South Bend Other Christmas Activities 2026

Curator of Copshaholm Amber Gabel shares what Christmas looked like during Revolutionary America in celebration of America250. The presentation explores how various faiths celebrated the season as well as historic traditions like decorating and gift-giving. Following the lecture, guests take...

Visitors can watch a nighttime procession of illuminated floats and displays from local businesses, schools, and organizations wind down Main Street. Downtown merchants showcase seasonal items and holiday storefront displays, inviting visitors to vote for their favorites. Dining establishments and...

Guests gather inside the high school before shuttling to an outdoor site for an immersive reenactment of the night Jesus was born. Groups walk along a path tracing the biblical accounts of the Nativity from the Gospels of Luke and...

Visitors can experience the lighting of the Village Christmas tree next to Letterwood and enjoy visits with Santa Claus. The festivities feature train rides for all ages, children's ornament making at the Brick Alley Pavilion, and Christmas carolers performing throughout...

Downtown Valparaiso fills with seasonal cheer featuring holiday lights, carolers, live entertainment, and ice sculptures. Families can visit Candy Cane Lane, ride the Holiday Express Train, meet Santa, and see a live nativity hosted by Grace Chapel. Local retailers also...

Visitors can enjoy live musical performances and take photos with Santa. The celebration includes the presentation of the Good Neighbor Award along with the lighting of the plaza's giant Christmas tree. Ice skating is also available on-site at the rink.

The City of Kalamazoo welcomes community members to celebrate the holiday season and honor diverse traditions together. Visitors gather in the park to participate in festive community activities and watch the park light up for the season.

Visitors can browse gifts and goods at a special holiday edition of Chesterton's European Market and shop at downtown businesses. As the evening sets in, guests gather to watch the community Twilight Parade step off. Directly following the parade, families...

Passengers embark on a leisurely journey departing from the North Judson depot through the rural winter landscape. During the trip, families can visit with Santa and take memorable photos, while every child aboard receives a special gift from Santa. Guests...

Guests gather in the warm golden glow of flickering candlelight to hear holiday carols performed live. The concert is staged in the round, with general admission and shared table seating encircling the central performance area. Music is performed by the...

Visitors can create their own entertainment schedule across multiple indoor venues, heated tents, and an outdoor park stage. The festival showcases an eclectic lineup of live bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers, and family characters like superheroes and princesses. In between...

Discover a delightful Gingerbread Village competition in downtown South Bend. Local residents and groups are invited to create and submit their unique gingerbread houses and novelty items for display and judging. Visitors can marvel at the edible artistry from December...

Experience the magic of winter at the Goshen Fire & Ice Festival! Watch as professional carvers sculpt 300 lb ice blocks into art, while fire dancers light up the night. Children can pose for photos on an ice throne and...

Join the Michigan City community for the spectacular Festival of Lights Celebration. The event kicks off with a dazzling parade through the Uptown Arts District, followed by a lively chili cook-off and other festivities downtown. It's a perfect way to...

Witness a delightful spectacle of pets and their owners showcasing their festive holiday spirit in the annual Reindog Parade. Marvel at creative costumes ranging from 'Santa Bernards' to 'Reindeer Rottweilers.' Following the parade, children can meet Santa Claus at Santa's...

Get ready for the 62nd annual Maple Hill Holiday Parade, a cherished tradition that ignites the holiday spirit in downtown Kalamazoo. This spectacular event features giant balloons, 90 community groups, and 10 high school marching bands. Following the parade, enjoy...

Get ready for a magical holiday experience at the Crown Point Santa Parade! Watch as Santa makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter, landing at Pointe Plaza before heading to the historic Lake County Courthouse. Families can greet Santa and enjoy...

Step into a winter wonderland at Santa's Workshop in Downtown Kalamazoo! This free, magical experience invites families to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, engage in delightful holiday crafts, and capture cherished memories with festive photo backdrops. Special themed Saturdays add...