coffee and handcrafted baked goods are available for purchase at Coat Check Coffee before and after the movie.
November 14th
We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show
Get ready for We call it Ballet, at Hendricks Live! Experience ‘Sleeping Beauty’ like never before, as dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes bring this classic tale to life on stage. The timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss comes to life on stage, as pirouettes and gravity-defying leaps cast a kaleidoscope of colours across the space. It’s a beautiful production you won’t want to miss!
November 17th-22nd
Mrs. Doubtfire at Clowes Memorial Hall
Event Website: Mrs. Doubtfire at Clowes Memorial Hall
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Clowes Memorial Hall this November! Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. This show is recommended for theatergoers eight years and older.
November 20th
Mary Poppins presented by Footlite Musicals
Footlite Musicals presents Mary Poppins, beginning November 20th at the Hedback Theatre! Set in England in 1910, the musical follows Jane and Michael Banks, who have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. With a mix of magic and common sense, she takes the children on a series of adventures and teaches the whole Banks family to value each other again.
November 20th
Winterlights at Newfields Begins
Event Website: Winterlights 2026
Bundle up! It’s time to head to Newfields for their 10th annual Winterlights event. This year, join us for a special season as we celebrate 10 years of this beloved holiday tradition in The Garden at Newfields. Nearly two million lights will dance beneath your feet and twinkle overhead, reaching the very tips of 100-year-old trees and lighting the way. To commemorate 10 years of winter magic, guests will be delighted by brand new displays and old favorites from over the years. New this year, experience moonGARDEN by Lucion—a custom shadow theater show inspired by the plants of the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. Returning from the very first year of Winterlights, see Playtime in Indy, a tree sculpture made entirely of colorful toys by artist Karl Unnasch.
November 21st
Winterfaire at the Children’s Museum
Event website: Winterfaire
WinterFaire will be back again this year! It is a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience. To learn more, visit the event website.
November 21st
Jingle Rails Begins at Eiteljorg Museum
Event Website: Jingle Rails
Experience the Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a favorite family holiday tradition that is unlike any other. Marvel as model trains wind past miniature landscapes featuring Indianapolis and the American West.
November 21st
Christmas at the Zoo Begins
Event Website: Christmas at the Zoo
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo, presented by Indiana Members Credit Union, continues to grow. For their 59th year, they are inviting everyone to sip hot cocoa and stroll through twinkling lights as you visit scampering red pandas, playful penguins, whiskered walrus and the graceful arctic fox. And, of course, visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at Santa’s Magic Cottage. To learn more about what you can find under the Bicentennial Pavilion, head to the event website.
November 21st
Carmel Christkindlmarkt Begins
Event Website: Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Experience the tradition of Christkindlmarkt in Carmel! There is so much to do and experience, including ice skating, shopping at the market, and enjoying the traditional food and drinks. For more information, including their special hours of operation and about their new free weekend shuttle, visit the event website.
November 26th
Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash in Broad Ripple
Event Website: Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash
The Drumstick Dash is celebrating 24 years of moving your feet so others can eat! The Thanksgiving morning run/walk helps fight homelessness with all proceeds providing meals and care to homeless men, women, and children in the Indianapolis community. Things kick off at 9:00 am, and you can find more information at the event website.
November 27th
Circle of Lights Celebration at Monument Circle
Event Website: Circle of Lights
One of the most beloved traditions in Indianapolis to kick off the holiday season is the Circle of Lights. On November 27th, you and your family can watch the Soldiers and Sailors Monument be illuminated with beautiful lights while watching performances from local performers. The lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 pm and will air exclusively on WTHR Channel-13, if you aren’t able to join in person.
November 27th
Celebration Crossing Begins at Indiana State Museum
Event Website: Celebration Crossing
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Indiana State Museum with their Celebration Crossing! November 27th is opening day, and Santa is scheduled to arrive in the front of the museum in a helicopter at 10:30 am. Then you can take a journey on the Snowfall Express before enjoying all the fun activities the museum has planned for you.
November 27th
Merry Prairie Holiday Festival Begins at Conner Prairie
Event Website: A Merry Prairie Holiday
Enjoy one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festivals – Merry Prairie at Conner Prairie. A Merry Prairie Holiday begins on November 27th. “With acres to explore, surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment. There is something for everyone to enjoy this year.” Get your tickets today. Also, make sure to check out their Breakfast with Santa event, with more information coming soon.
November 27th
Conservatory Crossing Begins at Garfield Park
Event Website: Conservatory Crossing
The Conservatory at Garfield Park is decked out in its holiday best for you to enjoy from November 27th to December 27th. With a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights, you’ll have so much fun exploring as a family! Admission during this event is $7 per person or $15 per family (2 adult max).
November 27th
Beef & Boards: Holiday Inn
Beef & Boards is inviting you to enjoy Holiday Inn, starting November 27th. Based on the classic film, this joyous musical Holiday Inn features a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Shaking the Blues Away,” “Heat Wave,” “Be Careful, it’s My Heart,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “White Christmas!”.
November 29th
Indianapolis Colts versus New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium
Event Website: Indianapolis Colts Schedule
Who doesn’t love a midday Colts football game at Lucas Oil Stadium? Our Indianapolis Colts are playing the NY Giants at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 29th. Click here to get your tickets.
Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!
