It's holiday season, South Bend! Explore our guide for all the top festive events and activities. From South Bend aficionados to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
A highlight of the season is the magical Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the community gathers to witness the first glow of the festive lights. With a joyful atmosphere and seasonal music, it's a beloved occasion. Additionally, Santa's Arrival brings excitement as families unite to welcome the jolly figure, marked by lively festivities. And the Visits with Santa offer a special opportunity for children to share their wishes in a warm and cheerful setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Bend
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Visits with Santa
- Santa's Arrival
- Holiday Light Parade
- Festival of Trees
- Gingerbread Village
- First Fridays
- Holiday Historic Walking Tour
- South Bend Symphony Orchestra "Home for the Holidays"
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze
See these and even more events listed below!
South Bend Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Light Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and walking units.
Description:
The sixth annual DTSB Holiday Light Parade features festive floats and walking units illuminated with Christmas lights and glow sticks. The event takes place on Jefferson Blvd. on December 13, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Holiday Light Parade
South Bend Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and dance performances.
Description:
The Tree Lighting Ceremony features live holiday music and dance performances, along with holiday giveaways, a photo opportunity, and a Santa letter-writing station.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Santa's Arrival
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival with live music and a letter-writing station.
Description:
Santa's grand entrance to downtown South Bend features live holiday music and a Santa letter-writing station, with each child receiving an "I Believe" sticker for trinkets and discounts.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Santa's Arrival
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
What to Expect:
World-class circus acts and holiday-themed storytelling.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling holiday spectacular featuring a blend of Broadway-style production and contemporary circus arts. The show brings holiday storybook characters to life with aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and breath-catching acrobatics. The performance includes an original music score with new twists on seasonal favorites like Deck the Halls, Winter Wonderland, and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. The event is a family-friendly production that promises to captivate audiences with its imaginative and fun performances.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
South Bend Symphony Orchestra "Home for the Holidays"
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday concert with beloved Christmas carols and choral performances.
Description:
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the Michiana Festival Chorus, presents a heartwarming holiday tradition featuring a spectacular program of beloved Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes. This event brings joy and cherished memories through enchanting sounds, celebrating music and togetherness.
Where: South Bend | More Info: South Bend Symphony Orchestra "Home for the Holidays"
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
What to Expect:
Hilarious comedy about eccentric Texans fighting for their town's incorporation.
Description:
In the tiniest town in Texas, residents face holiday stress and a double-cross by the County. Eccentric Texans band together to take on the "Big Guys" in this hilarious comedy.
Where: South Bend | More Info: A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
Caroling in the Bend
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with a diverse collection of musical performances.
Description:
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents a spectacular program featuring cherished Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes, performed by renowned soprano Anne Slovin.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Caroling in the Bend
Southold Dance Theatre Performance
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with orchestral accompaniment.
Description:
The Southold Dance Theatre presents a captivating performance of The Nutcracker, featuring a collaboration with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. This classic ballet is designed to engage audiences with its intricate choreography and elaborate sets.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Southold Dance Theatre Performance
South Bend Civic Theatre Holiday Performances
What to Expect:
Hilarious play-within-a-play with comedic mishaps.
Description:
The South Bend Civic Theatre presents a variety of holiday performances, including a play within a play with comedic mishaps, a thriller about three strangers in a collapsing society, a musical adaptation of Finding Nemo, and a true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. These productions offer a diverse range of theatrical experiences.
Where: South Bend | More Info: South Bend Civic Theatre Holiday Performances
South Bend Other Holiday Activities
Visits with Santa
What to Expect:
One-on-one time with Santa and exclusive downtown discounts.
Description:
Visit Santa at his cozy little red and white house next to the South Bend Chocolate Café. Each child receives an "I Believe" sticker, enabling them to receive trinkets and discounts throughout downtown South Bend, including a complimentary chocolate bar.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Visits with Santa
Gingerbread Village
What to Expect:
Display of intricately decorated gingerbread houses.
Description:
The Gingerbread Village is an annual event where intricately decorated gingerbread houses are displayed in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott. Visitors can view the entries and vote for their favorite.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Gingerbread Village
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Decorated holiday trees by local sponsors and organizations.
Description:
View holiday trees decorated by local sponsors and organizations. Each tree is uniquely decorated, offering a diverse display of holiday spirit.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Festival of Trees
Holiday Historic Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tours of historic homes and businesses.
Description:
Explore South Bend's unique history through free self-guided tours of historic homes and businesses in the West Washington National Historic District.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Holiday Historic Walking Tour
First Fridays
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration 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, and most events are free.
Where: South Bend | More Info: First Fridays
Brunch with Santa
What to Expect:
Brunch in a historic mansion setting with Santa.
Description:
Join us at Tippecanoe Place for a delightful Brunch with Santa, where you can indulge in a delicious meal while enjoying the historic charm of the Studebaker Mansion.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Brunch with Santa
Ornament Painting & Painting Ornaments
What to Expect:
Unique glass ornament painting experience with cocktails.
Description:
Create your own glass ornaments while enjoying cocktails and canvas painting in a festive atmosphere.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Ornament Painting & Painting Ornaments
SBMA Holiday in the Gallery
What to Expect:
Unique blend of historical and contemporary art exhibitions.
Description:
The South Bend Museum of Art's Holiday in the Gallery features a variety of creative exhibitions and workshops, including fiber crafts and quilts, fostering community and artistic exploration.
Where: South Bend | More Info: SBMA Holiday in the Gallery
Holiday Fitness Fest
What to Expect:
Free fitness classes with a charitable twist.
Description:
Join Beacon Health Fitness for free fitness classes, including BodyPump, Pilates, and Yoga, while supporting St. Vincent DePaul's Food Pantry with a non-perishable food donation.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Holiday Fitness Fest
Holiday Architectural Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Historical tour of South Bend's landmark buildings.
Description:
Explore South Bend's historic landmarks on a guided walking tour, led by Steve Szaday, which delves into the city's architectural history and adaptive reuses of buildings.
Where: South Bend | More Info: Holiday Architectural Walking Tour
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mishawaka (5 miles)
- Granger (9 miles)
- Elkhart (14 miles)
- Goshen (23 miles)
- La Porte (25 miles)
- LaPorte (25 miles)
- Michigan City (33 miles)
- Valparaiso (44 miles)