TPA Park Festival of Lights

The TPA Park Festival of Lights in Frankfort, Indiana, is a large annual holiday event running from November 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, featuring over 1 million LED Christmas lights and animated displays in a drive-thru format at Frankfort's TPA Park. The event is free and donation-based, handicapped accessible, and offers a festive atmosphere with live Christmas music broadcast on local radio stations such as WILO 96.9 FM and Boone 102.7 FM. Visitors can drive through a dazzling winter wonderland, enjoy visits with Santa and his helpers at the Santa House (including candy canes and treats for pets), and purchase hot chocolate, soup, and other food from concession vendors[1][2][3][5].

TPA Park is an 89-acre park located at 1 Adrian Marks Drive in Frankfort, with facilities enabling a one-way vehicle flow for safety, entering from Kyger Street onto North Park Drive and exiting via Bob Sanders Drive. The Park Department emphasizes safety due to cords in the grass and on pavement for the lighting displays and asks drivers to obey speed limits throughout the park[2].

The local vibe for the event is family-friendly and festive, with a strong community and volunteer spirit. The Indiana National Guard contributes manpower annually to help set up the complex and large light displays, including a light tunnel near the main picnic shelter and playground, making the event one of the top-rated free holiday light displays in Indiana[4].

Event Activities and Schedule Details:

• Drive-Thru Light Show: Runs nightly from dusk to dawn throughout the event.
• Santa Visits: Santa appears on special dates, such as Saturday, Dec. 7 (after the Frankfort Christmas Parade), and regularly on Mondays and Wednesdays during the event, plus a special appearance on Christmas Eve evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.[2]
• Santa House: Candy canes for children and dog treats for pets.
• Concessions: Hot chocolate, soup, and other treats available for purchase.
• Radio Broadcast: Holiday music and Parks Department interviews aired during hours of operation.
• Vehicle Route: One-way entry and exit with signage directing traffic for safety.

History:

The TPA Park itself was established in 1911. The Festival of Lights tradition began in the 1990s under Park Superintendent Travis Sheets during Harold Woodruff's administration. The festival has grown into a massive display considered among Indiana's top 10 light shows, notable for being free with donation support. This 2025 event marks the 32nd annual celebration[2][4][6].

Summary of Key Features:

• Location: Frankfort TPA Park, 1 Adrian Marks Drive, Frankfort, IN
• Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 2, 2026
• Admission: Free, donation-based
• Accessibility: Handicapped accessible and family/pet friendly
• Highlights: Over 1 million LED lights, animated displays, Santa visits, food vendors, holiday music on local radio
• Setup support from Indiana National Guard personnel
• Safety: One-way vehicle route with speed regulation and caution advised due to electrical cords and displays

This event offers a cozy, festive drive-thru experience spreading holiday cheer and community spirit in a large park setting, blending traditional Christmas elements with impressive light artistry and local involvement.