It’s officially my favorite time of year! Here is our list of personal favorite “Ber” activities to enjoy around North Indy and Hamilton County during September, October, November and December.

From apple picking and pumpkin patches to spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween fun and all of our favorite Christmas traditions, there is so much to do with your family this time of year!

Dates and details are for 2026 and are subject to change, so I always recommend checking the event website before heading out.

🍎 September & October — All Things Fall

• Conner Prairie Headless Horseman – Thursdays through Sundays, October 1–25. This is one of our favorites! It includes corn mazes, fall activities, entertainment and spooky fun. I would say this one is better for older kids. Tickets are required.
• Apple Picking at Tuttle Orchards – Apple picking typically begins in late August and continues through October, depending on the variety. Gala apples are typically ready at the end of August, with Cortland, Jonathan, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious varieties following throughout September and October.
• Harvest Nights at Newfields – September 26–November 1. This spooky-but-not-scary fall experience features thousands of pumpkins, the Pumpkin Path of Peril, Garden Monsters and more. Tickets start at $26 and advance purchase is recommended.
• Dull’s Tree Farm Pumpkin Harvest – September 20–October 26. Pick your own pumpkins, explore the corn maze and enjoy all of the fall activities on the farm.
• Sullivan's Express to PumpkinTown – This family favorite takes place at Allisonville Home & Garden by Sullivan and includes a train ride through the Enchanted Forest, trick-or-treating, games, entertainment and PumpkinTown fun. 2026 dates have not yet been posted, so check back before planning your visit.
• Fall foliage drive to Nashville & Brown County – Take a day trip to Nashville, Indiana to see the fall colors, walk around town, grab lunch and take a pony ride at Brown County Saddle Barn. It's one of my favorite easy fall day trips!
• ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo – September 23–November 1, Wednesday through Sunday. Costumes are encouraged, and there is trick-or-treating, special activities and Halloween fun for the whole family.
• Meet Me on Main — Carmel Arts & Design District – A fun evening to stroll the Arts & Design District, visit local shops and galleries, and enjoy the community atmosphere. The 2026 October date has not yet been posted, so check the City of Carmel calendar for the updated schedule.
• Boo 'n Brew at Clay Terrace – Saturday, October 17, 2–6 p.m. This festival-sized fall celebration includes trick-or-treating and plenty of autumn fun for families.
• Nickel Plate Express Railbikes – If you haven't tried these yet, add them to your fall bucket list! Nickel Plate offers railbike adventures through northern Hamilton County, including the Forest Park Rail Adventure and White River Family Cruise.

🎄 November & December — Let the Holiday Fun Begin!

• Dull’s Tree Farm Christmas Trees – Christmas tree cutting begins November 27, 2026. I personally like going the day after Thanksgiving to get the best selection and kick off the Christmas season!
• Carmel Holiday Trolley – November 21–December 19. The free trolley runs Fridays from 5–9 p.m. and Saturdays from 2–9 p.m., connecting several of Carmel's favorite holiday destinations.
• Carmel Christkindlmarkt – November 21–December 24. Don't forget to get your ice skating tickets in advance! The market is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
• Winterlights at Newfields – The 2026 season is expected to begin around November 21 and run into early January. Newfields has also announced that private heated igloos will debut for Winterlights in 2026! Full details and reservation information are expected in early fall.
• Christmas at the Zoo – November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027. See the zoo covered in holiday lights, visit Santa, enjoy festive treats and check out the animals enjoying the cooler weather.
• Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds – This drive-through light show is another family favorite. 2026 dates have not yet been officially posted, so check the Fairgrounds website before purchasing tickets.
• Nickel Plate Express Reindeer Express – A magical holiday train ride through Noblesville with Christmas music, festive treats and a visit from Santa. 2026 dates are not fully posted yet, but the Reindeer Express is returning for the holiday season.
• Sullivan's Santa Express – One of our favorite local Christmas traditions! Ride the train to the North Pole, where kids can get off and visit Santa before boarding the train back. 2026 dates have not yet been announced, so keep an eye out for tickets—they tend to go quickly!

And there you have it—our 2026 “Ber” Bucket List! 🍎🎃🍂🎄

There is nothing better than filling the calendar with simple family traditions during these last few months of the year. Pick a few favorites, grab your kids, throw on a cozy sweater and go make some memories!