Christmas Light Displays In & Near Kokomo: The Ultimate Guide Within One Hour and Less
Last updated: November 20, 2025
If your perfect December night involves hot cocoa, kids in pajamas and a car full of “oooohs” and “ahhhhs,” this guide is for you. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Christmas light displays in and around Kokomo, all within an hour or less and organized them city-by-city, starting right here at home and moving outward from the closest displays to the furthest (you’re welcome).
Each city includes categories like Drive-Thru Displays, Walk-Thru Displays, and Events & Experiences, along with the exact distance from Kokomo for every stop. Did we miss one of your favorites? Or do you have a showstopping front-yard display worthy of adding to the list?
Send the details to Bree@thekokomopost.com.
Happy light hopping, Kokomo. Now, onto the blog!
First up—our most requested resource: a drive-thru Christmas lights road map.
We know many of you want to load up the family, stay cozy in your pj’s, crank the holiday tunes, and enjoy a festive road trip without ever leaving the warmth of your car. So we created a custom map that takes you from Kokomo to every drive-thru display within an hour, in order, for the ultimate Christmas lights adventure.
Whether you’re piling the kids into the minivan or renting one of those fancy party buses and belting out Christmas karaoke along the way. The have 3 road trips planned for you that will take you on an unforgettable tour of twinkling lights and glowing displays across Central Indiana.
Let’s start small…
THE “APPROPRIATELY FESTIVE” ROADMAP
(click here for “APPROPRIATELY FESTIVE” roadmap that you can copy & paste into your GPS)
Total Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours
Gas Estimate: $10–15
Ticket Costs: FREE (Frankfort, Highland Park, Willis)
Vibe: Perfectly festive without exhausting the crew.
For those who want holiday cheer but don’t want to leave the county for three hours — this one’s for you.
👇 Stops in order:
City of Lights – Highland Park (Kokomo)
Frankfort Festival of Lights – TPA Park (Frankfort)
Willis Christmas Light Show – Russiaville
Just festive enough to feel magical.
Short enough to avoid backseat meltdowns.
Big enough to still feel like a holiday adventure.
THE “MILDLY FESTIVE” ROADMAP
(click here for “MILDLY FESTIVE” roadmap that you can copy & paste into your GPS)
A mid-range adventure: more lights than the quick route, but not a full odyssey
Total Drive Time: 3.5–4 hours
Gas Estimate: $12–20
Ticket Costs: $10–15 per vehicle
Vibe: A mini road trip with big payoff.
This expanded route is perfect if you want more than the quick version but not a full all-day trip.
You’ll hit some of the best big displays without going too far.
👇 Stops in order:
City of Lights – Highland Park (Kokomo)
Willis Christmas Light Show – Russiaville
Greentown Lions Club Lights – Greentown
Marion Walkway of Lights – Marion
Lights in the Airpark – Grissom Air Museum – Peru
A great blend of cozy local charm + major displays.
Still home by a reasonable hour.
THE “FESTIVE AF” ROADMAP
(click here for the FESTIVE AF roadmap that you can copy & paste into your GPS)
The full mega route — 11 drive-thru displays across Central Indiana
Total Drive Time: 5.5–6.5 hours (8–10 hours with viewing time)
Gas Estimate: $25–35
Ticket Costs: $45–90 per vehicle (depending on paid stops)
Vibe: Christmas Lights Olympics. Only for the truly dedicated.
This is the BIG ONE.
Are you ambitious enough to take on the ultimate holiday road trip?
👇 Here are the stops in order:
Kokomo (Start Point)
Willis Christmas Light Show – Russiaville
Greentown Lions Club Christmas Lights – Greentown
Frankfort Festival of Lights – TPA Park – Frankfort
Lafayette Living Nativity – Lafayette
NPT Night Lights – Fishers
Nights of Lights – Mounds State Park – Anderson
Marion Walkway of Lights – Marion
Lights in the Airpark – Grissom Air Museum – Peru
Logansport “Christmas in the Park” – Logansport
Christmas Nights of Lights – Indiana State Fairgrounds – Indianapolis
Memories = priceless.
Sleep schedule = questionable.
Holiday spirit = maxed out.
So there you have it, Kokomo. Exactly what you asked for: driveable Christmas experiences straight from the comfort of your own vehicle. Maybe we just planned your holiday outing for you… or maybe you’ll use our picks to build your own custom route. Choose one or many from the list of 11 drive-thru Christmas light displays and you’ll have a festive adventure that fits your family perfectly.
