Ice Skating – A classic and timeless activity that has been an enjoyable tradition for decades, Indiana has some fun and cute places to skate for a good price. A sweet date spot or cool hangout spot with friends, some of Indy’s favorite spots are Carmel Ice Skadium, Pop weaver Youth Pavillion, and of course Carmel Chriskindlmart.
Christmas Shopping – Everyone loves presents, both giving and receiving. Going shopping with friends and family could be a good bonding experience. Going to malls like Edinburg, Castleton, or Greenwood mall are all common spots for shopping. If you’re looking for a more enchanted experience, Santa’s Pitstop Christmas Shoppe and Gifts in Speedway offers a North Pole Experience. Mr. and Mrs.Claus will ring you up personally!
Baking – Sweet treats are a no brainer for Christmas. Traditional desserts like puddings, cookies, and cakes are all simple and delicious. If you are looking for a bit of a challenge, Chocolate bark, snowman / tree cookies, and snowman cake pops require a bit of a creative touch.
Snowboarding / Skiing / Tubing – While this isn’t as common in Indiana, it is still a very fun way to celebrate the winter season. In Indiana, Perfect North Slopes is the closest place to go for all three options. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, Michigan’s Crystal Mountain is a very popular destination for Snowboarding and Skiing. If tubing is more of your kind of fun, Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes in Noblesville, Indiana is a super fun option!
Performances – Christmas is truly a magical time of the year. Getting dressed all fancy and going to watch The Nutcracker ballet, orchestras, musicals, or even just staying home and getting cuddled up to watch some classic Christmas movies. Downtown Indianapolis is the most common place to see the beautiful performances. Make sure to book tickets!
Bonfire – With all this freezing cold weather, a cozy fire in a firepit outside or in a fireplace inside with some hot chocolate and marshmallows is comforting and nostalgic. Throw in some s’mores and maybe some stories or songs, and you have the perfect Christmas night.
Looking at Christmas Lights – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is famous for more than just the Indy 500, they also have amazing Christmas lights. Take your parents and friends and drive around the track to admire the advanced decorations and beautiful views, all within the warmth of your car.
Decorating – Plenty of things to do with friends, but a sentimental family activity is decorating the house with Christmas decorations. Setting up the tree, hanging ornaments, hanging lights, wrapping gifts, the whole nine-yards! Listen to Christmas music and chat with your family. Christmas is all about family, so take the opportunity to make some great memories.
Crafts – Making crafts is a great way to make gifts if you’re on a tight budget. Paintings for your parents, Christmas cards for your grandparents, or just decorating ornaments to hang on the tree.
Gingerbread House Making – This could be a contest, or just for fun, but the assembly and decorating of gingerbread houses is always a fun bonding activity. With a whole bunch of candy and icing involved, you can create something beautiful while also enjoying some sweets.
Fun Games with Friends and Family – There are plenty of minutes to win games, or just some board games and card games that can bring everyone together. Tiktok, Instagram, and Google all have hilarious games to set up and play with everyone. White Elephant, trivia, Secret Santa, Candy Cane hunts, and many many more are all fun, classic, and great options!
