Portage Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Portage and surrounding areas
Around neighborhood hotspots, Portage unveils the Christmas season with bright Holiday lights, community parades, and events like the Hometown Holiday Celebration and Christmas Craft Show that bring neighbors together. Downtown corridors and parks host seasonal markets, live performances, and family-centered activities that invite visitors to explore local vendors and enjoy festive fare. The season offers many things to do, from wandering illuminated streets to joining holiday workshops, making Portage a welcoming place to celebrate the holidays.
Find the best Portage Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
26 eventsDowntown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
Christmas Lights
21 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Christmas Shows
12 eventsCirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
Christmas Parties
11 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Activities
29 eventsFestival of Lights Parade and downtown chili cook-off
Editor's Picks (6)
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Holly Days
(Valparaiso)
Downtown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
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Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
(Chicago)
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
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Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
(Chicago)
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
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'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
(Chicago)
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
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City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Chicago)
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
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A Christmas Carol
(Chicago)
Acclaimed adaptation of Dickens' classic holiday tale.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Portage Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Portage
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Portage!
Portage Christmas FAQ
The Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Portage is one of the biggest annual events, drawing locals and visitors to celebrate the season with music and festive displays.
Portage’s tradition of a community parade culminating in a giant tree lighting downtown, along with neighborhood light displays and local artisan markets, creates a distinctive holiday atmosphere.
Beloved neighborhood favorites and areas near downtown Portage offer some of the best Christmas light displays, with many homes and streets decorated to celebrate the season.
Christmas markets and local artisan vendors can be found in community centers, downtown event spaces, and seasonal markets near Portage, offering handmade gifts and festive food.
Enjoy free neighborhood light displays, the Holiday Lighted Parade, and public tree lightings. Many markets and community events also offer free admission or low-cost activities.
Family-friendly options include the Holiday Lighted Parade, visits to local markets with crafts and Santa, and walkable light displays where kids can enjoy the festive atmosphere safely.