Unite with the Mishawaka community for the holidays! Explore all the festive events in our guide. For both Mishawaka residents and visitors, this guide is your roadmap to the city's holiday delights.
Popular events abound this season, starting with the enchanting Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo, where families can wander through stunning light displays illuminating the paths. Another highlight is Winterfest in Mishawaka, featuring ice skating and a cozy winter market. And the Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend is something you definitely don't want to miss for its festive atmosphere and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Mishawaka
- Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo (South Bend)
- Winterfest in Mishawaka
- Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend (South Bend)
- Christmas at Copshaholm (South Bend)
- Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka
- Insights in History – Yuletide Traditions (South Bend)
- Holiday in the Gallery (South Bend)
- First Fridays in Downtown South Bend (South Bend)
- Sugar Plum Fairy Tea (South Bend)
- Third Thursdays in the Mish
See these and even more events listed below!
Mishawaka Holiday Light Displays
Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo features beautifully lit pathways and seasonal activities designed to delight children of all ages. Visit Santa, ride the train, and make memories that will last a lifetime. This year, meet two Santas and their reindeer.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo
Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens
What to Expect:
Professional light displays highlighting the garden's natural beauty.
Description:
Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens features professional light displays accentuating the natural beauty of the gardens, with a ½-mile Promenade Pathway aglow in color and texture. The event includes hot cocoa and treats, boutique shopping, and live music around the Promenade.
Where: Elkhart | More Info: Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Harvest Tyme Family Farm Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light display with beloved characters.
Description:
At Harvest Tyme Family Farm, immerse yourself in a half-mile walking trail filled with millions of lights, classic holiday tunes, unique displays, and seasonal treats. Meet beloved characters like Bluey and Bingo, the Grinch, Jack Skellington, Elf on the Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman. Enjoy gourmet hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies while making your own campfire s'mores.
Where: Lowell | More Info: Harvest Tyme Family Farm Festival of Lights
Mishawaka Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and dance performances with Santa's grand entrance.
Description:
Join Downtown South Bend for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live holiday music, dance performances, holiday giveaways, and a Santa letter-writing station. Santa will make his grand entrance to light the Gridiron Tree, and his house will open for visitors.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend
Holiday in the Gallery
What to Expect:
Chamber music performance in a museum gallery.
Description:
The Holiday in the Gallery event features a holiday concert at the South Bend Museum of Art, showcasing local chamber music talent in a beautiful gallery setting.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Holiday in the Gallery
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
What to Expect:
Whimsical tea event with sweets and refreshments.
Description:
The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea at The History Museum features a delightful afternoon of sweets and refreshments, celebrating the whimsy of sugar plum fairies and tin soldiers.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
Mishawaka Other Holiday Activities
Winterfest in Mishawaka
What to Expect:
Free ice skating and festive community activities.
Description:
Winterfest in Mishawaka features a tree lighting, free ice skating, winter market, parade of lights, Santa photos, hot cocoa, horse-drawn carriage rides, music, food trucks, and trackless train rides.
Where: Mishawaka | More Info: Winterfest in Mishawaka
Christmas at Copshaholm
What to Expect:
Step back in time to a 1900s Yuletide party in the Oliver Mansion.
Description:
Explore the 38-room Oliver Mansion, decorated for the holidays, and experience a Yuletide party in 1900 with the Oliver family and friends.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Christmas at Copshaholm
Insights in History – Yuletide Traditions
What to Expect:
Historical insights into holiday traditions.
Description:
Explore the rich history of Yuletide traditions through exhibits and interactive displays at the History Museum, showcasing how holiday celebrations have evolved over time.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Insights in History – Yuletide Traditions
Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka
What to Expect:
Unique ice activities and lively music.
Description:
Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka offers daily ice skating, birthday party rentals, skating lessons, and unique ice activities in a lively and colorful setting.
Where: Mishawaka | More Info: Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka
First Fridays in Downtown South Bend
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with diverse activities.
Description:
First Fridays in Downtown South Bend is an immersive community experience featuring live music, dining and retail specials, art receptions, and kid-friendly activities. Each month has a different theme, showcasing the best of downtown South Bend.
Where: South Bend | More Info: First Fridays in Downtown South Bend
Third Thursdays in the Mish
What to Expect:
Monthly celebration of art and community in downtown Mishawaka.
Description:
Third Thursdays in the Mish is a monthly event in downtown Mishawaka, Indiana, connecting small businesses, artists, local parks, and the city through social engagement and art promotion.
Where: Mishawaka | More Info: Third Thursdays in the Mish
Christmas in New Carlisle
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday event with kids' crafts and festive treats.
Description:
Join Historic New Carlisle, Inc. for their 2nd annual Christmas Cookie Walk, featuring handcrafted kids' crafts and delicious treats.
Where: New Carlisle | More Info: Christmas in New Carlisle
Valparaiso Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with caroling, Santa photos, and tree lighting.
Description:
Join Valparaiso Parks and Recreation for a festive evening of caroling, photos with Santa, treats, and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree. Guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant and present a receipt for a special ice rink admission and skate rental.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Valparaiso Winter Lights
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- South Bend (5 miles)
- Granger (7 miles)
- Elkhart (9 miles)
- Goshen (18 miles)
- La Porte (29 miles)
- LaPorte (29 miles)
- Michigan City (38 miles)