“This story was updated to add new information.”
Make this holiday season even more memorable by bundling up the family or calling some friends and heading out to one of these fun events. Give a gift that will delight everyone and make a memory that will linger for years to come.
BENTON HARBOR
• Enjoy a wintery evening of family fun with a miniature train ride, festive Christmas lights and decorations at Eden Springs Park Holiday Train Rides. The park will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and 20-21. The cost is $5 per person; ages 3 and younger are free. This is a cash-only event. Please note there are some flashing lights. Eden Springs Park is at 789 Michigan 139, Benton Harbor. NOTE: Due to expected sub-zero temperatures on Dec. 13-14, the park will not be running the train. They expect to have it running on Dec. 20-21.
• Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at “Merry & Bright” with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. Audiences will enjoy holiday classics and orchestral gems. Tickets are $24-$12; children ages 5 and younger are free. Purchase online at www.smso.org, or call the box office at 269-982-4030. Tickets will also be available at the door at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
BRIDGMAN
• Bridgman’s Holiday Village will transform downtown into a day of family fun on Dec. 14. The day begins at 9 a.m. with merchant activities that run throughout the day. From 1 to 5 p.m., a holiday pop-up market will be held inside Immanuel Lutheran Church and School. Watch “Elf” in the library, kickbox at Lake Side Fit, watch the pet parade at 3 p.m., a live nativity, caroling, the arrival of Santa Claus and more. At 6 p.m. attendees can gather for the tree lighting ceremony hosted by the mayor. For a full schedule of events, go online to business.smrchamber.com/events/details/Bridgman-holiday-village-2025-17813.
ELKHART
• Ruthmere’s 2025 Holiday Tours will bring back memories of your favorite toys. Each room in the mansion will be decorated with toys from 1875 to today. Each room features toys from a different era, and visitors will be able to vote for their favorite. The tours will be through Dec. 30. Reservations are encouraged by calling 574-264-0330. Hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tours on the hour; Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. with tours on the hour. Admission is $20-$5. All tours begin at the Havilah Beardsley House, 102 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart. Ruthmere will close Dec. 14, 24, 25 and 26.
• Join Ruthmere for a special holiday concert featuring the Norell Piano Duo on Dec. 11. Luke and Mary Rose Norell will play the Steinway and Baldwin pianos in the music hall. The program will include music from “The Nutcracker” Suite and other holiday duets. Tickets are $20 for Ruthmere members and $50 for non-members, which includes a reception following the concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts promptly at 7 p.m. Register at Ruthmere.org or call 574-264-0330.
• Premier Arts presents an original musical titled “The Gift” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Loosely based on the O’Henry holiday classic “The Gift of the Magi,” this story will explore the excitement in Elkhart as the community awaits the opening night of Harry Lerner’s new Theatrical Palace on the corner of Main and Franklin. This event is free, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets at The Lerner Theatre box office in-person, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, or over the phone at 574-293-4469.
• The Tolson Center for Community Excellence will hold its Christmas Posada from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19. This joyful celebration will take place at the Tolson Center, 1320 Benham Ave., Elkhart. Christmas Posada is rooted in Mexican tradition, bringing families and neighbors together in the spirit of unity, generosity and holiday joy. Attendees can take part in giveaways, meet with Santa, pinatas, festive foods, cultural music and gifts for children. Families from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
• The Lerner Loves You Series will show “It’s A Wonderful Life” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed at 3 p.m. Dec. 21. This beloved Christmas fantasy drama is about George Bailey being shown by his guardian angel what life would have been like for his community if he had never been born. Run time is 130 minutes. The Lerner Theatre is at 410 S. Main St., Elkhart. The movie is free, and the first 300 attendees will receive one free box of popcorn.
GOSHEN
• The Mistletoe Market will be held in conjunction with the Holiday Lights event at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen, from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18-20. There will be a variety of food and artisan vendors. Meet Santa and his reindeer, kids can partake in free activities, and adults can relax in the Biergarten by Goshen Brew Co.
