Glow Up: The 5 Best Drive-Through Holiday Light Displays In Southeast Indiana For 2025
- Harry Tepe
- Dec 4, 2025
- 13 min read
Finding the best holiday lights for your family road trip can be tough. Christmas Light Displays Indiana 2025 offers some of the most exciting shows in the Midwest, near places like Milan, Aurora, and Cincinnati.
This post lists five top drive-through displays with tips to make your visit easy and joyful. Get ready to discover where you’ll spot bright ornaments, baubles, and even a glowing nativity this holiday season!
Key Takeaways
Drive-through light displays are safe and fun for families. You stay in your car, which keeps everyone warm and cozy. Many places sync lights to music on your radio.
Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is the biggest. It runs from November 7 to December 31, 2025. Over 1 million lights dance to holiday tunes.
Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy uses over two million LEDs and animations. It's open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day from November 21 to December 31, 2025.
Santa Claus Land of Lights shares Rudolph's story with lights along a 1.2-mile drive. It starts on November 21, charging $20 per car.
Winter WonderLights offers a half-mile route with decorations in Crown Point, Indiana. Tickets start at $24.95 per vehicle, supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Why Drive-Through Holiday Light Displays are Perfect for Families
From the Introduction, families in Southeast Indiana, Harrison, Ohio, and across Kentucky want safe holiday events near Milan, IN. Drive-through light displays offer comfort and safety.
You view bright scenes from your own car or SUV without stepping into crowded places. This helps everyone keep their distance and stay cozy during chilly winter nights.
Parents with small kids love drive-throughs because there is no rushing or worrying about strollers. Those needing extra help can enjoy every color and sound while seated inside the vehicle.
Many spots let you tune your radio to synchronized music for a magical effect that covers all ages. Pack snacks or warm drinks to make it feel like a true family road trip under millions of twinkling lights.
Each display welcomes vans and family cars; go at your own pace through creative setups made just for these tours. Enjoy flexible timing that fits busy schedules around Indianapolis, Aurora, Indiana, or Woodstock trips from Tom Tepe Autocenter’s trusted vehicles—making each moment even brighter as you explore festive routes together this season.
Christmas Nights of Lights – Indiana State Fairgrounds
Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds fills your car ride with bright colors and lively music. The lights move and change to each song, making every drive a new memory for your family road trip.
Overview of the display (Christmas Nights of Lights)
Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this event runs from November 7 to December 31, 2025. Open every night, rain or shine or snow. This is Indiana’s largest drive-through light show and a top pick for family road trip ideas near Milan, Indiana.
Entry uses a new online reservation system only; no cash or credit at the booth. Wait times should be under an hour.
Vehicles must be under 11 feet tall; full-size buses and large RVs are turned away at check-in. No ticket refunds are issued, but exchanges may occur before 10 PM on your selected date if spots remain open.
Christmas Nights of Lights offers a reliable outing for families wanting great holiday lighting displays during their next vehicle adventure from Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country in Southeast Indiana.
Features: Synchronized music and over 1 million lights (Christmas Nights of Lights)
Over 1 million colorful lights brighten the Indiana State Fairgrounds for Christmas Nights of Lights. Every display syncs to holiday tunes you hear through your car speakers; just set your radio to the right station at entry.
Families drive under huge light tunnels and past animated displays, all moving in time with classic songs.
Group passes work for one vehicle per visit, and a height limit of 11 feet applies at the main tunnel. Discount code tickets can be used from November 7–22, 2025. The event happens rain or shine, but ticket numbers are limited each night, and sales are final.
“Watch dazzling light tunnels pulse with every beat as kids sing along from the back seat.”
The next stop shines with even more lights, animatronics, and music in Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy.
Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy – Shipshewana, IN
Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy dazzles with sparkling tunnels and bright animated scenes. Drive through this winter event in comfort, enjoying each moment from your vehicle.
Overview of the display (Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy)
Event runs from November 21 to December 31, 2025. Open every day except November 27 and December 25. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM.
