Things to Do in Indianapolis in December

December Weather in Indianapolis

40°C (104°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December is Indianapolis' dry season with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) rainfall - perfect for outdoor festivals and walking tours through downtown without weather delays
Holiday festivities peak in December with the Monument Circle Christmas tree, Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas at the Zoo with 1 million lights, and extended museum hours at Newfields
Hotel rates drop 25-35% after New Year's bookings end but before convention season begins, making luxury downtown stays affordable at $89-129/night range
Pacers basketball season is in full swing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with tickets most available in December before playoff pushes drive up demand and prices

Considerations

December weather is highly unpredictable - temperatures can swing 17°C (30°F) in 24 hours, requiring you to pack for both winter coats and t-shirt weather
Many outdoor attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway tours operate on reduced schedules or close entirely from December 15-January 2
Restaurant reservations become difficult December 15-31 due to holiday parties and events - book dining 2-3 weeks ahead or expect 45+ minute waits

Best Activities in December

Downtown Cultural District Walking Tours

December's variable weather creates perfect conditions for exploring Indianapolis' compact downtown core. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Cultural Trail connects all major attractions, and December's lower humidity makes the walk comfortable even when temperatures reach 26°C (79°F). Holiday decorations transform ordinary buildings into festive displays, particularly around Monument Circle and Mass Ave.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free via the Cultural Trail mobile app, or book guided tours 5-7 days ahead for $15-25 per person. Many tours offer indoor backup routes for the 10 rainy days typical in December. Check current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Experience

December is ideal for Speedway tours because trackside temperatures stay comfortable without summer's oppressive heat and humidity. The 4 km (2.5 mile) track tour includes the museum, and December visitors avoid the massive crowds of race season. Tours run daily except December 24-25 and January 1, making this the perfect off-season experience.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $15-30 per person with museum access. Book 3-5 days ahead online for guaranteed spots, as December weekend tours can fill up with holiday visitors. See current tour times and pricing in the booking section below.

Indiana Dunes National Park Day Trips

December offers the best Lake Michigan shoreline experience without summer crowds - you'll have 24 km (15 miles) of beaches nearly to yourself. Winter bird migrations peak in December, and the dunes provide shelter from lake winds when temperatures drop. Clear December days offer 16 km (10 mile) views across the lake.

Booking Tip: Park entrance is free, but guided nature walks cost $5-10 per person. Located 64 km (40 miles) northwest of Indianapolis - factor 90 minutes driving each way. Book ranger-led tours 1 week ahead through the National Park Service. Current tour availability shown in booking section below.

Broad Ripple and Mass Ave Food Tours

December brings seasonal menus and holiday-themed dishes to Indianapolis' food scenes. Walking between venues is comfortable in December's moderate temperatures, and restaurant patios often stay open with heaters. The 1.6 km (1 mile) Mass Ave food corridor and Broad Ripple's 0.8 km (0.5 mile) strip both offer diverse options without summer's oppressive humidity.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run $45-75 per person for 3-hour experiences with 4-6 stops. Book 10-14 days ahead in December due to holiday demand. Many tours offer indoor alternatives during the month's 10 rainy days. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Children's Museum and Newfields Art Experiences

December's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions essential backup plans. The Children's Museum extends holiday hours through December 30th, while Newfields features special winter exhibitions and holiday light installations. Both offer climate-controlled comfort when outdoor temperatures fluctuate unpredictably.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for multiple museums cost $35-55 per adult. Purchase online 5-7 days ahead for December visits to avoid holiday rush lines. Many museums offer timed entry slots in December to manage crowd flow. Check current exhibition schedules and tickets in booking section below.

White River State Park Outdoor Activities

December weather creates ideal conditions for the 1.6 km (1 mile) Canal Walk and White River Trail system. Lower humidity makes biking and walking comfortable even at 26°C (79°F), while cooler days around 40°C (104°F) - wait, that seems wrong. While cooler days around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for longer outdoor activities. The park's 101 hectares (250 acres) include multiple indoor venues for weather backup.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost $8-15 per hour, and December sees 40% fewer crowds than summer months. Book canal boat tours 3-5 days ahead for $12-18 per person - they run weather permitting through December 23rd. Current outdoor activity bookings available in section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through December 23

Indianapolis Christmas Market

European-style market in Military Park featuring local vendors, seasonal foods, and holiday entertainment. The market transforms downtown with warming stations and covered areas for December's variable weather.

Mid December through early January

Zoo Lights at Indianapolis Zoo

Over 1 million holiday lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Special after-dark admission includes hot cocoa stations and extended animal exhibits. Runs regardless of December weather with indoor warming areas.

December 31

New Year's Eve Downtown Celebration

Monument Circle hosts Indianapolis' largest New Year's celebration with live music, local food vendors, and midnight fireworks. The event includes heated indoor areas at nearby hotels and restaurants.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts, sweaters, and winter coats for temperature swings of 17°C (30°F) in single days

Waterproof jacket with hood - December's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - December sidewalks can be wet and slippery from frequent light rain

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 during clear December days requires protection, especially around reflective downtown buildings

Portable umbrella - compact enough for museum visits but essential for unpredictable December showers

Light scarf and hat - December mornings start cool at 26°C (79°F) but afternoons can reach 40°C (104°F)

Power bank - December's shorter daylight hours mean more indoor activities and phone usage for navigation and bookings

Casual dressy outfit - December restaurant reservations often require business casual attire for holiday dining

Reusable water bottle - December's 70% humidity and variable temperatures require consistent hydration

Small day pack - December activities often move between indoor and outdoor venues requiring layer management

Insider Knowledge

December hotel rates drop significantly after December 26th - extend your stay through New Year's for 40% savings on luxury downtown properties

Monument Circle parking meters are free after 6pm and all day Sunday in December, saving $15-20 daily on downtown exploration

Local restaurants offer 'Devour Indy' prix fixe menus throughout December - $35-45 three-course meals at normally expensive establishments

Indianapolis Cultural Trail bike share operates year-round but December offers the best availability with 95% of stations fully stocked due to lower demand

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for cold weather - December temperatures regularly reach 26-40°C (79-104°F) and many tourists arrive with only winter clothes

Assuming outdoor attractions are closed - most Indianapolis outdoor sites operate through December with modified hours, not full closures

Booking dinner reservations day-of in late December - holiday parties and events make walk-in dining nearly impossible December 15-31