• The Dash Away 5K and Dash Away Jr. taking place on Dec. 27 are not typical runs. Participants run a route illuminated with sparkling lights and theme decorations. The 5K course takes runners throughout the Elkhart County Fairgrounds and is a family-friendly event for all ages and skill levels. Costumes are encouraged, so dress in festive attire. Registration is $25 and can be made online or from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the day of the run.
If your children are ages 5 to 12, they can run a single loop 1.5-mile course decorated and made just for kids in the Dash Away Jr. event. This run begins at 5:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Registration is $10 and can be made online or from 4 to 5 p.m. on the day of the run.
Register online at 4hfair.org/events/2025/dash-away-5K.
LAPORTE
• Celebrate a nostalgic children’s Christmas and visit Santa in a real railroad caboose. Hesston Steam Museum, 1201 E. 1000 N., LaPorte, will offer rides on Santa’s Candy Cane Express from noon to 4 p.m. CT Dec. 13-14. Depending on weather, the museum will operate all three railroads. Trains depart at frequent intervals. There is no admission fee to the park and no charge for parking. Tickets for train rides are $9-$5 and can be purchased online at hesston.org.
MICHIGAN CITY
• Bring your family to Christmas at The Barker Cottage, 631 Washington St., Michigan City, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT Tuesdays-Sundays Dec. 9-23; Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-4. Take a family holiday photo, make a Christmas craft, decorate a holiday cookie, enjoy a hot cocoa bar and purchase gifts from the gift shop. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at barkermansion.org/events.
• Celebrate with Grant Fitch as he performs dramatic readings of beloved holiday classics from 6 to 8 p.m. CT Dec. 17 at Mansion After Hours. This event is held at The Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St., Michigan City, and tickets are $25. Purchase online at barkermansion.org/events.
• Take a Christmas Candlelight Tour of The Barker Mansion from 6 to 8 p.m. CT Dec. 26. Participants will enjoy a holiday sing-along and then take a guided tour of the mansion. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at barkermansion.org/events. The Barker Mansion is at 631 Washington St., Michigan City.
MISHAWAKA
• Chicory Café of Mishawaka invites all ages for an evening of Christmas dinner and music from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Dec. 20. Live music by Marta Koonce, Jason Sapen, and Aaron Sapen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Dinner buffet included; cash bar available. Tickets are $39.99-$19.99 and must be pre-purchased at chicorycafe.thundertix.com.
NEW BUFFALO
• “Santa’s Circus,” an enchanted holiday fantasy where Santa and Mrs. Claus have created a show filled with joy and laughter. Experience performers and circus acts from around the world set in a Christmas wonderland theme. “Santa’s Circus” will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Silver Creek Event Center, Four Winds Casino Resort, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo. Tickets are $59-$27.85; fourwindscasino.com/newbuffalo.
NILES
Stroll through enchanting light tunnels, warm up by a fire pit and discover nature-inspired light sculptures as you attend LIGHTS at Fernwood now through Jan. 3. Sip on hot chocolate as you walk the one-mile loop around the garden. Day entry is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and LIGHTS entry is at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily except Mondays, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day. Tickets are $14-$5; ages 2 and younger are free; fernwoodbotanical.org/lights. Fernwood is at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles.
NORTH JUDSON
• The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will provide Santa Trains on Dec. 13 and 20 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Time). Ride in a diesel-powered train and enjoy meeting Santa as you ride the five-mile round trip. Be sure to visit the museum and grounds on your visit. Tickets are $35-$20 and are pro-rated, depending on age and car option; group options are $110-$850. Purchase tickets at hoosiervalley.org.
NORTH LIBERTY
Lights of Liberty brings holiday magic to North Liberty. Embark on a magical walk and see interactive displays and lots of twinkling lights, get a treat from local food trucks and make some new holiday memories. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13 on The Stellar Trail, 400 School Drive, North Liberty. Admission is a free-will donation.
