Temp 3aa2b149 bb16 44f7 b7fe cbb02566fd9f

Where to See Santa in Hendricks County Indiana

Published on November 25, 2025

The magic of the holiday season comes alive in Hendricks County, Indiana, and one of the best parts is finding the perfect place to see Santa.

There are plenty of family-friendly places to see the Big Guy that include Christmas lights, parades, shopping and even a pony or two.

Here’s your 2025 guide to the best local Santa stops for making this holiday magical for your family.

Christmas Under the Stars parade in Brownsburg

Community Lighting Events

Kick off the season with big, cheerful celebrations featuring a grand entrance by Santa.

Christmas on the Square (Danville) – Nov. 28 – This charming downtown celebration features the annual tree lighting, kids’ activities, caroling and plenty of small-town holiday charm. Santa arrives to flip the switch and greet families throughout the evening.
Elves on the Loose / Light Up Main Street (Plainfield) – Nov. 29 – This festive event blends a playful scavenger hunt with a holiday lighting ceremony along Main Street. Kids can search for mischievous elves before gathering to see Santa help light up the town.
Avon Tree Lighting (Avon) – Dec. 6 – Families gather for a cozy community lighting ceremony where Santa makes a special appearance. It’s simple, sweet and perfect for little ones who love bright lights and quick holiday fun.
Christmas Under the Stars Parade & Winter Market (Brownsburg) – Dec. 6 – This popular nighttime parade brings glowing floats, festive music and a full winter market. Santa rides in the parade and visits with families afterward, making it a favorite annual tradition.

Santa with a Pig at Natural Valley Ranch

Natural Valley Ranch Website

Santa With Animals

These events mix holiday magic with adorable animals for a guaranteed kid-pleaser.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 6 – Families can enjoy Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and visit Natural Valley Ranch’s beloved petting zoo animals in Brownsburg. It’s a great option for kids who love being outdoors and getting hands-on with the animals.
Hummel Park Hometown Holiday (Plainfield) – Dec. 13 – This event pairs classic Santa photos with pony rides, making it an easy way to give the kids a full holiday experience without spending the whole afternoon out.
Candy Cane Hunt with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 13 – A Santa event featuring fun animal interactions, perfect for kids who can’t resist anything cute and fuzzy. Details for this event at Natural Valley Ranch vary each year, so it’s best to check the event page for updates.

Christmas with the Ponies

Strides to Success Facebook page

For A Good Cause

These Santa visits double as opportunities to support local organizations doing meaningful work.

Kiwanis Club of Brownsburg Photos with Santa (Brownsburg) – Dec. 12-13 – Families can take holiday photos with Santa while supporting the Kiwanis Club’s community initiatives. It’s a simple, feel-good way to give back while creating sweet memories.
Strides to Success "Christmas with the Ponies” (Plainfield) – Dec. 13 – This holiday event benefits equine-assisted therapy programs and gives families a chance to meet Santa in a unique ranch setting. Kids can enjoy interacting with the horses while supporting a mission-driven organization.

Santa at Beasley's
Beasley's Orchards Facebook Page

Traditional Events

Simple, classic Santa experiences that make holiday photos and wish-list chats easy.

Santa at The Shops at Perry Crossing (Plainfield) – Nov. 29–Dec. 24 – This beloved annual setup offers classic Santa photos in a convenient, family-friendly location. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick picture during holiday shopping.
Christmas at the Orchard (Danville) – Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 & 13 – By appointment only, families can visit Beasley's Orchard to get professional photos taken with Santa inside the Barn Market for a fee.
Avon Santa Stop – Every Saturday & Sunday from Nov. 29 through December 22 – By appointment only, families can skip the lines and get high-end, professional photos with Santa. You can also purchase custom Santa videos to get a personal message from the big guy, straight from his workshop.
Santaland at Ellis Park (Danville) – Weekends through Dec. 21 – Santa visits Ellis Park on select nights during the Winterland Light Show, giving families a cozy spot to snap photos. Kids can enjoy the festive décor and glowing lights before or after meeting Santa.
Cookies With Santa (Danville) – Dec. 5 & 12 – Creation Cafe - Coffee and Bakery will host an igloo experience where visitors can enjoy cookies and sip on cocoa with Santa in a climate-controlled igloo outside their restaurant. They will even host a sensory hour on Dec. 5.
Sensory Santa (Avon) – Dec. 6 – Washington Township Parks will host their annual Sensory Santa event at Pecar Park for children or individual families to have a relaxed low low-pressure visit with Santa.

More Winter Fun

Shop Local for Unique Holiday Gifts

Your Complete Hendricks County Indiana Holiday Shopping Guide

Winter Things to Do in Hendricks County, Indiana

Author

Shawn Chambers

Hendricks County Insider

Shawn joined Visit Hendricks County as an Insider in June 2022. He owns Envision Strategies, a marketing agency based in Hendricks County and was previously part of the marketing team with the National Hot Rod Association and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Shawn lives in Avon with his wife, Abby, and daughter, Olivia.