10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana this weekend, December 8 – 11

10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana this weekend, December 8 – 11
By: Damon Modglin, Lauren Grasham Last Updated: December 5, 2022

The Region is ramping up for Christmas and making a big effort to make sure everyone is included! Whether it's through dedicated toy drives, holiday performances, or special offers to help wrap up gift shopping, many community favorites are making sure Northwest Indiana radiates with holiday joy this weekend. There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy with family and friends!

Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!

Support local artists by visiting Lubeznik’s Holiday Artisan Market

Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ Holiday Artisan Market is open! The market features unique pieces created by local artists including jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and more! It’s the perfect place to find a memorable Christmas gift. Learn more here.

Give back this Christmas season at Valpo Parks’ Santa and Sirens Toy Drive

Valparaiso Parks and Recreation is once again teaming up with the Valpo Fire Department to put on the Santa and Sirens Toy Drive. The event will feature a drive-thru display of emergency vehicles decked out in Christmas lights. The free event will be this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and visitors can bring new, unwrapped toys to the event to donate them for Toys for Tots. Learn more here.

Hear the soul of Michigan City at the “One City One Sound” concert

Michigan City Area Schools will gather to perform its annual “One City One Sound” concert this Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event features musical performances from the entire area, featuring over a thousand students performing both choral and orchestral arrangements. Learn more here.

Give the gift of community with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater NWI’s Christmas to Remember

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana will be turning the Dean and Barbara White Community Center into a winter wonderland on Thursday as they host their annual Christmas to Remember event. The event gives children who may not be able to celebrate Christmas the opportunity to gather with friends, meet Santa, open gifts, and get a warm meal. Learn more here.

Be in an auditorium and singing to “Elf the Musical, Jr.” with South Shore CVA

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feature a production of “Elf the Musical, Jr.” put on by South Shore CVA at the Memorial Opera House. The shows, all scheduled for 7 p.m., follow the 2003 holiday classic’s story of Buddy the elf leaving the North Pole in search of his father. Learn more here.

Play at the YMCA during Christmas Family Day

The La Porte County Family YMCA is hosting its Christmas Family Day event at the Elston branch this Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. The event is free to the public and features games, crafts, and a special visit from Santa as well as access to the YMCA’s normal facilities, including the pool! Learn more here.

Snag a deal with 50% off from Goodwill

With the temperature continuing to drop, it’s time to rotate out the old fall clothes. Goodwill of Michiana is here to help, offering customers 50% off on select items on Saturday, December 10. Restock your winter wardrobe at half the cost at participating Goodwills throughout NWI. Learn more here.

Discover more about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ during Virtual Coffee and Conversation

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ offer the opportunity to learn more about their work during their bi-monthly Coffee and Conversation event. The event gives interested parties the chance to meet with ministry leaders and the Sisters doing work to help the poor and marginalized. Learn more here.

Grab some goodies at the City of La Porte Cookie Walk

The City of La Porte is holding its 10th annual Cookie Walk on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. If you’ve got any kind of sweet tooth, this is the event for you, as local favorites in downtown La Porte will be handing out free treats to all who stop in with a collector’s tin. The event also offers the perfect opportunity to see what local favorites have brewing for the holidays! Learn more here.

Sing in the holidays with NWI Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” concert has become a staple for families in the Region. With a mixture of classic and modern holiday music, a carol sing-along, and the return of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, this year’s concert isn’t one to miss! Performances will be held Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.