Winter in South Bend

In the greater South Bend area, winters are full of reasons to bundle up and join in. Any kid will tell you that snow is for playing—and we agree. Pull on your mittens and soar down a snow-covered hill. Drop a line through the ice. Explore our city streets to the jingle of sleigh bells. Or be in the stands to celebrate the three-pointer that won the game, with seconds left.

We don't get as much snow as the North Pole but we get enough to convince Santa to set up house here for a few weeks in December. Santa's House and Workshop is welcomed to town with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and features live performances, holiday movies, crafts and more. Be sure to bring your wish list and your camera.

Hit the hills on an innertube at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park or St. Patrick's County Park and fly down the snow with friends or family. Enjoy the park's winter sights and sounds while snowshoeing. Or take to the trails on cross-country skis.

Perhaps you prefer ice to snow? Strap on your skates and practice your figure eights outdoors at the Howard Park Ice Rink or Merrifield Park Ice Rink or indoors at the year-round Ice Box Skating Rink. If sitting around a hole in the ice is the perfect winter escape for you, Potato Creek State Park offers great ice-fishing opportunities.

While things are getting frosty outside, they're heating up in Bethel College'sGates Gymnasium. The Pilots are an NAIA Men's Basketball powerhouse who are always in the hunt for a championship. In fact, Coach Mike Lightfoot is one of the winningest coaches in all of collegiate basketball.