As we make our way into the holidays and cold winter months, South Bend and surrounding communities continue to offer a variety of fun events certain to pique your interest.
Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting events scheduled for the week of Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2025.
HIDDEN ORNAMENT HUNT — Elves have been busy hiding ornaments around the St. Joseph County Parks, and they invite community members to find them. From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 23 and 30, clues will be unveiled on the parks department’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/sjcparks) to help lead you to the secret hiding places. Once you 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 at each park.
CHRISTMAS AT THE BARKER COTTAGE — Take a family holiday photo, make a Christmas craft, decorate holiday cookies, enjoy a hot cocoa bar and purchase last-minute gifts from the gift shop at The Barker Cottage, 631 Washington St., Michigan City from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT Tuesdays-Sundays Dec. 16-23; Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-4. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at barkermansion.org/events.
VICTORY ROLL HOLIDAY PARTY — This inaugural holiday party will feature an ugly sweater contest, kid’s crafts, a hot cocoa bar, holiday-themed games, food and more. Get ready for a family game night from 2 to 10 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets are $28.52 and include buffet-style dinner, cocoa bar, play games with the owners, access to board game library, photo with Santa, crafts, white elephant gift exchange and ugly sweater contest. Victory Roll Board Game Café, 711 W. McKinley Ave., Mishawaka. Purchase tickets at victoryrollcafe.com/events.
MANSION AFTER HOURS — Celebrate the holiday season with Grant Fitch as he performs dramatic readings of beloved holiday classics from 6 to 8 p.m. CT Dec. 17. The event is at The Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St., Michigan City, and ticket are $25. Purchase tickets online at barkermansion.org/events.
SERVICE OF PEACE: A WORSHIP EXPERIENCE — The South Bend UMC Ministry Collective will host this community gathering with readings, music and prayer designed to provide peace and hope for all who find the holidays difficult, stressful or grief-filled. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Stockroom East, 625 E. Jefferson St., South Bend. Parking is available across the street and around Howard Park.
MISTLETOE MARKET — The Mistletoe Market will be held in conjunction with the Holiday Lights 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 where you can pick up those last-minute gifts. Meet Santa and his reindeer, kids can partake in free activities, and adults can relax in the Biergarten by Goshen Brew Co.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER — The Herdman kids are well known for their bad behavior but when, lured by the promise of free snacks, they take over the Sunday school’s Christmas pageant, the entire town learns unexpected lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. South Bend Civic Theatre will perform this fun Christmas classic at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-20 and at 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 20-21. Performances will take place Civic, 403 N. Main St., South Bend. Tickets range in price from $35-$27 and can be purchased at sbct.org or by calling the box office at 574-234-1112.
CHRISTMAS POSADA — The Christmas Posada tradition, widely rooted in Mexican culture, brings families and neighbors together in the spirit of unity, generosity and holiday joy. The Tolson Center for Community Excellence, 1320 Benham Ave., Elkhart, will hold its first Posada from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19. There will be give-a-ways, Santa and a special guest, pinatas, festive foods, and gifts for children. This event is free and open to people from all backgrounds.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE — Get ready for a boost of nostalgia with the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. This viewing is for adults only and will begin at 10 a.m. CT Dec. 19 at the Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. Fourth St., Michigan City.
POLAR EXPRESS PJ PARTY — Girl Scout Troop 56052 will host this 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 for each additional person. This is not a drop-off event — a guardian must always be present with children.
VISITS WITH SANTA — 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. 19 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 20-21 and 23-24. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. No reservation is required, and admission is free.
HADESTOWN — Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards this show is a love story for today and always. The play intertwines two mythic tales, those of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and of King Hades and wife Persephone. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend. Purchase tickets at morriscenter.org/events.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL — Twin City Players presents “A Christmas Carol” by John Jakes, based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets are $20-$15 and can be purchased at twincityplayers.org. Twin City Players, 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph.
