Make a list & check it twice:

• The more the merrier when it comes to layers.
• Be on time and carpool if you can. Resist the urge to be early.
• Waiting on people? Text them their tickets, then wait for them inside Wintermarket.
• Parking can get busy, but you will have a spot. Overflow parking is at Indiana Interchurch Center (1100 W. 42nd Street). It’s a decent walk, so you may choose to drop off your group at the main entrance before you park the car.
• Bring the big stroller, the cupholders come in handy.
• Have your tickets on your phone.
• Stop at the restrooms in Wintermarket before you go outside. Lilly House is the next opportunity.
• Get your hot cocoa or cider in Wintermarket—spiked is my favorite.
• Have your phone ready for pictures. There are lots of great photo opportunities throughout.

Walk in a winter wonderland:

• Snowflake Bridge is first stop…and one of the best!
• Stop and take in the historic Woodstock gates built in 1911. Fun fact: the design inspiration for Winterlights started with the gates.
• Don’t forget to drink your drink, you can’t take it inside Lilly House.

The music is building:

• If it’s your first time seeing the Landscape of Light…take a video, you won’t regret it.
• The best angle is directly in front of the Lilly House.
• If you’re not finished with your drink, take a lap around the lawn and come back.
• Listen to all the songs. It's about 15 minutes. This year’s soundtrack was rerecorded by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra!

Take it all in(side):

• The historic Lilly House mansion is a must see. It’s like stepping into a snow globe full of handmade crafts.
• If there is a line for Lilly House, wait in it! It moves quickly.
• You can’t take strollers inside, but there is stroller parking. Mobility devices are allowed inside, of course!
• Look for the little details and you may walk away with some decorating inspiration.
• Take your time, pretend you actually live there. Which chimney, door, or window do you think Santa came through?
• On your way out the basement stop by the restrooms or nursing room.

We’re on a roll:

• Grab a fresh drink outside Lilly House and buckle up for the second half.
• The path continues past the Kissing Arbor. It’s a great stop for a picture (or a proposal).
• Make your way to the brand-new Twinkling Trail.
• Hopefully your phone is still out, you’ll want to take a picture of the glowing Color Blossoms under the Interurban Bridge.
• Check the time if you have somewhere to be, this is about halfway.
• Get ready to see the brand-new giant ornament! IT IS DAZZLING!

Scout’s honor:

• Are you getting hungry? Roast a s’mores sold by the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana at the Culinary Campsite.
• Need a break? Rest and warm up by the crackling fire pits and hand warming stations.

Bundle up:

• Get ready to make your way through the crowd favorite Ice Storm Walk.
• Listen closely to the swirling wind and the ice...I actually think it makes you colder. 
• If you have holographic glasses, make sure you look at the icicle lights. It is so cool (pun intended).

Last stop: the Finale Tree! 

• Here we go!
• Talk about a good life, that final wrapped tree is a gorgeous 100-year-old Sugar Maple!
• You’ll exit through the Indianapolis Museum of Art, a different place than you entered.
• Don’t miss The Museum & Garden Shop, it has something for everyone. 
• You’ll also have one more chance to use the restroom or nursing room on your way out.

And that’s a wrap(ped)! 

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Exhibition Credits: 
Winterlights is presented by Bank of America. Lead support is generously provided by Marian Inc., and RJE Business Interiors. Additional support is provided by Barnes & Thornburg, Color Story Studio, Engledow Group, Gem Homes, Sun King Brewing, Sunbelt Rentals. 

Special thanks to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Newfields is proud to partner with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to delight guests at Winterlights. Learn more about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s seasonal festivities including AES Indiana Yuletide on their website, indianapolissymphony.org.  

“Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah,” Performed by Essential Voices USA, The EVUSA Ensemble, and Ron Raines, conducted by Judith Clurman. Arranged by Judith Clurman, Larry Hochman, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.   

Image Credits: 
Landscape of Light at Lilly House, Winterlights, 2022.