• Typical temperatures: Highs in the mid 50s °F, lows in the upper 30s (approximate; colder snaps are common)
• Conditions: Gray, breezy; first flurries are possible
• Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is about 5:40 p.m. early and 5:20 p.m. by the end
• Crowd level: Low outside event days; high at the Circle of Lights
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

A warm coat and layers.

A hat, gloves and scarf for the Circle of Lights and evening walks.

Waterproof shoes with grip.

A compact umbrella.

Hand warmers for outdoor ceremonies.

Dates as of 2026-11-13; confirm with the organizer.

1. Butler Bulldogs Men's Basketball vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Men's Basketball Friday, November 13, 6:30 PM local (2026-11-13T23:30:00.000Z) · Hinkle Fieldhouse Sports at Hinkle Fieldhouse; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.
2. Desi Banks: Your Favorite Cousin (18+) Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-14T00:00:00.000Z) · Old National Centre Music at Old National Centre; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.
3. Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-14T00:00:00.000Z) · Gainbridge Fieldhouse Sports at Gainbridge Fieldhouse; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

• Carmel Christkindlmarkt tree lighting Saturday, November 21, 6 p.m., in Carmel (the market typically runs into December).
• Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26. Many restaurants close or run special menus; book early.
• Circle of Lights Friday, November 27, on Monument Circle, the 64th annual lighting of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument as a giant tree. It is free and draws huge crowds; check the schedule and arrive early.
• Winterlights at Newfields and Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum are seasonal holiday attractions that typically open around this time; confirm dates and tickets. Winterlights at Newfields and Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum are seasonal holiday attractions that typically open around this time; confirm dates and tickets.
• Colts home games at Lucas Oil Stadium and Pacers games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: check the schedules. Colts home games at Lucas Oil Stadium and Pacers games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: check the schedules.
• Holidays on the Circle performances run on Saturdays through December. Holidays on the Circle performances run on Saturdays through December.

Calmest: early to mid November, weekdays. Busiest: the Circle of Lights (November 27) and Colts home weekends. Book ahead: downtown hotels for November 27, Winterlights and Jingle Rails tickets, and Thanksgiving dinner. Getting around: street closures around Monument Circle on November 27; use IndyGo, rideshare or walk.

Colder weather makes the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and outdoor sights a quick-stop experience.

Earlier sunset brings holiday lights on sooner.

Indoor attractions shine: the Children's Museum, Newfields and the Indiana State Museum.

Holiday decor appears downtown from mid month.

Visit the Children's Museum of Indianapolis or Newfields.

Tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Walk the Cultural Trail and Mass Ave.

Eat at St. Elmo Steak House and try a pork tenderloin sandwich.

See the Circle of Lights on November 27.

Full Indianapolis visitor guide

Day 1: Monument Circle, the Indiana State Museum, lunch downtown, and an evening on Mass Ave.

Day 2: The Speedway Museum or Newfields, Fountain Square, and a holiday-light stop. On November 27, join the Circle of Lights.