SHIPSHEWANA
• The Blue Gate Restaurant, 195 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, is inviting the community to have Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13, and 20. Have breakfast, enjoy a story-time with Santa, crafts and time to tell Santa what is on your wish list. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. The event begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. in the Victorian Room on the main level. Tickets are $29.99-$14.99 for reserved seating; thebluegate.com. Breakfast is a pancake bar with a variety of toppings.
SOUTH BEND
• Downtown South Bend Inc. presents visits with Santa at Santa’s House next to the South Bend Chocolate Café in the 100 Block of South Michigan Street. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 20-21 and 23-24. Santa’s House closes from 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 12 during the Holiday Light Parade. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. No reservation required, and admission is free.
• Elves have hidden ornaments around the St. Joseph County Parks and they invite community members to find them. Every Tuesday in December from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., clues will be unveiled on the Parks’ Facebook page (facebook.com/sjcparks) to help lead you to the secret ornament hiding places. Join the game, locate the ornaments, snap a photo, and submit them to mgohn@sjcparks.org for a chance to win park prizes. This event is free, but regular gate fees are in effect.
• The Children’s Choir of Michiana presents “A Very Merry Christmas Concert” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Kern Road Mennonite Church, 18211 Kern Road, South Bend. This celebration honors the holiday traditions from around the world with a mix of reflective and uplifting pieces to songs of holiday cheer. This concert is free and includes a light reception after.
• Enjoy “Cookes with Santa” presented by South Bend FOP Lodge 36 from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the South Bend Police Department, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend. Bring the kids for holiday treats and a photo with Santa. This year, the FOP is asking all families to bring at least one donation for the Santa’s Elficers program. This program provides wrapped gifts for children ages 0 to 14.
• Need an unusual gift this holiday season, then attend “Crafting With The Creatures” at Potawatomi Zoo from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 20. Meet one of the zoo’s ambassador animals and learn about them as they paint an ornament or card. Then put your own finishing touches on your craft with provided art materials. Enjoy punch and cookies while you work. The cost is $30-$20; ages 2 and younger are free. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Zoo members receive a 10% discount. Tickets prices include admission to the zoo’s Gift of Lights. The zoo is at 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend.
• Downtown South Bend Inc. presents the seventh annual DTSB Holiday Light Parade from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Dec. 12 on Jefferson Boulevard. Rain date is Dec. 20.
• South Bend Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 18-21 at 403 N. Main St., South Bend. The six Herdman children are notorious for bad behavior and take over the Sunday school’s Christmas pageant. Based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 novel, the whole town will learn the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $35-$27 and can be purchased at sbct.org. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays.
• The South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend. Music director Alastair Willis and a choir will perform a variety of Christmas and holiday favorites. Tickets are $74.50-$34.75 and can be purchased online at morriscenter.org/event/south-bend-symphony-orchestra-home-for-the-holidays/.
• “A Tribute to Motown Christmas” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Groove in the season with a concert blending the magic of the holidays with the unmistakable soulful sounds of Motown. Tickets are $29-$15 and can be purchased at performingarts.nd.edu/event.
• Enjoy Brunch with Santa and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at noon Dec. 14 at the Palais Royale, 105 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend. This is a full breakfast buffet with unlimited beverages, a hot cocoa bar, festive cocktails, a children’s activity station and photos with Santa. Tickets for brunch only: Family Bundle (2 adults, up to 4 kids), $95; adults, $35; children (ages 4-12), $10; children (3 and under), free. If you would like to attend the brunch and the “Home for the Holidays” concert at 2:30 p.m., tickets are adults, $85; children, $45. Purchase tickets online at Southbendsymphony.org.
