Some holiday traditions begin with a favorite ornament or a familiar song. At Newfields, the celebration starts with more than three million lights. Returning November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, Winterlights presented by Bank of America marks its 10th season with new installations, returning favorites and plenty of reasons to bundle up for an evening in The Garden.

Spanning nearly 52 acres, the annual Indianapolis attraction turns a winter walk into a festive outing filled with illuminated landscapes, seasonal treats and opportunities to make memories with family and friends. For its anniversary season, Newfields is adding several displays that give longtime visitors something new to discover.

Among the additions is Starfall, a display of massive illuminated stars designed to resemble a meteor shower suspended in time. The newly designed Marquee Maple offers another standout moment, with hundreds of lights descending from its branches to create a glowing finale.

A new interactive installation, moonGARDEN by Canadian-based Lucien, will fill a lawn near the Beer Garden with color-changing orbs ranging from 18 inches to 12 feet. The largest spheres will feature shadow shows depicting recognizable scenes from Newfields, while smaller orbs shift colors throughout the evening.

The anniversary also brings a connection to the festival’s beginnings. Artist Karl Unnasch’s Playtime in Indy, which appeared during the inaugural Winterlights season, returns this year. Made almost entirely from secondhand toys sourced from local consignment event Whale of a Sale, the installation adds a playful touch to the celebration.

“This momentous anniversary is a great source of pride for Newfields,” said Le Monte G. Booker Sr., President and CEO of Newfields. Since its 2017 debut, he noted, Winterlights has become a tradition for families across central Indiana.

Familiar Favorites and Festive Flavors

Returning attractions include Landscape of Light, where swirling patterns illuminate the grounds outside Lilly House. Visitors can also step inside the historic mansion for Styled for the Season sponsored by LINNEA, featuring rooms dressed in holiday décor.

At Tinsel Terrace, the menu includes s’mores kits, cookies, popcorn and hot cocoa. Adults looking for a seasonal sip can choose apple cider spiked with Bulleit Bourbon or Smirnoff peppermint hot cocoa.

Holiday shopping is part of the experience, too. Wintermarket, located in the Randolph H. Deer Events Pavilion, offers ornaments, decorations, jewelry, mugs and other giftable finds.

For groups planning a special evening, private heated igloos offer a cozy gathering place. Rentals accommodate eight people and include Premier tickets, access to Winterlights from 5–9 p.m., a holiday nosh board, drink tickets, lightbulb necklaces and two parking passes.

More Ways to Celebrate

Opening night on November 20 doubles as the Winterlights 10 Year Anniversary Party, kicking off the season with an evening of festive celebration.

Visitors seeking a budget-friendly outing can take advantage of $10 admission nights on November 23 and November 30. Children ages 5 and younger enter free.

Santa and holiday carolers will join the festivities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from November 24 through December 16, appearing from 5–8 p.m. along the Twinkling Trail.

For a movie-and-lights outing, Merry Movie Mondays pairs screenings in The Tobias Theater with admission to Winterlights after the film. The lineup features The Santa Clause on December 7, Elf on December 14 and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on December 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with films beginning at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are required.

The season concludes with Dog Night on January 3, when visitors can bring their pups for a final stroll through the displays. A separate Pup Pass is required.

Plan Your Visit

Standard Winterlights tickets start at $25, with advance purchases offering the lowest prices and members receiving preferred pricing. Children ages 5 and younger enter free.

Premier tickets add expedited entry, a lightbulb necklace, a nonalcoholic beverage and Winterlights glasses. Available on select nights, the Winterwonder Pass offers additional benefits, including flexible arrival between 5–8 p.m., access to the Lilly House Lounge, a premium beverage and fast-pass access at culinary stops.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth season beneath the lights, this year’s celebration offers a chance to revisit a favorite Indianapolis tradition—and find a few new favorites along the way.

For tickets and additional details, visit discovernewfields.org.