A SEASON OF SPIRITS: CHRISTMAS GHOST TALES OLD AND NEW — Reserve your seat now for readings of spooky stories in the Victorian holiday spirit. Stories written by Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, M.R. James, Jeanette Winterson and more will be performed. Presented by Dunes Arts at 7 p.m. CT Dec. 20 at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St., Michigan City. Admission is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $5. Reserve your seat at dunesarts.org. This event is for ages 8 and older.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — The Blue Gate Restaurant, 195 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, is inviting the community to have breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20. Enjoy breakfast, listen as Santa reads a story, make a holiday craft, and then tell Santa what is on your wish list. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera. 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. Purchase tickets at thebluegate.com.
SELFIES WITH SANTA — Santa returns to the Maritime Heritage Center in the Deary-Mead Family Grand Atrium for photos, warm chats and plenty of holiday cheer. He will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Ave., South Haven. While you are there, don’t miss the North Pole refreshments served in the Jerry Mason Learning Center. Selfies with Santa is a free event.
CRAFTING WITH THE CREATURES — Celebrate the season by crafting with Potawatomi Zoo’s animals at a family-friendly holiday experience at 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend. Meet one of the ambassador animals and learn about them while they paint an ornament or card. Put on your own finishing touches with art materials provided. Cookies and punch will be served while you work. Book your time now for 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 20. Admission (includes admission to The Gift of Lights): adults (ages 15 to 61), $30; seniors (62+), $25; children (ages 3 to 14), $20; ages 2 and younger, free. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Zoo members receive a 10% discount.
HOLIDAY INN MISHAWAKA HOLIDAY BAZAAR — Enjoy local vendors, unique gifts, holiday treats and fun seasonal activities at the Holiday Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 20. Holiday Inn Conference Center, 1208 E. Douglas Road, Mishawaka. Free admission.
HOLIDAY MARKET — Support local and shop small while sipping wine at Ironhand Vineyard, 1025 Northside Blvd., South Bend. Shop local makers, artists, vendors and more from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 20.
LUMINARY WALK AT THE RES — Experience a peaceful evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Mishawaka RES surrounded by hundreds of glowing tea lights lining the wooded paths. As you walk, enjoy the ambiance of live music performed by a local cellist. Attendees are invited to gather around the campfire and sip cocoa after their walk. Tickets are $10-$5; children 3 and younger are free. The RES is at 13950 Scout Lane, Mishawaka.
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA — Bring your camera and two non-perishable food items per person and have your picture taken with Santa. Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, 315 County Road 17, Elkhart, will host Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 20-24. Take a ride on the Polar Express for $4.99 and decorate two cookies for $1.99. Donations will go to Shepherd’s Cove Food Pantry.
COOKIES & COCOA WITH CAPTAIN BOB — Join Captain Bob as he reads books in the Jerry Mason Learning Center, Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Ave., South Haven, at noon and 1 p.m. Dec. 20. The books will be available to purchase in the museum’s Ship’s Store. Listen to the stories while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling cookies.
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA — Santa will be at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets throughout the holiday season in the former Information Center. He will greet children from 2 to 4 p.m. CT Dec. 20. Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets is at 601 Wabash St., Michigan City.
SANTA TRAINS — Santa will depart with a train load of winter fun Dec. 20, and he wants you and your family to come along. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, 507 Mulberry St., North Judson, will offer rides with Santa on a diesel-powered train at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Time). Ride through the wintry countryside from the depot to the small town of English Lake and back. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended because seating is restricted to give Santa enough time to visit and take pictures with passengers. Purchase tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org or call the depot at 574-896-3950. Tickets are $110 (First class private room) to $20 (child’s economy coach). Toddlers 0 to 2 are free. While you are there, visit the museum and grounds, where admission is always free.
EDEN SPRINGS PARK HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES — Enjoy a wintery evening of family fun with a miniature train ride, Christmas lights and decorations at Eden Springs, 789 M-139, Benton Harbor. The park will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20-21. The cost is $5 per person (cash only); ages 3 and younger are free. Please note there are some flashing lights.
WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE — What is the best thing to do on the longest night of the year? Take a hike, of course. St. Patrick’s County Park is offering a glowing trail for a self-led hike from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21. Bundle up to enjoy the brisk air and night sky. Afterward, enjoy a sugar cookie and hot chocolate as you make a solstice craft in the Brown Barn. The fee for this event is $5 per person, and registration and payment are required by Dec. 19. To reserve your spot, call 574-654-3155. The park is at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE — A 1946 Christmas fantasy drama about George Bailey, a man who, frustrated with life, is shown by a guardian angel what life would have been like had he never been born. The film stars James Stewart and Donna Reed. This viewing is part of the Lerner Loves You free movie series and will be shown at 3 p.m. Dec. 21. One free box of popcorn will be available for the first 300 attendees. The Lerner is 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.
GOSHEN’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS — Light up your holiday season with a spectacular Christmas light show from now through Jan. 1 in Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen. The light show will be open every night from 5 to 10 p.m. Bring your loved ones and take a walk through the mesmerizing light display and create a new family tradition. There is no admission fee.
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET — Lubeznik Center for the Arts will hold its annual Holiday Artisan Market through Jan. 2 at 101 W. Second St., Michigan City. Shop for handmade items perfect for holiday gift-giving, including offerings from over 60 local and national artists. The market is open during regular LCA hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Saturdays and Sundays (closed on holidays).
GIFT OF LIGHTS — Potawatomi Zoo is offering its annual gift to South Bend with its Gift of Lights from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday and from 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays from now through Dec. 28 at 500 S. Greenlawn, South Bend. Kids can enjoy “Santa Paw” story time every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m., Santa will be in the River Run Yurt every night and Princess Elsa will make an appearance every Friday and Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. South Bend Civic Theatre will have performances Dec. 19. Feed the giraffes or take a ride on the train for an additional $3 each. There will be lots of food and warm drinks available for purchase and the gift shop will also be open. Regular admission is $14-$12; zoo members receive a discounted rate. Ages 2 and younger are admitted free.
TOYS THROUGH TIME — Remember those favorite toys from your past? Ruthmere’s Holiday Tours will bring those memories back to life! Local designers and organizations have decorated the museum with toys from 1875 to today, covering 150 years. Each room will feature toys from a different era, and visitors will vote for their favorite. At the end of voting, Ruthmere will award $1,000 to a non-profit selected by the designer who wins. Tours will end Dec. 30. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 574-264-0330 to make a reservation. All tours begin at the Havilah Beardsley House, 102 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart. Ruthmere will be closed Dec. 7 and 14. Entire Ruthmere Campus will be closed Dec. 24-26. Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays. open at 10 a.m. with tours on the hour until 3 p.m.; Sundays open at 1 p.m. with tours on the hour until 3 p.m. Tickets: $20-$5; ruthmere.org.
THE CHRISTMAS CANDY CAPER MUSICAL — Blue Gate Music Hall, 175 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, presents “The Christmas Candy Caper” from now through Dec. 31. After years of playing pranks on her family and friends, Candy Shop owner Sadie Graber experiences real-life holiday danger when she is kidnapped. Unfortunately, the town believes the note is just another of Sadie’s pranks and they pay it no mind. Now what will the kidnappers do with Sadie? Showtimes are at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 (plus fees/tax). Go to thebluegate.com to find specifics on dates and times and to purchase tickets.
LIGHTS OF JOY — This extraordinary drive-through experience in Shipshewana is now home to more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed on an almost 2-mile symphony of colorful light scenes, animatronics and more. When you arrive, turn your radio to the Christmas music broadcast. The Lights of Joy will be held through Dec. 31, every day of the week excluding Dec. 25. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All cars in line by close will be admitted. The cost is $30 per vehicle; motorcoaches are $250-$100. A 5-visit season pass can be purchased for $100. Lights of Joy is held on the Shipshewana Flea Market grounds at 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. Enter from Indiana 5 and look for the lighted signs because the entrance may move depending on the night. Purchase tickets at shipshewanalightsofjoy.com.
LIGHTS AT FERNWOOD — Fernwood’s Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, has been transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a light show that will dazzle your senses. Stroll through the garden, discover light sculptures, warm up at a fire pit, stop at the winter craft station or play with a full-sized Lite Brite. LIGHTS is open from now through Jan. 3. Tickets are $14-$5 (2 and under are free) and can be purchased at fernwoodbotanical.org/lights. Entry is at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. Daylight hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden will be closed every Monday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.