Cincinnati definitely has a ton of things to do, see and eat, but sometimes, it’s fun to see what’s happening in other Tri-State cities. Indianapolis is less than 2 hours away and is jam-packed with activities for the whole family this winter!
If you love beautiful light displays, Winterlights at Newfields is the perfect spot to start. Featured on the campus of Newfields (the new name for the campus at the Indianapolis Museum of Art), this brand new exhibit is an ideal date night, family getaway or solo adventure. The gardens are completely blanketed in lights as the campus both shines and entertains with a synchronized light show, hovering Christmas trees, larger than life sculptures, warm cocktails, snacks and soft music. This is one of the Midwest’s must-see holiday exhibits of 2017, so don’t miss the chance to see for yourself.
Ever dreamt of driving your car across the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Back and better than ever this holiday season is Lights at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This event features more than 2.5 million bright lights and hundreds of shining displays spread along a stretch of the IMS road course and a portion of the oval. For race fans and bucket-listers alike, this is one you don’t want to miss.
While in Indy, drop by Monument Circle to see more gorgeous lights! The day after Thanksgiving more than 100,000 people gathered to celebrate the lighting of Indy’s beloved 242-foot tall Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the epicenter of Indy. Travelocity named this one of the top five must-see Christmas trees in the nation and they are spot on with that designation.
Did you know the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to hold a holiday lights show? Christmas at the Zoo is a fan favorite for both Indy residents and visitors alike. Enjoy a hot beverage while you stroll the zoo, see the lights, take time to see the animals and listen to some carolers by the campfire.
Of course, nothing beats a holiday train ride. Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum is a locomotive wonderland that will take you on a journey through the American West via nine working model trains. The trains will wind past local Indy treasures before heading west to check out Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood and much more. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Now is also the perfect time to visit Indy’s premier family-friendly holiday destination, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They celebrate the holidays with Jolly Days, where you can take part in wintertime traditions including games, “baking,” exploring the frozen Ice Castle, sock-skating on the “ice pond,” and trying your hand at “ice fishing.” If you’ve never been to the world’s largest children’s museum before, you have to check it out. And come back in the spring when the 7.5 acre indoor/outdoor Sports Legends Experience opens!
And last but not least, if you’re looking for a show, check out IPL’s Yuletide at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra or A Christmas Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it in Indy, the perfect day-trip destination from Cincinnati. For more information about Indy and all it has to offer, visit www.visitindy.com.