Now, onto part two of the blog:
Drive-thru, walk-thru, festivals, events and more where you can enjoy light displays, starting in Kokomo and organized city-by-city.
KOKOMO
Drive-Thru & In-Car Displays
City of Lights – Highland Park
Location: 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town (about 2 miles from downtown)
Highland Park’s City of Lights is Kokomo’s classic drive-through display. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with over 50 light displays, glowing archways, and festive scenes lining the road. Roll down the windows for just a second, cue up the Christmas playlist, and enjoy a route that’s as easy on the driver as it is magical for the kids.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity at The ConneXion
Location: 700 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town (about 3–4 miles from downtown)
This drive-thru live nativity brings the Christmas story to life with live actors, lights, and festive touches. You’ll move slowly through the scenes from the comfort of your car while the kids sip hot chocolate and nibble cookies. Santa typically appears on select weekends.
Cost: Usually free / donation-based
Vibe: Short, sweet, and very kid-friendly—perfect for weeknights.
Walk-Thru Displays
Christmas at the Seiberling – Seiberling Mansion
Location: 1200 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town (about 1 mile from downtown)
Each year, the historic Seiberling Mansion becomes a full-on Christmas storybook. For 2025, the theme is “The Carols of Christmas.” Outside, thousands of lights make the mansion glow; inside, every room is dressed in holiday finery, trees, and decor.
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated top to bottom for the holidays
Special Opening Night ceremonies
Candlelight Tours for a cozy, intimate experience
Free evening hours on select dates
Perfect for: Anyone who loves history, architecture, and that “old-fashioned Christmas” feeling.
Downtown Kokomo Courthouse Square Lights
Location: Around the Howard County Courthouse Square, downtown Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town
Downtown Kokomo dresses up for the season with lit trees, decorated storefronts, and a glowing courthouse. It’s easy to park nearby, grab a drink from a local coffee shop, and stroll the square.
Vibe: Relaxed, walkable, and perfect for snapping family photos before or after dinner.
Raceway Fun Park – Holiday Lights on the Track
Location: 2155 N. Davis Rd., Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town (about 3 miles from downtown)
Raceway Fun Park has turned its go-kart track into a full-on holiday spectacle this season. The entire course is wrapped in twinkling Christmas lights, with illuminated tunnels you literally race through—making every lap feel like a dash through the North Pole. Inside the building, the decorations continue with festive displays, cozy holiday vibes, and plenty of spots for snapping cheerful photos. Whether you’re bringing the kids for an evening thrill ride or looking for a new way to enjoy holiday lights, this is a uniquely Kokomo twist on Christmas fun.
Events & Parades
City of Kokomo Christmas Parade – “Hometown Christmas”
Location: Downtown Kokomo, IN
Distance from Kokomo: In-town
The City of Kokomo Christmas Parade is a big dose of small-town joy, with over 100 entries including floats, businesses, community groups, and marching bands. The theme is “Hometown Christmas,” and the glow of lights down the main streets makes it feel like a movie set.
What to Expect:
Evening parade (Kicks off at 6:30 PM)
Pre-parade kids’ activities, vendors, and animal encounters (pre-parade activities starting at 4 PM)
Know Before You Go:
Parking: Limited due to construction; carpooling is recommended
Pets: No pets (service animals welcome)
RUSSIAVILLE (10 Miles SW of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru & Park-and-View Displays
Willis Christmas Light Show
Location: Best viewed from Western Intermediate School side parking lot, 2600 S. 600 W., Russiaville, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 10 miles (15–20 minute drive)
The Willis Christmas Light Show is a residential-style display on a seriously impressive scale. You park, tune into the designated radio station, and watch as the lights synchronize to music.
What to Expect:
Talking lightbulb characters
Disney-themed segments
A 20-minute musical light loop
Typical Hours: Approximately 5:30–9:30 PM nightly in recent seasons
Cost: Free
Vibe: The ultimate “DIY” show in the Kokomo area—kids usually beg to watch the loop twice.
Events & Festivals
Urban Lights & Country Nights – Anna’s Acres
Location: Anna’s Acres, 5282 W. 250 S., Russiaville, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 10–12 miles (20-minute drive)
Urban Lights & Country Nights at Anna’s Acres blends twinkly lights with a laid-back country atmosphere.
What to Expect:
Glowing displays scattered across the property
Family activities and a cozy, rural setting
Food trucks and warm drinks
Fundraising for Kokomo Urban Outreach
Cost: Donation/benefit style
Vibe: More like a lit-up holiday festival than a strict drive-through route.
