Experience the Magic: Indianapolis Shines Bright this Holiday Season

There’s no better time to visit downtown Indianapolis than during the holidays, and this year, guests can experience the season in elevated style at the new InterContinental Indianapolis. Opening its doors earlier this year, the luxury hotel is celebrating its first holiday season with front-row views of one of the city’s most treasured traditions—the Circle of Lights. As Monument Circle glows with more than 4,700 sparkling bulbs and thousands gather to mark the official start of the season, guests can enjoy this dazzling spectacle from the comfort of their rooms or while sipping cocktails at the elegant Astrea Rooftop Bar. It’s a festive debut that perfectly captures the spirit and sparkle of the Circle City.

What’s New: Opening its doors earlier this year, the InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG is celebrating its first holiday season in the Circle City by offering guests an elevated stay with a front-row view of one of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions, the Circle of Lights. Each year, more than 100,000 spectators gather around Monument Circle as it transforms into a dazzling display of over 4,700 lights, marking the official start of the holiday season. Guests of the InterContinental can now enjoy this iconic view that has lit up the city for more than 60 years from the comfort of their rooms or the hotel’s elegant Astrea Rooftop Bar, making this inaugural December one to remember. 

Holiday Favorites: When the holidays arrive, the Circle City truly transforms into the City of Lights. Three beloved traditions are back for another year to illuminate Indy—Newfield’s Winterlights, the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, and Christmas at the Zoo. At Newfields, more than a million lights sparkle across the gardens and grounds, creating a shimmering winter wonderland where art meets nature. Over at the Athenaeum off Mass Ave, guests can shop from over a dozen huts housing holiday gifts sources locally and from around the Midwest.  And, at the Indianapolis Zoo, visitors can enjoy strolling through twinkling lights, exploring the animal exhibits, and visiting Santa’s Magic Cottage, making for the perfect night-out as a family. Plus, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event, and it is now in its 58^th year.

What’s Coming: It’s no secret that Indiana has always been a sports powerhouse, but now the rest of the country is finally taking notice. After their thrilling 2025 NBA Finals run, the Indiana Pacers are back and hungrier than ever. Even without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined by an Achilles injury, this team is ready to make waves once again, and you won’t want to miss it. As the saying goes, “In 49 states, it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana”. It’s starting to look like football is taking over too. The Indianapolis Colts, led by Daniel Jones—nicknamed “Indiana Jones”—have taken the NFL by storm and show no signs of slowing down. If you still aren’t a believer, you’ll just have to come see the magic for yourself. And basketball and football aren’t the only exciting live sporting events in town. The Indy Fuel, the city’s professional hockey team, and Indy Ignite, our women’s professional indoor volleyball team, are gearing up for unforgettable seasons of their own. No matter what sport fires you up, Indy has a team worth cheering for.