Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the season with the Portage community! Discover all the festive happenings in our guide. Whether you're deeply rooted in Portage or just branching out, this guide maximizes your holiday joy.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Winter Fest & Tree Lighting, where the community gathers to kick off the festivities with a dazzling display of lights and holiday cheer. Fair Oaks Farms Forest of Lights offers a picturesque stroll through a stunning array of illuminated trees and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Holiday Pops presented by South Shore Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring delightful musical performances that capture the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Portage Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tyme Lights Drive-Thru
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with seasonal characters.
- Description
- Explore a half-mile walking trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm, featuring classic holiday tunes, millions of lights, unique festive displays, hot cocoa, fresh-baked cookies, and campfire s'mores. Meet seasonal characters like Bluey, Bingo, the Grinch, Jack Skellington, Elf on the Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman.
- Where
- Lowell | More Info : Christmas Tyme Lights Drive-Thru
Magic of Lights Holiday Drive Through
- What to Expect
- Over 2 million sparkling lights in a drive-through holiday display.
- Description
- A dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life Holiday Barbie display, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
- Where
- La Porte | More Info : Magic of Lights Holiday Drive Through
Portage Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops Presented by South Shore Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Holiday music performance by South Shore Orchestra.
- Description
- The Holiday Pops event, presented by the South Shore Orchestra, is a Valparaiso tradition featuring holiday music from around the world, including classical and contemporary Christmas favorites. Maestro Troy Webdell leads the orchestra in a festive celebration with Santa Claus.
- Where
- Valparaiso | More Info : Holiday Pops Presented by South Shore Orchestra
Holiday Inn the Musical
- What to Expect
- A stage adaptation of the classic film with catchy songs and dynamic dance routines.
- Description
- This lively musical brings the charm of the classic film to the stage, featuring energetic performances and beloved songs. Audiences are treated to a heartwarming story set against a backdrop of dazzling dance numbers and vibrant costumes, all infused with a spirit of joy and celebration. The production showcases talent from local performers and creates an engaging atmosphere.
- Where
- Valparaiso | More Info : Holiday Inn the Musical
Portage Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
- What to Expect
- Drive-through display of emergency vehicles with Big Santa.
- Description
- Join Valpo Parks and the Dunes Leathernecks Marine Corp League for the Santa & Sirens Toy Drive, a festive drive-through event featuring emergency vehicles, Big Santa, and holiday treats. New, unwrapped toys will be accepted for Toys for Tots.
- Where
- Valparaiso | More Info : Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
Portage Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Free event with festive activities and ice skating.
- Description
- Join Valparaiso Parks for Winter Fest & Tree Lighting at Central Park Plaza. Enjoy caroling, photos with Santa, treats, and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree at 6:00 PM. After festivities, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant. Present a receipt from a downtown business at the ice rink from 7 - 10 PM for a special of $10 admission and skate rental to support Small Business Saturday.
- Where
- Valparaiso | More Info : Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
Free Photo with Santa
- What to Expect
- Free photos with Santa in a festive holiday setting.
- Description
- Capture a special moment with Santa at Central Park Plaza, where you can take free photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Valparaiso | More Info : Free Photo with Santa
Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Kids 1K
- What to Expect
- Professionally-timed 5K with a FREE 1K Kids Fun Run.
- Description
- The Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Kids 1K is a Thanksgiving morning event featuring a competitive 5K run and a FREE 1K Kids Fun Run. Proceeds support the Portage Township YMCA's Annual Campaign, providing financial assistance for community programs that offer food, shelter, chronic disease management, education, and physical activity.
- Where
- Portage | More Info : Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Kids 1K
Mistletoe on Main-City Holiday Celebration
- What to Expect
- Santa's Parade of Toys and tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Mistletoe on Main-City Holiday Celebration in Portage, IN, features a Santa's Parade of Toys hosted by Portage Kiwanis, starting at 4:30 PM. The event also includes a tree lighting ceremony by Portage Event Partnership, concluding the parade approximately at 5:15 PM.
- Where
- Portage | More Info : Mistletoe on Main-City Holiday Celebration