Nights of Lights at Mounds State Park

Nights of Lights at Mounds State Park is an annual holiday light display held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout December, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, with a $10 per vehicle admission fee. The event takes place at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana, specifically driving through the park's campground, which is decorated with over 60 unique, community-hosted Christmas light displays created by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The event features a festive drive-through experience where visitors can enjoy colorful and creative light scenes from the comfort of their cars. Visitors also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite displays. The event is handicap accessible, and all proceeds support the Friends of Mounds State Park organization, which uses funds to improve park projects, events, and programs.

The schedule is consistent across all event days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December, typically from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (sometimes listed as 9:30 pm in some previous years). The exact 2025 dates run from December 5 through December 28. Special appearances such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf have been part of past years, often arriving mid-December, adding to the holiday spirit.

The event was started with support from Friends of Ouabache State Park and local volunteers and has grown to be a beloved regional holiday tradition that transforms the park's campground into a magical wonderland. Participants who want to decorate can register free of charge to reserve campsites for their displays, and sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations or individuals who want to advertise or send holiday greetings in the event brochure.

In summary, the event vibe is festive, family-friendly, and community-centered, making it a popular holiday outing in Madison County. Visitors simply drive along the designated route in the campground to view the displays, with no separate events or performances scheduled on-site at set times beyond the overall night hours.

Key details at a glance:

• When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December from 6-9 pm (December 5 to 28 in 2025)
• Where: Mounds State Park Campground, 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, Indiana
• Cost: $10 per vehicle
• Accessibility: Handicapped accessible
• Activities: Drive-through viewing of over 60 holiday light displays; voting on favorite scenes; possible Santa visits mid-December
• History: Started with Friends of Mounds State Park in collaboration with Friends of Ouabache State Park; now annual with growing participation and sponsorship
• Additional: Opportunities exist to decorate a campsite or sponsor the event

Overall, Nights of Lights is an immersive, drive-through holiday experience that highlights community spirit and supports the park's ongoing initiatives.