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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Everything you need for the holidays in Merrillville is in our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top festive events. Whether you're a Merrillville regular or a one-time visitor, this guide ensures unforgettable seasonal memories.

Popular Events: Experience the magic of the holiday season at "Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends," where enchanting stories come to life in a delightful tea party setting. Another highlight is the "Hometown Holiday Celebration," featuring local artisans, festive food, and community spirit that brings neighbors together. And the "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit is something you definitely don't want to miss for its nostalgic charm and interactive displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Merrillville Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Synchronized light and sound show with a 50-figure nativity scene.

Description:

Rhema Christmas Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition since 1982, featuring millions of energy-efficient LED lights across the 110-acre campus. Highlights include a 50-figure nativity scene, Noah's ark with animals, and a synchronized musical display. The vibrant Rhema Park bridge adds a centerpiece, while horse-drawn carriage rides and concessions enhance the experience. Admission is free, and the event aims to create a safe and joyful atmosphere to share the true meaning of Christmas, pointing to Jesus Christ as the Light of the World.

Where: Porter | More Info: Christmas Cookie Walk Pictures with Santa/Mini Horse

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What to Expect:

Holiday lights and tree lighting ceremony in downtown Michigan City.

Description:

The Snowflake Parade in Michigan City features a festive procession through historic downtown, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at Washington Park, where holiday lights are turned on for a breathtaking display.

Where: Michigan City | More Info: Snowflake Parade

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What to Expect:

Community tree lighting ceremony with festive atmosphere.

Description:

The Light the Night event at Munster Town Hall features a festive tree lighting ceremony, bringing the community together for a joyful holiday celebration.

Where: Munster | More Info: Light the Night

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday character meet-and-greets.

Description:

Explore a half-mile walking trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm, featuring millions of lights, classic holiday tunes, unique festive displays, hot cocoa, fresh-baked cookies, and campfire s'mores. Meet beloved holiday characters like Bluey and Bingo, the Grinch, Jack Skellington, Elf on the Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman.

Where: Lowell | More Info: Holiday Light Displays at Harvest Tyme

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Merrillville Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Holiday market with tree lighting and parade.

Description:

The Hometown Holiday Celebration in Chesterton features a holiday-themed European Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Twilight Parade. Enjoy unique gifts, delicious food, and festive activities like free carriage rides and a kids' craft corner.

Where: Chesterton | More Info: Hometown Holiday Celebration

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What to Expect:

Holiday market with tree lighting and parade.

Description:

The Hometown Holiday Celebration in Chesterton features a holiday-themed European Market with vendors, free carriage rides, and a kids' craft corner. The event includes a Tree Lighting Ceremony and a Twilight Parade with floats, fire trucks, and Santa Claus.

Where: Chesterton | More Info: Free Holiday Fun Run Series

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Merrillville Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive Nutcracker-themed event with live performances and a silent auction.

Description:

Join Clara and her friends for a delightful afternoon filled with tea, treats, and live performances inspired by The Nutcracker. Meet beloved characters and enjoy a silent auction.

Where: Merrillville | More Info: Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends

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Merrillville Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Holiday parade with floats from local businesses and community groups.

Description:

Join us downtown for the Annual Downtown St. Johns Christmas Parade, featuring floats from local businesses and community groups, along with Saint Nick himself. Bring your hot chocolate, mittens, and letters to Santa for a delightful holiday experience.

Where: St John | More Info: Letters to Santa

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What to Expect:

Traditional Eastern European holiday treats.

Description:

Join Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church for their Christmas Cookie Walk, featuring delicious homemade cookies, pastries, nut rolls, and breads. Enjoy traditional dishes like cabbage rolls, haluski, and pierogies.

Where: Schererville | More Info: Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church's Christmas Cookie Walk

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A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit(Hammond)

What to Expect:

Interactive animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store.

Description:

The "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond features six animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store in New York, showcasing scenes from the holiday classic. The exhibit is based on Jean Shepherd's book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," which was inspired by his childhood in Hammond, Indiana. Visitors can also enjoy Santa photos, special events like the Mommy’s Little Piggy Contest, and explore the gift shop filled with Christmas-themed items.

Where: Hammond | More Info: A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit

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What to Expect:

One Santa guest of the city, no other Santas allowed.

Description:

The Hammond Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring floats, marching bands, and local entertainment. It takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Hammond, Indiana, with a grand marshal from the Towle Theater’s “Miracle on 34th Street” musical.

Where: Hammond | More Info: Hammond’s Holiday Parade

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