GREENTOWN (12 Miles E of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru Displays
Greentown Lions Club Christmas Lights – Howard County Fairgrounds
Location: 790 N. Meridian St., Greentown, IN (Howard County Fairgrounds)
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 12 miles (~15–20 minute drive)
The Greentown Lions Club transforms the fairgrounds into a charming holiday drive.
What to Expect:
Classic light displays and glowing archways
Themed scenes throughout the fairgrounds
A nostalgic, small-town feel
Good For: Families who loved past Kokomo light parks and want an easy drive with lots of familiar charm.
TIPTON (20 Miles S of Kokomo)
Events & Tree Lighting
Downtown Tipton Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Tipton County Courthouse, Tipton, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 20 miles (30-minute drive)
Tipton’s first-ever downtown Christmas tree lighting is set for December 1, 2025, at the courthouse.
What to Expect:
Central community Christmas tree
Lights and decorations around the courthouse square
An intimate small-town gathering
Good For: A cozy, local-feeling night out that pairs nicely with dinner or dessert in town.
FRANKFORT (24 Miles S of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru Displays
Frankfort Festival of Lights – TPA Park
Location: TPA Park, Frankfort, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 24 miles (~35–40 minute drive)
The Frankfort Festival of Lights turns TPA Park into a drive-through wonderland with over 1 million LED lights and animated displays.
What to Expect:
Massive park-wide light route
Tune your radio to 96.9 FM for festive music and interviews
Santa visits with candy canes
A concession stand serving hot chocolate and soup
Pets: Welcome to ride along in your vehicle
Vibe: Big, bright, and festive—perfect for a “main event” light night.
MARION (26 Miles NE of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru Lights
Marion Walkway of Lights
Location: Marion, IN (Matter Park & Mississinewa Riverwalk)
Distance from Kokomo: 26 miles (35–40 minute drive)
Marion, known as “Christmas City, USA,” hosts the Walkway of Lights, one of the grandest displays in the region.
What to Expect:
A two-mile route of more than 2.5 million lights
Option to drive the route or park and walk along the Mississinewa Riverwalk
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: $5 per vehicle
Parking: Available within Matter Park for those who want to walk
Accessibility: Drive-through and accessible walking pathways
Pets: Service animals welcome
Vibe: A destination-worthy show that still fits into a weeknight or weekend evening.
PERU (27 Miles N of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru Display
Lights in the Airpark – Grissom Air Museum
Location: 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., Peru, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 27 miles (~30-minute drive)
At Lights in the Airpark, you’ll cruise through light displays set among historic aircraft.
What to Expect:
Light scenes surrounding real planes
Fun photo ops with glowing aircraft in the background
Good For: Plane lovers and anyone looking to pair holiday lights with a bit of aviation history.
One-Night Event & Downtown Lights
Downtown Peru “Light Up! Peru” & Christmas Open House
Location: Downtown Peru, centered around 13 E. Main St.
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 27 miles (~30-minute drive)
Light Up! Peru is a big, one-night celebration that launches the season.
What to Expect:
Parade with lighted floats
Lots of lit-up storefronts
A temporary ice rink
When: One big Saturday in late November each year
Vibe: High energy on event night; afterward, downtown remains nicely lit for leisurely strolling.
NOBLESVILLE (30 Miles S of Kokomo)
Special Train Experience
Nickel Plate Express – Reindeer Express
Location: Forest Park / Hobbs Depot, Noblesville, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 30 miles (40–45 minute drive)
Climb aboard the Reindeer Express for a 75-minute holiday train ride through northern Hamilton County.
What to Expect:
Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and cookies
Visits with Santa’s elves
Letter-writing to Santa and a special visit from Santa on board
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Advance tickets strongly recommended
Parking: Free, ample parking in Forest Park
Accessibility: Not handicap accessible; narrow staircase to second-floor seating
Pets: Not allowed (service dogs permitted)
Vibe: A “big memory” outing that kids will talk about all year.
WESTFIELD (31 Miles S of Kokomo)
Events & Tree Lighting
Westfield in Lights
Location: Westfield, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 31 miles (~45-minute drive)
Westfield in Lights is a festive event that officially kicks off the season.
