Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you from GNL! The Region is planning to spend these last few days of 2023 with celebrations galore, and this weekend is sure to put you in a cheerful mood. With seasonal songs, holiday displays, and some last minute gift shopping, be sure to get out and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Promote your baby’s health at Associated Pediatricians’ breastfeeding support group
Becoming a mother can be a very stressful experience when you have a lot of questions without answers. Associated Pediatricians is hoping to help both new and experienced mothers become educated on their infant’s health at its breastfeeding support group this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Learn from experts, get your questions answered, and connect with others going through the same experience as you. 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.
Sing along to classic holiday tunes at Holiday Pops
Holiday Pops!, the Valparaiso tradition, is back this Thursday for another year of Christmas fun! Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Memorial Opera House is going to be rocking with the sounds of holiday cheer. Get your ticket now before they’re gone! Learn more here.
Relive Jean Shepherd’s holiday classic with “A Christmas Story” Comes Home
“A Christmas Story” Comes Home is partially an animatronic exhibition, partially a host of public events, and all holiday fun! The exhibit, based on Hammond native Jean Shepherd’s “A Christmas Story,” features animatronic displays of famous scenes from the movie as well as frequent activities for the public to enjoy. Learn more here.
Have a heavy metal Christmas at the Blizzard of Ozz tribute show
Blizzard of Ozz, Dyers Eve, and the Kevin Buck Band are coming to the City of Hobart this Friday to melt some faces with heavy metal tributes as well as some original music. Raise the roof of the art theater as you hear classic tunes from Black Sabbath, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, and more! Learn more here.
Hit the ice in Bulldog Park at open skate night
The City of Crown Point’s ice rink at Bulldog Park is open for the season, with open skate times this Friday through Sunday! Hit the ice Friday night with a friend, or start your mornings skating on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5, and skate rentals are an additional $5. Learn more here.
Sing along to classic Christmas songs at Deep River Waterpark
Lake County Parks & Recreation’s Deep River Waterpark is coming alive with the sounds of “White Christmas” and other playful classics this Friday! Ice skaters will be thrilled to hear songs from some true holiday hits as they get out on the ice. As always, guests are welcome to dress up to match this week’s theme! Learn more here.
Take in the Winter Lights at Sunset Hill Farm
Porter County Parks & Recreation Department is presenting their Winter Lights drive-thru event until January 1! When the sun goes down, the lights go up as holiday music drifts through the county park at this free event. Families will get the chance to meet Santa, participate in fun activities like wagon rides, and see fireworks to welcome in the holidays! Learn more here.
Get ready for Kris Kringle at Bellaboo’s Santa Send Off
Out of time to prepare those Santa Claus necessities like cookies and milk? Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center is to the rescue! Head out this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to take part in the “Santa vs. Elves” activities and get the perfect send off for the man in red. Learn more here.
Follow the growth of abstract art in the 21st century with Lubeznik
While replicating reality is a challenge, seeing an artist capture the surreal undercurrent of life can be a moving experience. SInce the 19th century, abstract art has been the realm of the avant-garde, but Lubeznik Center for the Arts is bringing it to everyone at its Abstraction + Love exhibit this weekend! See how abstract art has developed in the hands of contemporary Midwestern artists. Learn more here.
