It's another special Holidays IN the Parks episode! Your shopping list, wish list, and holiday events are all taken care of! Listen now and you'll be in the know for the best gifts, activities, and family traditions.
The state parks are amazing all year, but during the holidays, they really turn up the charm! Whether you live near one of the parks or will be close to one when visiting family, there is plenty to celebrate. Be on the lookout for Christmas-themed scavenger hunts, visits from Santa, light shows on a fire tower, and drive-through Christmas lights in the campgrounds.
I’m also going to share my top three state park-themed gifts that are perfect for under the tree! Hop in Santa’s sleigh with me, and let’s celebrate the holidays IN the Parks!
IN the Podcast Episode
You’ll hear interviews from park staff and volunteers about the amazing events happening this holiday season. We travel the state from north to south to get all the details about these can’t-miss events. Plus, in the podcast, you’ll learn about several very cool First Day Hikes so you can start 2026 off right.
Listen to Side Trail: Holidays IN the Parks 2025 on Apple or Spotify.
Northern Indiana
Pokagon State Park
The team at Pokagon is gearing up for winter’s biggest attraction – the quarter-mile toboggan run! You can reach speeds up to 40 mph as you drop 90 feet to the bottom. The toboggan run is open now through March 1 on weekends from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with additional hours over winter break.
Chain O’ Lakes State Park
If you like puzzles, the Christmas Carol Clue Hunt on Trail 5 is open now. See if you can figure out which Christmas carol is being portrayed and submit your answers by Monday, Dec. 29. The correct answers will be posted on Chain O’ Lakes’ Facebook page the day after the clue hunt finishes, so you can see how well you did. Plus, there’s a prize drawing for those with the most correct answers.
Ouabache State Park
Ouabache’s Wonderland of Lights is a great tradition! It’s open now through Dec. 25 from 6–9 p.m. At only $5 a carload, this is the best show for the cost because there’s a lot to see at the park. The campground sites are lit up, and the fire tower has a 20-minute synchronized light show. While there are no bison pulling Santa’s sleigh, you can meet Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 and 20 at the Trails End Shelter from 6–9 p.m. Kids can visit with Santa and listen to musical entertainment. Hot cocoa and cookies are offered for a free will donation.
Central Indiana
Prophetstown State Park
At Prophetstown, you can visit The Farm and go back to the 1920s to celebrate Christmas with a side of nostalgia. Dec. 13 is the big event: Breakfast with Santa in the Farmhouse. They have two breakfast times at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., but tickets are selling fast. Head to their website to reserve your spot.
Also be sure to stop by on Dec. 20 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for Christmas on the Farm. You can celebrate Christmas with traditions that have been around since the 1920s. At this free event, they’ll have hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, caroling at the player-piano, Christmas lights decorating the Farm, and of course, all the animals to visit. Stop by the barn to see Santa too.
Mounds State Park
Nights of Lights at Mounds is open now through Dec. 28 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6–9 p.m. The cost is $10 per vehicle, and all proceeds benefit the Friends of Mounds State Park.
Lieber SRA at Cagles Mill Lake
During the first two weekends in December, from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can drive through the Lieber campground to check out the lights display the Friends group puts on. Santa will visit Saturday, Dec. 13 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Southern Indiana
Clifty Falls State Park
If you feel like your heart is two sizes too small, you’d better head to Clifty Inn. They’re having A Grinchy Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9–11 a.m. There are even green heart-shaped pancakes on the menu! You’ll need to contact Clifty Inn directly to buy your ticket because this fun event can sell out.
State Parks Gift Guide
Once you’re finished with the holiday events and are full of the Christmas spirit, it’s time to wrap some presents! Here are my top three items for everyone who loves to spend time IN the Parks.
A 2026 state parks pass – passes are $50 for Indiana residents with several discount categories. User fees pay for about 91% of the state parks’ operational costs, so know that your park pass is funding the very place you’re visiting.
A subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine – This magazine is perfect for people who love nature and history. Each issue includes photography-driven features, articles about park staff and employees, and fascinating stories from around the state. At the end of the year, there’s also a calendar full of amazing photographs.
Merch from the DNR online shop – The store offers shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and gear for your next camping adventure. Plus, there’s a cool insulated water bottle with all the state parks listed on it. The water bottle comes with stickers so you can track which parks you’ve visited and which you still need to check out.
Planning Your Visit
How many state parks can you visit this holiday season? I’m ready to see who has bragging rights and can claim to be the most merry family in the state! I’m also curious how many First Day Hikes one person can manage on New Year’s Day. Are you up for the challenge?
Follow and Share
Want to join my IN the Parks journey? Check out the podcast, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to share with a friend. Whether it’s the end of 2025 or your kick-off for 2026, go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!