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony
Live performances on the Main Stage
Retail and gift vendors
Hot chocolate and food options
Free carnival-style games & “Stuff-A-Buddy” activity
Llama walks and miniature horse meet-and-greets
Know Before You Go:
Parking: Public lots, parking garage at The Union (first 3 hours free), plus free shuttle from Westfield Washington Public Library
Pets: No pets allowed
Vibe: A full afternoon/evening outing that works great for families with mixed ages.
LOGANSPORT (35 Miles N of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru Park Lights
Logansport “Christmas in the Park” – Riverside Park
Location: Riverside Park, 3319 E. High St., Logansport, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 35 miles (45-minute drive)
Logansport’s Christmas in the Park gives you the best of both worlds.
What to Expect:
Park filled with lit displays
Drive-through nights for in-car viewing
Walk-through only nights where you can wander and take photos
Special add-ons like breakfast with Santa on specific days
Cost: Light show itself is free; special events have additional cost
Vibe: A flexible, family-friendly option—pick drive or walk depending on the weather.
LAFAYETTE (35 Miles SW of Kokomo)
Nativity with Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru Options
Lafayette Living Nativity
Location: Lafayette, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 35 miles (45–50 minute drive)
The Lafayette Living Nativity has been a community tradition since 1991.
What to Expect:
15 life-size scenes telling the story from creation to the prophecy of Christ’s second coming
A cast of hundreds bringing the scenes to life
Choice of drive-thru or walk-thru experience
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: FREE
Pets: Service animals welcome
Vibe: Powerful, dramatic, and faith-focused—ideal for families wanting a more reflective holiday outing.
FISHERS (35–38 Miles S of Kokomo)
Walk-Thru Festival
A Merry Prairie Holiday – Conner Prairie
Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 35 miles (45–50 minute drive)
Conner Prairie’s A Merry Prairie Holiday is a full-scale holiday festival.
What to Expect:
Thousands of lights in a historic village setting
Holiday traditions in Prairietown
Dazzling 3D projection mapping show
Ice skating on Frosty’s Rink
Santa’s North Pole Village and festive entertainment
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Ticketed event
Accessibility: ASL tours on select dates; event designed with accessibility in mind
Vibe: A “wow” experience where kids can run, play, and explore all evening.
Drive-Thru Display
NPT Night Lights
Location: Fishers, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 38 miles (50-minute drive)
NPT Night Lights is a drive-through holiday light display filled with synchronized lights and music.
What to Expect:
Thousands of twinkling lights
Holiday music timed to the display
Know Before You Go:
Pets: No pets allowed
Vibe: Great add-on to a Fishers dinner or shopping trip when you don’t want to get out of the car.
WHITESTOWN (37 Miles SW of Kokomo)
Park Lights & Community Event
Merry at Main
Location: Main Street Park, Whitestown, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 37 miles (50-minute drive)
Merry at Main lights up Main Street Park and offers a festive night out for all ages.
What to Expect:
Illuminated park and community gathering
Family activities and holiday fun
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: FREE
Accessibility: Town notes accessibility info online
Pets: Service animals welcome
Vibe: Low-pressure, friendly, and perfect for those who like smaller crowds.
ANDERSON (38 Miles SE of Kokomo)
Drive-Thru Park Lights
Nights of Lights – Mounds State Park
Location: Mounds State Park, Anderson, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 38 miles (50-minute drive)
At Nights of Lights, Mounds State Park becomes a glowing route of displays and decorated campsites.
What to Expect:
Drive-through-only event inside the park
Campsites decorated by individuals, organizations, and businesses
Know Before You Go:
Parking: You stay in your vehicle; the route runs through the park
Pets: Service animals welcome
Vibe: A mix of professional displays and creative community touches.
ZIONSVILLE (40 Miles SSW of Kokomo)
Farm Fest & Lights
Christmas on the Farm – Traders Point Creamery
Location: Traders Point Creamery, Zionsville, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 40 miles (~55-minute drive)
Christmas on the Farm is now in its 17th year, turning a working dairy farm into a holiday playground.
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and music around the farm
Hands-on crafts and kid-friendly activities
Visits with farm animals (including the herd in their “Ultimate Cow Spa”)
Campfires, s’mores, and Jingle Bell Café treats
Santa visits and letter writing
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Ticketed event
Parking: Free
Pets: No pets allowed
Vibe: Rustic, cozy, and very photogenic—perfect for families who love animals and farm charm.
HUNTINGTON COUNTY (43 Miles NE of Kokomo)
Countywide Lights & Holiday Scene
Holidays Sparkle in Huntington County
Location: Huntington County, IN (Sunken Gardens, downtown tree, and more)
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 43 miles (55–60 minute drive)
Holidays Sparkle is a county-wide celebration rather than a single display.