The entry point sits at State Route Five and Van Buren Street with bright signs for easy access.
Entry costs $30 per vehicle or $100 for a season pass good for five visits. Passenger vans with over sixteen people pay $100; full-size buses cost $250.
Family vehicles will enjoy this large drive filled with dazzling lights, LED displays, and holiday fun packed into one memorable route in Indiana’s Shipshewana area.
Features: Millions of LEDs, animatronics, and holiday music (Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy)
Over two million LED Christmas lights shine at Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy each season. The display runs for nearly two miles, set up across the Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds.
Moving figures and animatronics add action to scenes, creating a lively “symphony of colorful light.” Holiday music plays on your car radio as you drive through.
Each year since 2018, new displays have joined the lineup, making every visit fresh. The event includes extra fun like the Ship-Chic Holiday Show on December 6 and Christmas concerts on site.
Families can enjoy this safe holiday outing from their own vehicles; it makes for a dazzling trip before heading out in search of the next great light show in Indiana.
Santa Claus Land of Lights – Santa Claus, IN
Santa Claus Land of Lights tells the story of Rudolph with sparkling, animated LED displays. This family-friendly tour in Santa Claus, Indiana, creates lasting holiday memories for kids and parents alike.
Overview of the display (Santa Claus Land of Lights)
Located next to Holiday World at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, this display sits in Santa Claus, Indiana. The 2025 event opens on November 21. Guests drive a 1.2-mile route filled with bright LED lights that tell "The Shining Story of Rudolph." Displays stretch along the path for easy viewing from your vehicle.
Admission is $20 per car and covers up to 14 passengers. Lights run each night from 5 PM to 9 PM Central Time no matter the weather. Tune into MY 105.3 FM for Christmas music during your visit.
“Families can enjoy a magical light show without ever leaving their warm vehicle.”
Features: 1.2-mile drive-through and storytelling in lights (Santa Claus Land of Lights)
This light show stretches a full 1.2 miles and is one of the largest in North America. Families can stay warm inside their vehicles while watching Rudolph’s story unfold through bright displays and storyboards along the drive.
Each car can bring up to 14 guests, making it simple to share this experience. The event runs weekends from November 21 to December 7 and daily from December 12 to December 23, closing only on Christmas Eve and Day.
Santa Claus Land of Lights remains open during light rain or snow for more driving days near Holiday World.
Winter WonderLights – Merrillville, IN
Winter WonderLights in Crown Point shine with bright holiday scenes and festive colors. Families can enjoy a magical drive full of twinkling displays from the comfort of their vehicle.
Overview of the display (Winter WonderLights)
Located in Merrillville, Indiana, for 2025, Winter WonderLights covers over half a mile with bright holiday lights. The display runs from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and stays open until 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Each ticket starts at $24.95 per vehicle, with prices changing by night or upgrades like the Fast Pass which shortens your wait time. Entry includes access to Deep River Waterpark’s Ice Skating Experience.
Drivers and their families must stay inside their vehicles during the show for safety. Winter WonderLights supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through each visit. Tickets are available online before arrival so you can plan ahead easily and focus on enjoying stunning decorations with a family-friendly feel.
Next up are the features that make this light show special for your next adventure behind the wheel.
Features: Stunning decorations and family-friendly ambiance (Winter WonderLights)
Giant Christmas characters greet you as you drive through Winter WonderLights in Crown Point, Indiana. Twinkling trees and colorful tunnels fill over half a mile with bright displays.
The show features glowing presents, reindeer, and playful scenes that catch every eye.
Music adds to the festive mood and keeps spirits high during the ride. Families can enjoy each scene from their vehicles for safety and comfort. "This event lights up winter nights while supporting local charities," says our team at Tom Tepe Autocenter.
Every detail aims to create a magical setting for guests of all ages on your holiday drive this season.
