It’s basically Christmas in Northwest Indiana this weekend, and there are plenty of chances to show your holiday spirit. From exploring winter wonderlands of brightly lit homes to pictures with the big man in red, you have a bevy of opportunities to experience the magic of Christmas.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Come light Indiana’s largest decorated Christmas tree at The Inn at Saint Mary’s
Every year, The Inn at Saint Mary’s invites the Region to celebrate Christmas with Indiana’s largest decorated tree, and this year is no different! Head out this Saturday to join the team in lighting this giant tree. While you’re there, enjoy some hot chocolate and send off your letters to Santa! Learn more here.
Read a story with Santa at Bellaboo's
Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center is hosting the Santa Claus this Saturday at noon! He'll be reading to all attendees before everyone puts on their best smile for pictures. Experience the learning facility with great company! Learn more here.
See Crown Point shining bright during the Tour of Lights
Nothing says Christmas quite like neighborhoods full of decorated homes, and the City of Crown Point wants to show off its holiday spirit! Join the community at the Crown Point Community Library for a holiday storytime before hopping into one of the Christmas trolleys for a guided tour to some of the city’s brightest homes this Saturday and Sunday! Best of all, it’s free. Learn more here.
Show your giving spirit at Valpo Parks’ Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
The Valparaiso Parks Department is calling on you to help support Toys for Tots at the annual Santa and Sirens Toy Drive this Saturday at 4 p.m. With the help of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Valparaiso Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff, the Parks Department is bringing you an awesome drive-thru display that helps you get up close and personal with a collection of emergency vehicles while supporting a great cause. Learn more here.
Connect with the Michigan City community at One City, One Sound
Michigan City Area Schools’ mega-concert “One City, One Sound” will be hitting the Region this Thursday at 7 p.m. Featuring over 1,000 musical performers from Michigan City’s school system, this concert is the best way to show your support for the arts while enjoying a lovely evening of music and community. Learn more here.
Get your photo taken with Santa at South Shore CVA’s Holiday for Heroes
Are you a first responder or military family looking for a chance to get your picture with Santa? South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority’s Holiday for Heroes gives you the perfect opportunity this Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. Skip the lines with your military ID or work badge, and get to know other heroes in the community! Learn more here.
Sing your way into the holidays at Memorial Opera House’s production of ‘White Christmas’
Few musicals are as uplifting for the holidays as Irving Brian’s “White Christmas,” and Memorial Opera House is bringing it to you to help usher in the season. With shows from Thursday to Sunday, come along to take part in classic Christmas songs like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” and the titular “White Christmas!” Tickets are available to purchase online. Learn more here.
Dance along with Indiana Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ performance
Sponsored by Indiana University Northwest, the Indiana Ballet Theatre has a string of performances of holiday classic “The Nutcracker” beginning this Thursday! With an incredible cast age range of 4 to 74, see the wonder come to life on stage. Tickets are available to purchase now. Learn more here.
Celebrate Christmas early with Lake County Parks
Christmas at the Mill, the annual Lake County Parks Department tradition, is back this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Get pictures at the many scenic locations on site before taking a tour of the historic general store and grabbing a warm drink from The Rolling Pony. Learn more here.
Pay tribute to the King at the Hobart Art’s Christmas event
A fan of Christmas and Elvis? The City of Hobart has just the thing for you! The Hobart Art Theater’s Jimmy Holmes - Christmas with the King has a holiday matinee show this Saturday at 2 p.m. Pay tribute to the King while showing your holiday spirit! Learn more here.