Michigan City Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can stroll down Franklin Street through the Uptown Arts District during the festive parade. The community procession marks the start of the holiday season before attendees head over to see the light displays in Washington Park.

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.

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...

Visitors skate on an 80 by 120 foot outdoor ice rink protected under the towering arched roof of the William E. Urschel Pavilion. A state-of-the-art sound system plays music while colorfully changing lights illuminate the ice. Guests can warm up...

Visitors gather in viewing areas throughout the park equipped with giant screens to watch the official illumination of the city's Christmas tree. A vibrant main stage along Washington Street next to the Chicago Cultural Center hosts seasonal entertainment, accompanied by...

Navy Pier transforms into an indoor holiday destination filled with festive décor and seasonal attractions for visitors of all ages. Guests can take to the ice on the rink, with ice skating included with entry. Visitors can also experience the...

Visitors gather at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, to celebrate Chicago's diverse holiday traditions through choral music and communal singing. Attendees can follow along using printed songbooks or digital downloads to join their voices together. The program also...

Participants can run or walk through 5K and 10K courses lined with cheerful volunteers and aid stations, while children up to age 12 can participate in a 1K Kids Dash. Entrants receive themed apparel including beanies or Santa hats and...

Guests visit Santa in a designer-inspired winter wonderland set beside a vintage sleigh nestled among glowing cherry pines. The open atrium features a 50-foot tree while an overhead digital canopy displays artful holiday scenes. Each reservation includes time with Santa,...

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...

Visitors can board Santa's Candy Cane Express featuring open and enclosed passenger coaches, with the museum operating up to three railroads depending on the weather. Guests can meet Santa inside a real railroad caboose and stop by Doc's Soda Fountain...

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...

Participants take to the streets of Crown Point in a timed 5K run or a non-timed 2K run/walk. Following the race, attendees can visit with Santa, meet 93.9 LITE FM host Robin Rock, and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, and...

Guests enjoy quintessential seasonal teas served with a traditional three-tiered presentation of gourmet tea sandwiches, house-made scones, and delicate petit fours. A live harpist performs throughout the afternoon tea service in Palm Court. Holiday carolers also make appearances to sing...

All aboard for holiday cheer! Chicago's beloved Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus return, bringing festive magic to the city. Ride the dazzling train, adorned with thousands of lights and featuring Santa and his reindeer, or hop on the decorated...

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...

Get ready for the dazzling Jean Eberle Parade of Lights! This beloved community event features a spectacular procession of illuminated floats and participants, bringing holiday cheer to Cedar Lake. Watch as the parade lights up the night, showcasing creative designs...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Santa's March & Tree Lighting! Join the festive parade as Santa makes his way through downtown, culminating at the Main Square Gazebo. The evening culminates with a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony at...

Discover a day of intergenerational cultural fun at the Chicago Cultural Center's Holiday Open House. This free event features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Schererville Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting! This cherished event marks the beginning of the festive season. Community members have the opportunity to sponsor a tree, which will be beautifully displayed around the Schererville Town...

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...

Join the iconic Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade, the world's largest of its kind, dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children. This massive event encourages participants to donate a toy, with all proceeds and merchandise sales supporting parade expenses...

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at West Chicago's annual Frosty Fest. This beloved community event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a festive Elves Workshop for unique gift shopping. Enjoy...

Unleash creativity at Glazed Expressions by decorating a unique menorah, perfect for a cherished Hanukkah keepsake. This engaging event is designed for children of all ages to enjoy, with delightful snacks and drinks provided to enhance the festive experience.