Winterland Light Show – Danville, IN
The Winterland Light Show in Danville delights visitors with its creative holiday scenes. Families enjoy a cozy drive as thousands of twinkling bulbs light up the night.
Overview of the display (Winterland Light Show)
Winterland Light Show brings classic holiday magic to Danville, Indiana. Visitors can see the event from November 21 through December 28, 2025. The display stays open every night except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Admission costs $5 per car on weekdays; $10 per car on weekends. Santaland appears as a special attraction on select nights for families with kids. The Greater Danville Chamber of Commerce and Danville Parks Department organize this annual drive-through event.
Crowds grow large on weekends, so early arrival helps avoid long waits. No coupons cut ticket prices at the gate.
Features: Classic holiday charm with creative light displays (Winterland Light Show)
Glowing tunnels and animated displays greet you right from the start. Families like to spot the 30-foot Christmas tree, which lights up in time with holiday music. You can tune your car radio to hear every note.
Classic holiday scenes use creative lighting that makes each year feel new.
Santaland brings interactive fun for children, while couples and friends enjoy the festive atmosphere too. The organizers update light displays every season to keep things fresh and exciting.
Continue reading for tips on making your visit smooth and memorable.
Tips for Visiting Holiday Light Displays in Southeast Indiana
Plan your visit ahead to make the most of each holiday light show. Bring extra comfort by packing cozy blankets and checking your GPS route before you go.
Book tickets early to secure your spot
Popular holiday light displays like Christmas Nights of Lights and Winterlights require advance online reservations. Events do not accept cash or credit at the entrance. Ticket numbers are limited each evening, and spots often sell out fast, especially for peak nights.
All ticket sales are final, with no refunds offered.
Exchanges can only be made by 10 PM on your ticket's valid date if there is space left. The reservation system helps keep wait times under one hour for most visitors. Group rates might not be available on busy nights, so claim your spot as soon as possible to enjoy the display from the comfort of your vehicle purchased at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country.
Bring snacks and hot drinks for the ride
After booking your tickets, pack snacks and warm drinks for the drive. Hot cocoa, cookies, or popcorn create a cozy mood inside your vehicle. Kids stay happy with treats during longer wait times at each holiday light show.
The comfort of your own car makes it easy to enjoy festive snacks while you watch the lights shine.
Many families find holiday treats add to the festive spirit. While some locations offer food stands, bringing popular favorites from home saves time and money. Snacks keep everyone comfortable—especially smaller children who may get restless as you move through displays that use millions of LEDs and animated figures.
Enjoying seasonal bites is part of this special tradition in Southeast Indiana’s best drive-through events.
Check weather conditions to enhance the experience
The weather in Southeast Indiana often changes during November and December. Cold temperatures, rain, or snow can affect comfort and visibility while viewing holiday light displays from your vehicle.
Some events operate no matter the weather; bring hats, gloves, and warm coats to stay comfortable.
Severe weather may force schedule changes or cancellations. Always check event websites before heading out to avoid wasted trips. Packing hot drinks and snacks can help keep everyone happy if you get delayed due to the conditions on your route.
Planning ahead ensures families have a safe and memorable trip as they enjoy festive drive-through lights in their cars or SUVs from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Holiday Light Display Adventure
Pick a roomy SUV, minivan, or truck from Tom Tepe Autocenter to enjoy the drive and see every sparkling light display; read more for expert tips on finding your best ride.
Explore New and Used Vehicle Options at Tom Tepe Autocenter
Find the right ride for your holiday light display adventure at Tom Tepe Autocenter in Milan, Indiana. Shop new Chevrolet models like Silverado 1500, Equinox, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax, and heavy-duty Silverado trucks.
Choose from over 200 used vehicles across three locations in Indiana and Ohio. Options include Ford pickups, Nissan SUVs, Toyota sedans, Ram trucks, and more.
Visit us or apply online for a no-pressure shopping experience. Our team serves Southeast Indiana and nearby Ohio communities with excellent customer service. Take advantage of Chevy leasing deals or used car financing offers if you qualify.