What to Expect:
Free holiday light displays at Sunken Gardens
Downtown Holiday Tree and decorated streets
Boutique shopping and seasonal treats
Numerous family events, from craft markets to shows
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: FREE
Pets: No pets allowed (service animals permitted)
Vibe: A day-trip destination where you can shop, dine, and end the evening under the lights.
MUNCIE (44 Miles SE of Kokomo)
Walk-Thru Lights & Market
Enchanted Luminara Walk – Minnetrista
Location: Minnetrista, Muncie, IN
Distance from Kokomo: 44 miles (1-hour drive)
The Enchanted Luminara Walk turns Minnetrista into a glowing winter landscape.
What to Expect:
Three miles of enchanting holiday lights
Live music and theatre performances
Winter crafts and a barrel train for kids
Holiday Artisan Market for gifts and treats
Know Before You Go:
Hours: December 5 & 6, 2025 | 5–9 p.m.
Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Vibe: Very community-oriented and artsy—great for families and friend groups.
INDIANAPOLIS & NEWFIELDS AREA (45–50 Miles S of Kokomo)
Major Drive-Thru Lights
Christmas Nights of Lights at the Brickyard / Indiana State Fairgrounds
Location: Indianapolis, IN (Indiana State Fairgrounds / Brickyard-branded event)
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 45–50 miles (1-hour drive)
Christmas Nights of Lights is a massive drive-through light show with towering arches and synchronized light tunnels.
What to Expect:
Lights fully synchronized to Christmas music on your car radio
Long, immersive route with huge displays
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Advance purchase required
Pets: No pets (service animals welcome)
Vibe: Big-city spectacle that’s worth the drive, especially for light-show superfans.
Walk-Thru Garden Lights
Winterlights at Newfields
Location: Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 50 miles (1-hour drive)
Winterlights transforms The Garden at Newfields with nearly two million lights and carefully designed paths.
What to Expect:
Walking under illuminated trees and overhead display canopies
Lilly House adorned with Dickens Villages and gingerbread creations
Firepits, s’mores, and seasonal drinks
Wintermarket with holiday shopping
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Timed and ticketed
Parking: Reserved parking available for a fee; free parking also available, with overflow lots on busy nights
Accessibility: Outdoor path is accessible; wheelchairs available; accessible parking prioritized
Pets: Service animals only
Vibe: Elegant, artful, and very Instagrammable.
INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Indoor Tree Wonderland
Festival of Trees
Location: Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 50 miles (1-hour drive)
The Festival of Trees packs more than 80 uniquely decorated Christmas trees into the Indiana Historical Society.
What to Expect:
A multi-week indoor holiday spectacle
Special programming, workshops, and evening hours
Gift shopping at the Basile History Market
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Ticketed event
Parking: Free parking with admission in the on-site lot
Pets: No pets (service animals welcome)
Vibe: Warm, indoors, and perfect for days when the weather refuses to cooperate.
EITELJORG MUSEUM – Trains & Holiday Scenes
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
Location: Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 50 miles (1-hour drive)
Jingle Rails is a spectacular G-scale model train exhibition that kids and adults equally love.
What to Expect:
Miniature downtown Indianapolis landmarks
Iconic Western landscapes (Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, and more)
Seasonal decor and holiday atmosphere
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Part of museum admission
Parking: Free in White River State Park underground garage for museum visitors
Accessibility: Elevators, accessible parking, mobility aids available; service animals welcome
Vibe: Perfect for train enthusiasts and families who want an indoor attraction with lots of detail.
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO – Christmas at the Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo’s Christmas at the Zoo
Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Kokomo: Approx. 50 miles (1-hour drive)
Christmas at the Zoo has been delighting guests since 1967, making it one of the longest-running zoo holiday light events in the country.
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays throughout the zoo grounds
New decor and activities each year
Santa’s Magic Cottage for a personal Santa visit
Festive treats and unique animal encounters
Know Before You Go:
Tickets: Event admission required
Parking: Member parking free; non-members pay a daily fee, with overflow lot and shuttle on busy nights
Accessibility: Details available on the zoo’s accessibility page
Pets: Service animals welcome
Vibe: A full evening of lights and animals that feels both classic and magical.
LOOKING FOR MORE FESTIVE FUN? CLICK HERE FOR: Your Ultimate Guide to Kokomo’s 2025 Holiday Markets, Events, & Festive Fun
