Holiday Lights at the Zoo

Visit Potawatomi Zoo between Nov. 25-Dec. 18 for The Gift of Lights. More than a million lights are wrapped around trees and free-standing displays throughout Indiana’s first zoo.

Events in Downtown South Bend

Tree Lighting and December First Fridays

When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: The Gridiron and downtown businesses.

Holiday Light Parade 

When: 7-7:45 p.m. Dec. 9 
Where: Jefferson Boulevard in the East Bank Village. 

Visits with Santa 

Look for the little red house next to the South Bend Chocolate Café and you're in the right spot. Santa's House is a cozy spot to meet the big guy, share you Christmas list and snap a photo. Hours are as follows:

  • Friday, Dec. 2 | 6:30-9 p.m.  
  • Saturdays (Dec. 3, 10, 17) | Noon-6 p.m. 
  • Sundays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) | Noon-4 p.m. 
  • Friday, Dec. 9 | 5-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. 
  • Friday, Dec. 16 | 5-9 p.m. 
  • Friday, Dec. 23 | Noon-4 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Dec. 24 | Noon-4 p.m. 

Online reservations for visits with Santa are highly encouraged. Times for the upcoming weekend are released every Tuesday.

 

Holiday Events in Mishawaka 

Winterfest

When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Ironworks Plaza 

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the tree lighting, pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks and more. This will also include the grand opening of the new Ironworks Ice Rink!

Christmas in New Carlisle 

Head to this charming small town from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 for a day with craft and food vendors, photos with Santa, games for kids and a lighted parade. The parade will take place from 6-7 p.m.

'Holm for the Holidays

Enjoy the wonder of the season from Nov. 25-Jan. 8 with daily tours of the Oliver Mansion — known as Copshaholm — all decked out for the holidays. The 38-room, historic mansion in South Bend includes over 15 Christmas trees and decorations galore.