With Thanksgiving past, it’s basically Christmas in Northern Indiana, and St. Nick is taking a tour of the area as cities throughout the area host their Christmas parades! Whether you’re looking for some family fun or your chance to take a picture with Santa, you’ll find it this weekend.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Honor good people at GreatNews.Life’s Good Life Awards
The Good Life Awards are taking Michigan City this Thursday at 6 p.m. Join the Lifers as we honor six community members who make spreading good news easy with an evening filled with appetizers, heartwarming speeches, and great company at the stylish Uptown Social! Purchase tickets and learn more here.
Turn on the lights at Pulaski County’s Lighted Christmas Parade
Pulaski County’s annual Electric Parade is back this Friday at 7 p.m. in Winamac for a night of bright, colorful fun! Christmas lights will be turned to maximum festivity to welcome December and the holiday season to town. Come out to the fire station ahead of the parade for a chicken & noodle dinner, and stick around after the parade for a chance to take your photo with Santa! Learn more here.
Light up Whiting at the Illuminated Christmas Parade
The City of Whiting will be absolutely glowing this Friday when the Illuminated Christmas Parade makes its way through downtown! Starting at 7 p.m., the parade will see illuminated and animated floats marching towards the former Mascot Hall of Fame, and attendees may even get a peek at jolly old St. Nick! Learn more here.
Race into Christmas at Hammond’s holiday celebrations
The City of Hammond’s holiday celebrations kick off bright and early this Saturday at the Santa Sprint at 9:45 a.m. The short fun run will transition directly into the Holiday Parade at 10 a.m., making its way through downtown Hammond to the Hammond Sportsplex! Both events are a great way to show your holiday cheer this season. Learn more here.
Watch top college talent go head-to-head at America’s Crossroads Bowl
This Saturday, Tiffin University and Truman State University take the Brickyard field for a chance to repeat 2022’s game! Both Division II teams are looking for one more win to cap off their season, and the South Shore CVA is happy to provide the opportunity. Head out to the Hobart Art Theater ahead of the game for family-friendly fun activities, and then head to Hobart High School to watch the game kickoff at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Celebrate Christmas at Michigan City’s Festival of Lights
Michigan City Special Events is expanding its Festival of Lights this year to include a Kindlmarket alongside annual traditions like the Washington Park lights display and the Christmas Parade! This sets the stage for a Saturday full of fun throughout the city. Head out to Uptown Social at 3 p.m. to shop the market, catch the parade at 5 p.m. on Franklin St, take part in the Chili Challenge, and so much more! Learn more here.
Santa is coming to town at Portage’s Mistletoe on Main celebration
The City of Portage’s Mistletoe on Main Holiday Celebration will see Santa Claus riding into the city this Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. The event will kick off with Santa’s Parade of Toys that sees floats from local businesses and organizations riding in with toys for Toys for Tots. The parade will be followed by a tree lighting ceremony in Founders Square. Learn more here.
Party in style at Junior League of South Bend’s Holiday Ball
Junior League of South Bend is hosting its annual fundraising event this Saturday, and this year is set to be a ball unlike any other! The Junior League’s annual ball has become a beloved South Bend tradition, and the community’s support has helped to fund many of the League’s initiatives throughout the area. Keep supporting a good cause by having a good time! Learn more here.
Experience the works of upcoming artists and performers at VHS’s annual arts fest
Valparaiso High School’s “This is Our Story” is an annual arts festival showcasing the incredible talent being developed right in your backyard. Beginning this Sunday, the two-day fest promises to be a fun time as bands, choirs, theatre performers, and more take the stage! Check out last year’s coverage to see what you have in store.
Tap into your inner artist at Lubeznik’s First Friday
Every month, Lubeznik Center for the Arts turns the first Friday into an opportunity to connect with your inner artistry for free! This month, Lubeznik will be hosting the opening reception for its “Healers and Dreamers” exhibition, giving attendees a chance to enjoy the art, connect with artists, and take in the works on display. Learn more here.