Back home in Hamilton County for the holiday weekend or have guests coming in town to celebrate Thanksgiving? There are plenty of things to do to keep friends and family entertained in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and beyond. Read the list below of the top things to do near Indianapolis during Thanksgiving Weekend 2022.
1. Visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Nov. 23, 25 – 27
This authentic German holiday market is back with unique gifts like wooden toys, nutcrackers, music boxes, ornaments, and the collectible boot mug. While you’re shopping the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, sip a hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa, and come hungry to enjoy a Lebkuchen (German cookie), Raclette (melted cheese sandwich) or Stollen (dried fruit bread). The market also includes the Ice at Carter Green skating rink.
2. Drive through the Magic of Lights at Ruoff Music Center.
Nov. 23 – 27
Ruoff Music Center will celebrate the holiday season with the return of the popular holiday light event. “Magic of Lights” is a family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival with twinkling and magical light displays to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
3. Shop for holiday gifts in Carmel and ride the Carmel Holiday Trolley.
The holiday trolley is free and open to the public. It makes stops in the Arts & Design District, City Center, Indiana Design Center and Carter Green for the Christkindlmarkt and Ice at Carter Green skating rink.
4. Take a train ride on the Nickel Plate Express.
Nov. 25 – 27
All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a fun-filled ride on the Reindeer Express featuring sing-alongs, a visit with Santa or a festive ride with Holiday Cheers. The train departs from Forest Park in Noblesville.
5. Visit with Santa at Conner Prairie
Nov. 26 – 27
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and tell him what’s on your holiday wish list. Hear stories of Christmas past and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
6. Experience A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.
Nov. 25 – 26
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie is a unique holiday experience. New for 2022, take a winter wonderland stroll from 1836 Prairietown to the 1836 Civil War Journey to see holiday lights. Don’t forget to take a ride on Kringle’s Carousel or zoom down the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.
7. Skate around a local ice skating rink.
Choose from outdoor options like the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza or indoor ice rinks like the Carmel Ice Skadium, The Arctic Zone or Fuel Tank at Fishers,
8. Pick out a Christmas tree.
Visit Spencer Farm in Noblesville and select your Christmas tree to bring home and deck the halls.
9. Support local businesses.
Shop small on Small Business Saturday to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Visit the downtown shopping and dining destinations like Carmel City Center, Carmel Arts & Design District, Historic Noblesville Square, Nickel Plate District and Fishers District.
For more things to do, visit our events calendar or check out our holiday guide, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
