Experience the community joy this holiday season in Michigan City! Our guide has all the festive happenings. For Michigan City regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular events to check out include "A Christmas Story Comes Home," an exhibit that captures the charm and nostalgia of the classic film, offering interactive displays and memorabilia. The "Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration" features dazzling light displays that transform the city into a winter wonderland. And the "Nutcracker" by Indiana Ballet Theatre is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the timeless holiday ballet. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Michigan City
- The Nutcracker by Indiana Ballet Theatre (Various)
- Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
- A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit (Hammond)
- Holiday Performances at local theatres (Various)
- Holiday Light Display at Fair Oaks Farms (Fair Oaks)
- Holiday Concert at the casino (Various)
- Holiday Markets (Various)
- Holiday Light Display at Harvest Tyme Family Farm (Valparaiso)
- Hammond’s Holiday Parade (Hammond)
- Ice Skating at Crown Point's Bulldog Park (Crown Point)
See these and even more events listed below!
Michigan City Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Light Display at Fair Oaks Farms
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Description:
The Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks Farms features dazzling light displays, interactive scenes, and festive activities like s'mores roasting and hot cocoa. The event includes Santa appearances on Sundays and a holiday train ride, making it a comprehensive holiday experience.
Where: Fair Oaks | More Info: Holiday Light Display at Fair Oaks Farms
Holiday Light Display at Harvest Tyme Family Farm
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light displays with festive and colorful lights.
Description:
At Harvest Tyme Family Farm, immerse yourself in a dazzling holiday light show featuring over 1,000 characters and dozens of large displays with millions of LED bulbs.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Holiday Light Display at Harvest Tyme Family Farm
Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday light display and community activities.
Description:
The Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration features a festive parade, the lighting of the official Michigan City Christmas Tree, visits with Santa, and activities to support local charities.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
Michigan City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Markets
What to Expect:
Exclusive shopping event with live music and holiday activities.
Description:
The Holiday Market 2024 is a four-day shopping event at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, featuring over 160 merchants, Ladies Night Out, a festive Holiday Ball, and Sundaes with Santa. Shoppers can find unique gifts while enjoying live music, cocktails, and delectable eats.
Where: Various | More Info: Holiday Markets
Lubeznik Arts Festival
What to Expect:
Diverse artistic and cultural experiences.
Description:
The Lubeznik Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of local and world-renowned artists, featuring diverse exhibitions, interactive workshops, and community events.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Lubeznik Arts Festival
Michigan City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Indiana Ballet Theatre
What to Expect:
Classic ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Indiana Ballet Theatre is a classic ballet performance featuring Clara's journey through a world of toy soldiers, mice, and fantastical characters. Enjoy live music and delightful treats in a festive atmosphere filled with joy and wonder.
Where: Various | More Info: The Nutcracker by Indiana Ballet Theatre
Holiday Performances at local theatres
What to Expect:
A blend of circus artistry and holiday music.
Description:
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a spectacular holiday show featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and talented musicians and singers. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the event blends spellbinding circus artistry with beloved holiday melodies in a dazzling display of talent and spectacle.
Where: Various | More Info: Holiday Performances at local theatres
Holiday Concert at the casino
What to Expect:
Holiday concerts with legendary performers.
Description:
The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort presents a variety of holiday concerts featuring renowned artists like Wayne Newton, Ice Cube, and Nikki Glaser. Enjoy a night of storytelling, video, and song in an intimate setting with the latest sound and lighting technology.
Where: Various | More Info: Holiday Concert at the casino
Michigan City Other Holiday Activities
A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit
What to Expect:
Interactive animatronic window displays and special events.
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, depicting iconic scenes from the holiday classic. The exhibit also includes Santa's Mountain, where visitors can take photos with Santa and slide down a big red slide. Special events include the Mommy's Little Piggy Contest and events for first responders and those with special needs.
Where: Hammond | More Info: A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit
Hammond’s Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Unique blend of community participation and holiday cheer.
Description:
The Hammond Holiday Parade is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It begins at Gavit High School and proceeds down Indianapolis Boulevard to the Hammond Sportsplex, offering a fun-filled experience for all participants and spectators.
Where: Hammond | More Info: Hammond’s Holiday Parade
Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Spooky Halloween fun with animal-themed enrichment.
Description:
Boo at the Zoo offers a safe trick-or-treating experience with decorated zoo paths and community-based Trick-or-Treat stations, along with various activities and photo opportunities.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Boo at the Zoo
Ice Skating at Crown Point's Bulldog Park
What to Expect:
NHL-size hockey rink for public 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
Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival
What to Expect:
World-class sand sculpting competition on Lake Michigan's iconic beach.
Description:
The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival in Michigan City is a three-day celebration featuring professional sand sculpting competitions, live music, full bars, and a variety of food, crafts, and merchandise. The event takes place on Washington Park Beach, showcasing the famous "singing sands" of Lake Michigan.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival
Michigan City Oktoberfest
What to Expect:
Traditional activities and live bands on a scenic beach.
Description:
Michigan City Oktoberfest is a vibrant celebration featuring diverse vendors, live bands, and traditional activities on a scenic beach. Enjoy a wide variety of food, art, and merchandise while embracing the spirit of the season.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Michigan City Oktoberfest
Michigan City Kiddie Parade
What to Expect:
Youth-led parade with decorated bikes and floats.
Description:
The Michigan City Kiddie Parade is a vibrant event where local youth dress in costume and decorate their bikes, wagons, and floats. It celebrates summer and civic spirit with a fun-filled procession through the city streets.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Michigan City Kiddie Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- LaPorte (11 miles)
- La Porte (12 miles)
- Portage (17 miles)
- Valparaiso (18 miles)
- Hobart (22 miles)
- Gary (25 miles)
- Merrillville (27 miles)
- East Chicago (29 miles)
- Highland (31 miles)
- Crown Point (32 miles)
- Schererville (33 miles)
- South Bend (33 miles)
- Calumet City (33 miles)
- Munster (33 miles)
- South Chicago (34 miles)
- Lansing (35 miles)
- South Shore (35 miles)
- Hyde Park (37 miles)
- Woodlawn (37 miles)
- Dolton (37 miles)
- Chatham (37 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (37 miles)
- South Holland (37 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (38 miles)
- Mishawaka (38 miles)
- Douglas (38 miles)
- Near South Side (39 miles)
- Englewood (39 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (39 miles)
- Harvey (39 miles)
- Morgan Park (40 miles)
- New City (40 miles)
- Chicago Loop (40 miles)
- Bridgeport (40 miles)
- West Englewood (40 miles)
- Chicago (40 miles)
- Near North Side (40 miles)
- Granger (41 miles)
- Blue Island (41 miles)
- Chicago Heights (41 miles)
- Lower West Side (41 miles)
- Lincoln Park (41 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (42 miles)
- Gage Park (42 miles)
- Brighton Park (42 miles)
- Ashburn (42 miles)
- West Town (42 miles)
- West Lawn (43 miles)
- Uptown (43 miles)
- Park Forest (43 miles)
- South Lawndale (43 miles)
- East Garfield Park (43 miles)
- North Lawndale (44 miles)
- North Center (44 miles)
- Edgewater (44 miles)
- Logan Square (44 miles)
- Oak Forest (44 miles)
- Oak Lawn (45 miles)
- Rogers Park (45 miles)
- Lincoln Square (45 miles)
- Avondale (45 miles)