Everything you need for the holidays in Merrillville is in our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top festive events. Whether you're a Merrillville regular or a one-time visitor, this guide ensures unforgettable seasonal memories.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the holiday season at "Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends," where enchanting stories come to life in a delightful tea party setting. Another highlight is the "Hometown Holiday Celebration," featuring local artisans, festive food, and community spirit that brings neighbors together. And the "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit is something you definitely don't want to miss for its nostalgic charm and interactive displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Merrillville
- A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit (Hammond)
- Hometown Holiday Celebration (Chesterton)
- Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends
- Holiday Light Displays at Fair Oaks Farms (Fair Oaks)
- Hammond’s Holiday Parade (Hammond)
- Christmas Time at the Mill at Deep River County Park
- Holiday Light Displays at Harvest Tyme (Lowell)
- Snowflake Parade (Michigan City)
- Jean Eberle Parade of Lights (Cedar Lake)
- Christmas Cookie Walk Pictures with Santa/Mini Horse (Porter)
See these and even more events listed below!
Merrillville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Cookie Walk Pictures with Santa/Mini Horse
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a 50-figure nativity scene.
Description:
Rhema Christmas Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition since 1982, featuring millions of energy-efficient LED lights across the 110-acre campus. Highlights include a 50-figure nativity scene, Noah's ark with animals, and a synchronized musical display. The vibrant Rhema Park bridge adds a centerpiece, while horse-drawn carriage rides and concessions enhance the experience. Admission is free, and the event aims to create a safe and joyful atmosphere to share the true meaning of Christmas, pointing to Jesus Christ as the Light of the World.
Where: Porter | More Info: Christmas Cookie Walk Pictures with Santa/Mini Horse
Jean Eberle Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays and festive floats.
Description:
The Jean Eberle Parade of Lights is a festive event featuring colorful light displays and festive floats, taking place at Hanover Central High School Parking Lot in Cedar Lake.
Where: Cedar Lake | More Info: Jean Eberle Parade of Lights
Snowflake Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and tree lighting ceremony in downtown Michigan City.
Description:
The Snowflake Parade in Michigan City features a festive procession through historic downtown, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at Washington Park, where holiday lights are turned on for a breathtaking display.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Snowflake Parade
Wonderland of Christmas Trees Display
What to Expect:
Colorful outdoor Christmas tree display.
Description:
A festive Christmas tree display outside a patio area, featuring a colorful and vibrant holiday celebration.
Where: Munster | More Info: Wonderland of Christmas Trees Display
Light the Night
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony with festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Light the Night event at Munster Town Hall features a festive tree lighting ceremony, bringing the community together for a joyful holiday celebration.
Where: Munster | More Info: Light the Night
Holiday Light Displays at Fair Oaks Farms
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays with interactive scenes and bonfires.
Description:
Fair Oaks Farms transforms its Nature Trail into a dazzling display of light and color, featuring interactive scenes, bonfires for making s'mores, and warm drinks. The event includes beautiful lighted tractors and special programming with Santa on Sundays.
Where: Fair Oaks | More Info: Holiday Light Displays at Fair Oaks Farms
Holiday Light Displays at Harvest Tyme
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday character meet-and-greets.
Description:
Explore a half-mile walking trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm, featuring millions of lights, classic holiday tunes, unique festive displays, hot cocoa, fresh-baked cookies, and campfire s'mores. Meet beloved holiday characters like Bluey and Bingo, the Grinch, Jack Skellington, Elf on the Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman.
Where: Lowell | More Info: Holiday Light Displays at Harvest Tyme
Merrillville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hometown Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday market with tree lighting and parade.
Description:
The Hometown Holiday Celebration in Chesterton features a holiday-themed European Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Twilight Parade. Enjoy unique gifts, delicious food, and festive activities like free carriage rides and a kids' craft corner.
Where: Chesterton | More Info: Hometown Holiday Celebration
Free Holiday Fun Run Series
What to Expect:
Holiday market with tree lighting and parade.
Description:
The Hometown Holiday Celebration in Chesterton features a holiday-themed European Market with vendors, free carriage rides, and a kids' craft corner. The event includes a Tree Lighting Ceremony and a Twilight Parade with floats, fire trucks, and Santa Claus.
Where: Chesterton | More Info: Free Holiday Fun Run Series
Merrillville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends
What to Expect:
Interactive Nutcracker-themed event with live performances and a silent auction.
Description:
Join Clara and her friends for a delightful afternoon filled with tea, treats, and live performances inspired by The Nutcracker. Meet beloved characters and enjoy a silent auction.
Where: Merrillville | More Info: Teatime with Nutcracker & Friends
Merrillville Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Time at the Mill at Deep River County Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a park setting with festive activities.
Description:
Join us at Deep River County Park for a festive celebration at Christmas Time at the Mill. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere and activities amidst the park's natural beauty.
