December offers countless ways to make the season bright around The Bend. Getting into the the swing of winter is easy with dozens of ways to celebrate the holidays and skate right into the new season. Put these things to do in South Bend and Mishawaka on your wish list!

RELATED CONTENT: How to Spend the Holiday Season in South Bend & Mishawaka

Downtown for the Holidays

Come see Santa make his grand entrance to South Bend! Downtown South Bend’s First Friday Downtown for the Holidays kicks off Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. with live music and performances, giveaways, fireworks and more. Don't miss DTSB's 8th annual Holiday Light Parade Dec. 12 from 7-8 p.m., taking place along E. Jefferson Boulevard. Lucky for us, Santa will be around throughout December for special visits!

Make sure to stop by Holiday in the Gallery at South Bend Museum of Art. Taking place during First Friday from 5-8 p.m. enjoy live music from the Fischoff Academy, explore the galleries, and mingle with friends as we celebrate the arts this holiday season.

 

Downtown for the Holidays

Winterfest in Mishawaka

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season on Ironworks Avenue. The evening will start with a lighted parade, and will include a ton of attractions such as a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, a holiday market, food trucks, a trackless train, axe throwing, fire performers, an ice carver, and more. Skate on the Ironworks Ice Rink while surrounded by holiday splendor! The event will take place on Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at the Ironworks Plaza.

 

Winterfest Christmas

Catch a Holiday Show

From annual favorites such as The Nutcracker and Straight No Chaser at Morris Performing Arts Center, to new performances at the South Bend Civic Theatre and unique Notre Dame offerings at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, there is a show or performance for everyone. Don't miss these holiday shows in South Bend this season!

HADESTOWN will also be gracing the Morris stage Dec. 19-21. Intertwining two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.

Winter Activities

Around here, the action doesn't stop when the cold temps set in. Whether ice skating, fishing, exploring a unique museum, or savoring the flavors of our local dining scene, you can expect the pleasantly unexpected this time of year around The Bend.

Winter South Bend Bridge

Winter In South Bend & Mishawaka

Winter might be cause to wear snow boots and bundle up, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Step outside and you’ll find simple pleasures around The Bend. And maybe a few reasons to…

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The Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo 

Visit Potawatomi Zoo on Friday, Saturday or Sunday until Dec. 28 for The Gift of Lights. More than a million lights are wrapped around trees and free-standing displays throughout the zoo. The train is a magical ride this time of year.

Christmas at Copshaholm

The elegant Oliver Mansion on The History Museum's campus is decorated beautifully for the holidays, and self-guided tours during Christmas at Copshaholm Dec. 7 and 14 are a wonderful way to enjoy the home’s Yuletide splendor. Live piano music can be heard throughout the mansion, and kids can have fun with an “Elf-on-the-Copsha-Shelf," along with a number of other activities. You'll need tickets for the event, but if you can't make it there are still plenty of chances to see the beautifully decorated mansion through the end of December!

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Christmas at Copshaholm

Lights of Liberty

Take a journey through a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights and festive decorations. The walking trail will be complete with Santa's workshop, twinkling trees, food trucks, interactive surprises and more. Check here for more information on dates and location.

Ice Skating Returns

Dipping temperatures usher in one of the Midwest's best cold-weather activities: skating on the Howard Park ice trail in downtown South Bend, which includes a bridge and loops around a state-of-the-art playground. Visitors will want to reserve ice time in advance all season. With the addition of Ironworks Ice Rink in downtown Mishawaka, skaters have more opportunities to catch some ice! Located adjacent to Beutter Park and Ironworks Plaza, the skating ribbon also includes an area for ice bumper cars and other fun activities. Skating at Ironworks is by reservation only, so make sure to book your time in advance.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Fun Outdoor Winter Activities

Holiday Pop-up Bars

There are a few special holiday pop-up bars in town this season. Miracle Bar has turned Brasserie 23 into a holiday haven. Find Christmas themed drinks (with cups and mugs you can purchase to take home!), decorations, some nights with Christmas movies projected onto the wall and more. Sippin' Santa at The Exchange South Bend offers a tropical Christmas paradise. Get your mele kalikimaka vibes on as you sip on cocktails that'll take you on a holiday vacation. You can purchase these cups and mugs to take home as well! Sidebar is also have decked out with festive decorations, themed drinks and immaculate holiday feels. Read our Holiday Pop-up blog for more details on cocktails offered.

 

Sippin' Santa

Notre Dame Hoops & Hockey at Home

There are plenty of chances to catch the Irish in action this month. The ranked Notre Dame women's basketball team hosts Morehead State Dec. 11, Bellarmine Dec. 21 and Pittsburgh Dec. 29. The Notre Dame men take on Missouri Dec. 2, Idaho Dec. 10, Evansville Dec. 13 and Purdue Fort Wayne Dec. 21. There is only one weekend to cheer on Notre Dame hockey as they host Big 10 opponent Wisconsin Dec. 5-6. Don't miss it! Get your full hoops and hockey schedules here.

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