Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all of the things in our lives that make us thankful. Whether you’re here to visit family or just love everything that Northern Indiana has to offer, this weekend is set to be one full of fun and friends!
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Race into Thanksgiving at Porter-Starke's Turkey Trot
Porter-Starke Services is hosting its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. Running a 5k is a healthy way to start the holiday! If racing isn’t exactly your speed, volunteering for the race gives you a way to stay involved while keeping your energy for family and friends later in the day. Learn more here.
Run into the holiday at the Turkey Stampede
If Valpo seems a little far for a family-friendly race, look no further than Elkhart’s very own Turkey Stampede! Head out to the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center this Thanksgiving Day to take part in a 5k, 10k, or mile walk/run to burn your holiday calories before you even get them. Learn more here.
Light up the night at Hammond’s annual tree lighting
Once Thanksgiving passes, it’s Christmas time! Join the City of Hammond this Friday for its annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall. Enjoy arts and crafts, photo opportunities with live reindeer, and a visit from Santa Claus as you welcome Christmas to the Region! Learn more here.
Celebrate the holidays with the Town of Chesterton
Chesterton’s Hometown Holiday Celebration is happening this Saturday! Drop into the Holiday Outdoor Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to find the perfect holiday gift. Once the market ends, head to Thomas Centennial Park for the city’s tree lighting at 5 p.m. followed by the Twilight Parade featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus! This is a whole day of family-friendly fun prepared just for you. Learn more here.
Welcome Santa to La Porte at the city’s annual Santa Parade
The City of La Porte’s Santa Parade is returning to the city this Saturday at 4 p.m. Watch as Santa parades through town to Plaza 618, where he will stay for photos and a tree lighting! Make sure to get on Santa’s nice list by coming out to see him. Learn more here.
Fly in St. Nick at Crown Point’s annual Santa Parade
Santa Claus is flying into Crown Point this Saturday during the annual Santa Parade! Head out to Pointe Plaza at 10 a.m. as the fun begins, and watch Santa descend from the sky in a Lake County Sheriff’s Department helicopter to greet families and take photos. Learn more here.
Journey through time with Postmodern Jukebox at Four Winds Casinos
Take your favorite hits back in time this Saturday with Postmodern Jukebox at Four Winds Casinos’ Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo! Part of its national “10” tour, Postmodern Jukebox will be taking the greatest songs of today and bringing them back to the past, performing a variety of jazz, swing, doo-wop, and more! Learn more here.
Find handmade holiday gifts at Portage’s special Holiday Market
The City of Portage’s Market on the Square is getting festive this Saturday with a special holiday session from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out to Founders Square Park to shop handmade artisan goods perfect for Christmas and partake in fun activities like sleigh rides and visits to the Grinch! Learn more here.
Take a trip to Burn ‘Em Brewing’s Back Room
HAZM, Blastcap, and Voidclass are heading to Burn ‘Em Brewing’s Back Room for a psychedelic show this Saturday at 7 p.m. This blend of stoner rock, punk, and metal is sure to offer something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend. Show is free to attend! Learn more here.
Get your photos with Santa at the South Shore CVA
Sit with Santa, tell him what you want for Christmas, and snap your pic with him this weekend at the Indiana Welcome Center! Santa will be in on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to hear all of your Christmas wishes. Before you go, make sure to stop by the “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit and take a tour of the gift shop to get your very own leg lamp! Learn more here.