Where: Merrillville | More Info: Christmas Time at the Mill at Deep River County Park
Letters to Santa
What to Expect:
Holiday parade with floats from local businesses and community groups.
Description:
Join us downtown for the Annual Downtown St. Johns Christmas Parade, featuring floats from local businesses and community groups, along with Saint Nick himself. Bring your hot chocolate, mittens, and letters to Santa for a delightful holiday experience.
Where: St John | More Info: Letters to Santa
Christmas Bedtime Stories
What to Expect:
Intimate storytelling session for all ages.
Description:
Join us for a cozy evening of Christmas stories, perfect for families and friends to gather and enjoy together.
Where: Schererville | More Info: Christmas Bedtime Stories
Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church's Christmas Cookie Walk
What to Expect:
Traditional Eastern European holiday treats.
Description:
Join Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church for their Christmas Cookie Walk, featuring delicious homemade cookies, pastries, nut rolls, and breads. Enjoy traditional dishes like cabbage rolls, haluski, and pierogies.
Where: Schererville | More Info: Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church's Christmas Cookie Walk
A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit
What to Expect:
Interactive animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store.
Description:
The "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond features six animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store in New York, showcasing scenes from the holiday classic. The exhibit is based on Jean Shepherd's book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," which was inspired by his childhood in Hammond, Indiana. Visitors can also enjoy Santa photos, special events like the Mommy’s Little Piggy Contest, and explore the gift shop filled with Christmas-themed items.
Where: Hammond | More Info: A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit
Hammond’s Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
One Santa guest of the city, no other Santas allowed.
Description:
The Hammond Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring floats, marching bands, and local entertainment. It takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Hammond, Indiana, with a grand marshal from the Towle Theater’s “Miracle on 34th Street” musical.
Where: Hammond | More Info: Hammond’s Holiday Parade
Ice Skating at Crown Point's Bulldog Park
What to Expect:
NHL-size hockey rink for winter skating.
Description:
Ice skating at Crown Point's Bulldog Park offers a fun and active winter activity with an NHL-size hockey rink, perfect for families and friends to enjoy together.
Where: Crown Point | More Info: Ice Skating at Crown Point's Bulldog Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Crown Point (5 miles)
- Hobart (5 miles)
- Schererville (6 miles)
- Gary (8 miles)
- Highland (8 miles)
- Portage (10 miles)
- Munster (11 miles)
- Lansing (12 miles)
- East Chicago (13 miles)
- Calumet City (14 miles)
- Valparaiso (14 miles)
- Chicago Heights (16 miles)
- South Holland (16 miles)
- Park Forest (18 miles)
- Dolton (18 miles)
- Harvey (18 miles)
- South Chicago (21 miles)
- Blue Island (22 miles)
- Morgan Park (22 miles)
- Oak Forest (23 miles)
- Chatham (23 miles)
- South Shore (23 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (24 miles)
- Tinley Park (24 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (24 miles)
- Woodlawn (25 miles)
- Hyde Park (25 miles)
- Englewood (26 miles)
- West Englewood (27 miles)
- Ashburn (27 miles)
- Oak Lawn (27 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (27 miles)
- Michigan City (27 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (28 miles)
- New City (28 miles)
- West Lawn (28 miles)
- Douglas (28 miles)
- Gage Park (29 miles)
- Orland Park (29 miles)
- Burbank (29 miles)
- Bridgeport (30 miles)
- Near South Side (30 miles)
- Brighton Park (30 miles)
- Chicago (30 miles)
- Lower West Side (31 miles)
- South Lawndale (32 miles)
- Chicago Loop (32 miles)
- Homer Glen (32 miles)
- Near North Side (33 miles)
- LaPorte (33 miles)
- North Lawndale (33 miles)
- New Lenox (33 miles)
- La Porte (33 miles)
- Cicero (33 miles)
- West Town (33 miles)
- East Garfield Park (33 miles)
- Lincoln Park (34 miles)
- Berwyn (35 miles)
- Logan Square (36 miles)
- Oak Park (36 miles)
- Avondale (37 miles)
- North Center (37 miles)
- Kankakee (37 miles)
- Uptown (37 miles)
- Darien (38 miles)
- Maywood (38 miles)
- Lockport (38 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (38 miles)
- Edgewater (39 miles)
- Irving Park (39 miles)
- Lincoln Square (39 miles)
- Joliet (39 miles)
- Albany Park (39 miles)
- Melrose Park (40 miles)
- Westmont (40 miles)
- Portage Park (40 miles)
- Crest Hill (40 miles)
- Rogers Park (40 miles)
- West Ridge (40 miles)
- Romeoville (41 miles)
- Bolingbrook (41 miles)
- Woodridge (41 miles)
- Downers Grove (42 miles)
- Elmhurst (43 miles)
- Skokie (43 miles)
- Villa Park (44 miles)
- Lisle (44 miles)
- Niles (44 miles)
- Lombard (44 miles)
- Park Ridge (45 miles)
- Morton Grove (45 miles)