INDIANAPOLIS– One of Indianapolis’ favorite holiday traditions is returning to Newfields for its 10th season, bringing new light displays, festive activities and familiar favorites to the city’s winter celebrations.
Winterlights will feature an experience that is 40% new this year, while bringing back popular attractions such as Playtime, the Indy toy tree, Landscape of Light and the illuminated ornament display.
“We’re so excited to have the 10th anniversary of Winterlights,” said Mattie Wethington, chief marketing officer at Newfields. “Everything you know and love is back bigger and brighter than ever.”
Among this year’s additions is a moon garden, along with a transformed Garden Terrace designed to give returning visitors something new to explore.
The annual event also offers guests the opportunity to step inside the historic Lilly House, a 22-room mansion built in 1913. The home is decorated for the holidays, with themed rooms that add another layer to the seasonal experience.
For many Indianapolis families, Winterlights has become an annual tradition, offering a place to take holiday photos, celebrate milestones and create memories across generations.
“People are proposing, they’re taking that family photo,” Wethington said. “Maybe you take it when your child is 1, and then you want to take it again and now they’re 10. Everyone grows alongside us, and we’re really excited to embrace this with the community.”
Newfields also has earned nominations in two USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award categories: Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights and Best Holiday Historic Home Tour, recognizing Winterlights and the Lilly House, respectively.
Voting began Nov. 2 and continues through Nov. 30 at 11:59 a.m. EST. Readers can cast one vote per category per day. The top 10 winners will be announced Dec. 3 at noon EST.
Visitors can also look forward to special programming throughout the season, including Merry Movie Mondays featuring holiday movie classics. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, Newfields will offer two $10 ticket promotion days on Nov. 23 and Nov. 30.
Wethington recommends that families dress warmly and prepare for an outdoor experience. Wagons and strollers are welcome, and children 5 and younger receive free admission.
Food and beverage options will also be available, including spiked cocoa, warm pretzels and cookies, along with festive drink options for younger visitors.
For tickets, event details and more information, visit discovernewfields.org.
To vote for Newfields in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, visit 10best.com and select the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights and Best Holiday Historic Home Tour categories.