For families planning a festive outing this winter season.
We believe that every journey through Southeast Indiana’s best holiday lights should start with the perfect vehicle, says Harry Tepe.
Our dealership helps ensure your vehicle is ready for winter trips to see all the top displays in comfort and style.
Why Financing Your Vehicle at Tom Tepe Autocenter Makes Sense
Financing at Tom Tepe Autocenter puts you in control with a range of options that fit your needs. Our team offers competitive interest rates to help you save money over time. We guide each shopper through the entire process for a fast and easy experience, even if you have special financing needs.
Customers enjoy clear support from our skilled staff, who handle many different situations every day.
Making affordable payments lets you choose the right vehicle for holiday adventures like drive-through light displays. Families can plan future trips with confidence knowing their monthly cost works for them.
The finance process is simple and focused on your satisfaction, helping get keys into your hands faster while making travel memories brighter and easier.
The Value of Trading In Your Vehicle at Tom Tepe Autocenter
Trading in your vehicle at Tom Tepe Autocenter offers strong benefits for families heading out to see holiday light displays. Our team tracks the market daily, so you get a fair price based on current trends and local demand.
Trade-in values usually peak in November, helping you get top dollar before January 1st if you're located near Ohio. Many customers find it smart to trade before year-end since waiting may mean your car loses value due to annual depreciation.
We use a structured approach that has helped us serve over 2,000 buyers every year. Harry Tepe and our staff will guide you through each step, making the process simple and efficient.
Our experts stay focused on customer service throughout all trade-in transactions; we aim for fast appraisals and immediate offers, whether you're exploring new cars or used pickups from Car Country nearby.
This way, shoppers can upgrade their ride just in time for family adventures under millions of holiday lights across Southeast Indiana.
Conclusion
Holiday light displays make the season bright and joyful for families. Southeast Indiana offers some of the best drive-through events, each with its own charm and sparkle. A safe and reliable vehicle will help you enjoy these magical nights to the fullest.
Visit Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country to explore quality cars, SUVs, or trucks before your holiday adventure begins. Let our team help you find the right ride for a glowing holiday trip in 2025!
FAQs
1. Which drive-through light display is best for families in Southeast Indiana?If you want the biggest “wow” factor, pick the show with the longest route and most lights. If you’re going with younger kids, choose the display with a shorter drive time, simpler traffic flow, and easy entry/exit so the evening stays fun (and not stressful).
2. Do I need to buy tickets in advance, or can I pay when I arrive?Plan on buying tickets online ahead of time for many of these displays—especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and the week before Christmas. Booking early also helps you avoid long lines and ensures you don’t get turned away if the event sells out.
3. What should we bring to make the drive-through experience smoother?Bring warm drinks, snacks, and blankets, plus a phone charger/power bank. It also helps to start with a full tank of gas, clean your windshield before you go, and set your GPS and playlist/radio before you hit the entry line.
4. What kind of vehicle is best for drive-through holiday lights?A comfortable vehicle with good visibility makes a big difference—especially if you’re taking the whole family. SUVs and minivans are great for space and comfort, while anything with strong heat, good defrost, reliable wipers, and bright headlights helps keep the ride cozy and safe on cold, wet nights.
5. Can Tom Tepe help me get the right vehicle before our holiday light trip?Yes—if you want a roomy SUV for the kids, something reliable for winter driving, or you’re thinking about trading in your current vehicle, our team can help you find the right fit. You can visit or call any of our locations:
Tom Tepe Autocenter: 426 E Indian Trail, Milan, IN 47031 • (812) 221-1044
Car Country Aurora: 804 Green Blvd, Aurora, IN 47001 • (812) 347-4339
Car Country Harrison: 10240 Harrison Ave, Harrison, OH 45030 • (513) 788-1234
Financing and lease offers are available for qualified customers / on approved credit.
Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter
Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.
Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.
Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.
Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.