• The Oliver Mansion is decorated for the holidays and offers self-guided tours throughout the season. Christmas trees can be found on every floor, and fireplace mantels and tabletops will be adorned with Yuletide décor. The special event “Christmas at Copshaholm” takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and features live piano music, “Elf-on-the-Copsha-Shelf” for children, and, in the Carriage House, children can decorate ornaments, write a personal letter to Santa and more. Please note there are steps leading to the mansion and stairways inside of the house. There will be no entrance into the house after 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$5; free for ages 5 and younger. Pre-purchasing tickets is strongly encouraged and can be purchased online at historymuseumsb.org.
• Take a Holiday Historic Walking Tour in the West Washington National Historic District on Dec. 14. These are free self-guided tours from 1 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Downtown South Bend Inc. To see a list of participating locations go to downtownsouthbend.com/downtown-historic-walking-tour. Stop by one or all locations in any order. Brochures with a map will be available at participating locations and downloadable from the website. No reservations required.
• Apollo’s Fire: “Praetorius Christmas Vespers” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Apollo’s Fire Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell weaves the extraordinary works of 17th century composer Michael Praetorius into a Vespers service with antiphonal choirs, trumpets, sackbuts, cornettos, lutes, harp, strings and recorders.. Tickets are $39-$15 and can be purchased online at performingarts.nd.edu/event.
• Candlelight, a series of concerts presented by Fever, will transform South Bend Scottish Rite with thousands of candles to host a performance featuring classic Christmas carols and timeless holiday melodies performed by a local string quartet. Candle: Christmas Carols on Strings will be presented at 8:45 p.m. Dec. 19. Purchase tickets online at feverup.com/m/397285 for $59-$35.50. Attendees must be 8 years old and older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Late arrivals will not be permitted in. South Bend Scottish Rite is at 427 N. Main St., South Bend.
• Girl Scout Troop 56052 is hosting a Polar Express PJ Party from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center, 1013 Portage Ave., South Bend. Watch the “Polar Express” movie, take a picture with Santa, play games, make crafts, enjoy snacks and hot cocoa. The cost is $15 per group of four, $5 each additional person. This is not a drop-off event, a guardian must always be present with children.
• Crest Manor Church of the Brethren will present its annual Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. The free concert features Michael Snyder. Light refreshments will follow the concert. The church is at 1342 Berkshire Drive, South Bend.
• The South Bend Chamber Singers will present their annual Christmas at Loretto concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. The program features the world premiere of a new work, “Lines for Winter,” by American composer Scott Perkins, and the Missa Carolae by British composer James Whitbourn. The program will close with the traditional candle-lit performance of Sir Malcolm Sargent’s arrangement of “Silent Night.” The Church of Our Lady of Loretto is on the campus of Saint Mary’s College. Tickets are $25-$15 and can be purchased at Saintmarys.edu/events, or at the door (credit card only). For more information, visit SouthBendChamberSingers.org.
ST. JOSEPH
• Twin City Players will present “A Christmas Carol” by John Jakes, Dec. 5-21. A new take on an old classic. Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, ready to present one of the famed platform readings of his stories. Thus begins the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve. Will Scrooge see the error of his selfish ways? A show for the entire family. Tickets are $20-$15 (plus $1 order fee per ticket) and can be purchased online at twincityplayers.org. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. TCP Playhouse is at 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph.
• The Box Factory for the Arts welcomes in the holiday season with “Welcome Winter with Bryan Lubeck & Friends” from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13. This is an intimate, all-acoustic holiday concert blending Spanish-guitar warmth, elegant arrangements and festive spirit. Reserve tickets now: $30 for cabaret seating and $20 general admission at ticketstripe.com/bryanlubeckchristmas. Tickets at the door will be $25. Festive cocktails and refreshments will be available at the cash bar. The Box Factory is at 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph.
VANDALIA
• Christmas at the Bonine House will be held daily from 1 to 6 p.m. through Dec. 14. See this beautiful Victorian house decorated for the holidays as you learn the history of the house and the Underground Railroad in Cass County. Free admission. Bonine House is on the corner of M-60 and Penn Road in Vandalia.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Looking for holiday fun in Indiana and Michigan this December?
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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