Christmas is basically here, and it’s showing in all the holiday cheer happening throughout Northern Indiana! From opportunities to make new friends to the chance to make forever memories, there’s plenty on offer 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!
Get your photos with the Grinch at the Lakes of Valparaiso
While everyone else is getting their Santa photos, spice up your Christmas card with a visit from the Grinch! The Lakes of Valparaiso is inviting everyone, including four-legged friends, to the photo booth this Saturday for professional photos with everyone’s favorite green menace. Learn more here.
Snap your photos with Santa at the Lake County Courthouse before he’s gone
Santa is everywhere throughout the Region this weekend, including a trip to the Historic Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point this Saturday and Sunday! Head out between noon and 4 p.m. for your chance to get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is the last weekend he’s available before heading back to the North Pole, so don’t miss him! Please bring your own camera. Learn more here.
Find the perfect holiday gift at Art Barn
Art Barn School of Art’s Holiday Gift Gallery is back for the season starting this weekend! Find the perfect trinket for birthdays, holidays, and more created by local artisans. Support the arts while supporting your gift-giving efforts. Learn more here.
Experience Jean Shepherd’s classic “A Christmas Story” with South Shore CVA
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s annual “A Christmas Story” Comes Home holiday display is live for all to see! Head to the Indiana Welcome Center this weekend to experience animatronic scenes from everyone’s favorite Christmas movie. This weekend, stop by to enjoy an ensemble performance from the Crown Point High School Orchestra and an all-day screening of the movie! Learn more here.
Shop ‘til you drop at the Lubeznik Holiday Artisan Market
Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ annual Holiday Artisan Market is back for the season! This weekend, find the perfect trinket for birthdays, holidays, and more created by local artisans. Support the arts while supporting your gift-giving efforts. Learn more here.
Feel the Christmas spirit at Memorial Opera House’s Holly Jolly Jamboree
Memorial Opera House and Limelights are putting on a holiday spectacular this Saturday at the Holly Jolly Jamboree! Give young and upcoming actors the stage as you mingle with your favorite holiday characters, including Rudolph, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and more! Learn more here.
Hike into brighter days with Lake County Parks
Join Lake County Parks and Recreation at Oak Ridge Prairie this Saturday for a Winter Solstice hike and campfire. The solstice marks the shortest day of the year, so enjoy a sunset hike through the park as you prepare for longer, brighter days. Afterwards, sit around the campfire eating snacks! Learn more here.
Mix and mingle at AMA Michiana’s Holiday Mixer
Celebrate this season of giving by offering the gift of connection at AMA Michiana’s annual Holiday Mixer this Thursday! Rub shoulders with leaders across the MIchiana area as you enjoy festive drinks and light snacks. The mixer is the perfect opportunity to grow your connections in South Bend and beyond! Learn more here.
Watch one of the most anticipated games of the season as Notre Dame takes on IU
The University of Notre Dame will be hosting Indiana University this Saturday in a hotly anticipated first round playoff game. Both teams are coming into this game with an 11-1 record, and Notre Dame is riding high on a 10-game winning streak. Do the Irish have what it takes to beat the Hoosiers? Check out analyst Len Clark’s prediction and get to the stadium to see for yourself!
Join the La Porte City Band for its inaugural holiday concert
The La Porte City Band is hosting its first ever holiday concert this Sunday at the Kesling School Auditorium! The concert is entirely free, with any monetary or canned good donations being accepted for the local food pantry. Join the fun at 4 p.m. for the start of a brand new holiday tradition! Learn more here.