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 2024.
*Activities marked with an asterisk are included on the Holiday Adventure Pass.
1. Visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. *
Nov. 27, 29 - Dec. 1
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. See a holiday performance. *
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
See White Christmas or The Nutcracker at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Lindsey Stirling at the New Fishers Event Center or Cathy Morris at Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
3. Shop for holiday gifts in Carmel and ride the Carmel Holiday Trolley.
Nov. 29 - 30
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. 29 - Dec. 1
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. Experience A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie. *
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie is a unique holiday experience. 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.
6. Attend the Suburban Indy Holiday Show at Grand Park.
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Create shopping traditions at the Suburban Indy Holiday Show! The show will feature hundreds of small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and crafters selling their creations in the largest holiday shopping weekend of the year! Tickets are only $5 when pre-purchased online or $10 at the door and parking is free!
7. Skate around a local ice skating rink.
Choose from an outdoor rink, Ice at Carter Green, or indoor ice rinks like the Carmel Ice Skadium, The Arctic Zone or Fuel Tank at Fishers.
8. Experience the Magnificent Monon
Nov. 27 - Dec. 1
The Magnificent Monon is a beautiful outdoor walkway adorned with seasonal lights and decorations, stretching from Carter Green to Main Street along the Monon Greenway in Carmel.
9. Pick out a Christmas tree.
Visit Spencer Farm in Noblesville and select your Christmas tree to bring home and deck the halls.
10. 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.
