Valparaiso Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Valparaiso and surrounding areas
Valparaiso sparkles this holiday season with Christmas lights across the downtown plaza and familiar stops like Memorial Opera House joining in the fun during Holly Days and Santa Trains at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. The Winter Lights Drive-Through at Sunset Hill Farm adds a cozy, illuminated drive experience. From parades to festive events and things to do for families, the season brings Christmas markets and winter festivals that celebrate local traditions and community cheer.
Find the best Valparaiso Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
26 eventsDowntown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Christmas Shows
12 eventsCirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
Christmas Parties
10 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Activities
31 eventsFestival of Lights Parade and downtown chili cook-off
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Holly Days
Downtown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
-
Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
(Chicago)
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
-
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
(Chicago)
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
-
'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
(Chicago)
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
-
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Chicago)
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
-
Tinley Park Parade of Lights
(Tinley Park)
Annual illuminated holiday parade with Santa Claus
Events Happening Soon (6)
Valparaiso Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Valparaiso
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Valparaiso!
Valparaiso Christmas FAQ
Holly Days in downtown Valparaiso is the city’s signature holiday event, featuring lights, live entertainment, ice sculptures, and family activities. Valparaiso University’s Christmas at Valpo concert and dinner is another highlight, drawing visitors for festive music and dining.
Valparaiso is known for its community-focused events like Holly Days, which include a live nativity, holiday train rides, and Candy Cane Lane on the courthouse lawn. The city also hosts a tree lighting ceremony with caroling and skating in Central Park Plaza.
Downtown Valparaiso is the heart of the holiday light displays, especially during Holly Days. For residential lights, explore neighborhoods near the city center or ask locals for their favorite decorated streets.
Downtown Valparaiso hosts holiday markets and open houses during major events like Holly Days, where you’ll find local artisans and vendors. Check community centers and event calendars for additional pop-up markets throughout the season.
The Winter Lights Drive-Through at Sunset Hill Farm and downtown events like Holly Days offer free light displays and entertainment. Central Park Plaza’s tree lighting and caroling are also free and open to all.
Families will enjoy Holly Days for its train rides, Santa visits, and Candy Cane Lane. The tree lighting in Central Park Plaza, with skating and treats, is another family favorite. For a classic holiday show, catch A Charlie Brown Christmas at Chicago Street Theatre.