Get the big picture of the festive season in Valparaiso! Our guide includes all the essential holiday activities. For Valparaiso experts and wide-eyed newcomers, our guide is your compass to yuletide treasures.
Discover the charm of the Holly Days celebration, where the town comes alive with twinkling lights, festive activities, and a beloved holiday market. Another highlight is the Winter Fest & Tree Lighting, which captivates with its spectacular displays and the exhilarating moment when the tree illuminates the night. And the Holiday Pops Presented by the South Shore Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting musical performances to fill your holiday with cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Valparaiso
- Holly Days
- Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
- Holiday Pops Presented by South Shore Orchestra
- Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
- Christmas Tyme Lights Drive-Thru (Lowell)
- Magic of Lights Holiday Drive Through (La Porte)
- Free Photo with Santa
- Snowflake Parade (Michigan City)
- Holidays in Hobart (Hobart)
- Festival of Lights Celebration and Parade (Washington Park)
See these and even more events listed below!
Valparaiso Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lights Holiday Drive Through
What to Expect:
Over a mile of spectacular light displays.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: La Porte | More Info: Magic of Lights Holiday Drive Through
Christmas Tyme Lights Drive-Thru
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday character meet-and-greets amidst a spectacular light display.
Description:
Explore a half-mile walking trail illuminated with millions of lights, featuring classic holiday tunes, unique festive displays, hot cocoa, and fresh-baked cookies. Meet seasonal characters like Bluey and Bingo, the Grinch, Jack Skellington, Elf on the Shelf, and Frosty the Snowman.
Where: Lowell | More Info: Christmas Tyme Lights Drive-Thru
Festival of Lights Celebration and Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with festive activities and charitable support.
Description:
The Festival of Lights Celebration in Michigan City features a parade, the lighting of the official Michigan City Christmas Tree, visits with Santa, and activities supporting Meals on Wheels LaPorte County and Toys for Tots.
Where: Washington Park | More Info: Festival of Lights Celebration and Parade
Snowflake Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony in downtown Michigan City.
Description:
The Snowflake Parade in Michigan City is a festive holiday event featuring a parade through historic downtown, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at Franklin Street. The event includes visits from Santa Claus and holiday light displays at Washington Park.
Where: Michigan City | More Info: Snowflake Parade
Light the Night
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree lighting ceremony with festive lights.
Description:
Join the Munster Civic Foundation for the Third Annual Tree Lighting "Light the Night" event at Munster Town Hall. This community event brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with festive lights and a sense of community pride.
Where: Munster | More Info: Light the Night
Valparaiso Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holly Days
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and ice sculptures.
Description:
Holly Days in downtown Valparaiso features live entertainment, ice sculptures, holiday lights, carolers, Santa, Candy Cane Lane, and a holiday express train. Enjoy holiday shopping and dinner at your favorite downtown shops and restaurants.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Holly Days
Holiday Pops Presented by South Shore Orchestra
What to Expect:
Classical and contemporary holiday music performance by South Shore Orchestra.
Description:
Maestro Troy Webdell and the South Shore Orchestra present a Valparaiso tradition featuring holiday music from around the world and classical Christmas favorites.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Holiday Pops Presented by South Shore Orchestra
Valparaiso Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
What to Expect:
Drive-through toy drive with Big Santa and emergency vehicle display.
Description:
Join Valpo Parks and the Dunes Leathernecks Marine Corp League for the Santa & Sirens Toy Drive, a festive event where families can drive through a stationary display of emergency vehicles, meet Big Santa, and donate new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Santa & Sirens Toy Drive
Wonderland of Christmas Trees Display
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday tree display with local sponsorship opportunities.
Description:
The Nathan C. Splant Foundation's Christmas Tree display features a festive outdoor patio area with beautifully decorated trees, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Munster | More Info: Wonderland of Christmas Trees Display
Valparaiso Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Free event with festive activities and special ice rink admission.
Description:
Join Valparaiso Parks for Winter Fest & Tree Lighting at Central Park Plaza, featuring caroling, photos with Santa, treats, and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree at 6:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant and present a receipt for a special $10 admission and skate rental at the ice rink from 7 - 10 pm to support Small Business Saturday.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Winter Fest & Tree Lighting
Free Photo with Santa
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with caroling, Santa photos, and tree lighting.
Description:
Enjoy caroling, photos with Santa, treats, and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree. Guests can also enjoy dinner at a downtown restaurant and receive a special admission and skate rental at the ice rink with a receipt from a downtown business.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Free Photo with Santa
Holidays in Hobart
What to Expect:
Vibrant community celebrations with diverse activities.
Description:
Hobart offers a variety of festive events, including the Lakefront Festival, Summer Market, Independence Day Parade, and Christmas Tree Lighting. These events feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, children's activities, food vendors, and more.
Where: Hobart | More Info: Holidays in Hobart
Christmas Time at the Mill at Deep River County Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a park setting with community activities.
Description:
Join us at Deep River County Park for a festive celebration at the Mill, featuring holiday-themed activities and community spirit.
Where: Merrillville | More Info: Christmas Time at the Mill at Deep River County Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Portage (9 miles)
- Hobart (11 miles)
- Merrillville (14 miles)
- Crown Point (16 miles)
- Gary (17 miles)
- Michigan City (18 miles)
- LaPorte (20 miles)
- La Porte (20 miles)
- Schererville (20 miles)
- Highland (21 miles)
- East Chicago (23 miles)
- Munster (24 miles)
- Lansing (26 miles)
- Calumet City (26 miles)
- South Holland (30 miles)
- Chicago Heights (30 miles)
- Dolton (30 miles)
- South Chicago (31 miles)
- Harvey (32 miles)
- Park Forest (32 miles)
- South Shore (33 miles)
- Chatham (34 miles)
- Blue Island (34 miles)
- Morgan Park (35 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (35 miles)
- Woodlawn (35 miles)
- Hyde Park (35 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (36 miles)
- Oak Forest (36 miles)
- Englewood (37 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (37 miles)
- West Englewood (38 miles)
- Tinley Park (38 miles)
- Douglas (38 miles)
- New City (38 miles)
- Ashburn (39 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (39 miles)
- Near South Side (39 miles)
- Bridgeport (40 miles)
- Oak Lawn (40 miles)
- Gage Park (40 miles)
- West Lawn (40 miles)
- Chicago (40 miles)
- Brighton Park (41 miles)
- Lower West Side (41 miles)
- Chicago Loop (41 miles)
- Burbank (41 miles)
- Near North Side (42 miles)
- South Lawndale (42 miles)
- Orland Park (42 miles)
- West Town (43 miles)
- North Lawndale (43 miles)
- Lincoln Park (43 miles)
- East Garfield Park (43 miles)
- Cicero (44 miles)
- South Bend (44 miles)