While Thanksgiving is here in the Region, holiday excitement is already building for winter and Christmas! Burn some calories before heading to Thanksgiving at the Turkey Trot and get in some early carols after at one of the many tree lightings happening near you. Most importantly, remember to be thankful to all the people that help keep the Region fun, unique, and friendly.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Race into Thanksgiving at Porter-Starke's Turkey Trot
Porter-Starke Services is hosting its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 23. Running a 5k is a healthy way to start the holiday! If racing isn’t exactly your speed, volunteering for the race gives you a way to stay involved while keeping your energy for family and friends later in the day. Learn more here.
Ring in Christmas with Crown Point at the annual Tank & Tree Lighting
The City of Crown Point is ready for Christmas with a weekend of holiday festivities beginning this Friday at 6 p.m. with the Tank Lighting on the intersection of Main and Goldsborough! Later that night, see the tree light up for Christmas at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Lake County Courthouse. It’s the perfect way to bring the holidays into the Region. Learn more here.
Celebrate all things winter at Valpo Parks’ Winter Fest and Tree Lighting
As the weather turns cold, Valparaiso Parks Department is taking advantage with Winter Fest this Saturday at 5 p.m. Come out to Central Park Plaza for some caroling, local vendors, ice skating, and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza tree! Learn more here.
Carol in Austria as Valpo University hosts the Vienna Boys Choir
The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir is coming to Valparaiso University this Sunday for “Christmas in Vienna,” a program featuring a collection of Austrian folk songs, Christmas carols, and other holiday favorites! Seating is first come, first serve, and doors open at 3:15 p.m. Come enjoy a concert that’s been thrilling the world for six decades! Learn more here.
Welcome Saint Nick to La Porte at the Santa Parade
The City of La Porte’s Santa Parade is returning to the city this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Watch as Santa parades through town to Plaza 618, where he will stay for photos and a tree lighting! Make sure to get on Santa’s nice list by coming out to see him. Learn more here.
Light up the night at the City of Hammond’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
It’s a Christmas extravaganza at Hammond City Hall this Friday as the City of Hammond brings the holiday cheer to the Region. Starting at 4:30 p.m., take part in a variety of activities from crafts to reindeer to live performances from the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts. To close out the night, Santa will help light the Christmas tree that will sparkle through the season. Learn more here.
Ride into Christmas with the City of Hobart
The City of Hobart’s got tons of fun planned for this Friday beginning with Santa pictures and a tree lighting at Festival Park! On top of pics with Father Christmas, take the chance to ride on carriages and take part in other holiday festivities in the presence of some great company. Learn more here.
Get your holiday photos taken with Santa on Santa’s Mountain
The South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority is hosting Santa this week for photos on a replica of Santa’s Mountain from “A Christmas Story.” Schedule a time to meet with Saint Nick, tell him what you want for Christmas, and get the perfect holiday photo beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. While you’re there, be sure to check out “A Christmas Story” Comes Home to get the full experience! Learn more here.
Further your education at one of PNW’s beautiful campuses
College applications are due soon for the 2024-25 school year, and seniors who are still undecided should take the chance to explore one of Purdue University Northwest’s lovely campuses for yourself. Located in both Hammond and Westville, guided campus tours are being offered this weekend to get your college questions answered! Learn more here.
Find the perfect holiday gift at Art Barn
Art Barn School of Art’s Holiday Gift Gallery is back for the season starting this weekend! Find the perfect trinket for birthdays, holidays, and more created by local artisans. Support the arts while supporting your gift-giving efforts. Learn more here.
