Stay through Thanksgiving in South Bend
The final home game of the regular season is November 21, and the weekend doesn't have to end there.
Senior Night, ice skating on the river, and a German holiday market — all in one long weekend.
Notre Dame Football hosts SMU on Saturday, November 21 for Senior Night, the last home game of the regular season. If you're already making the trip, this is the year to stay through Thanksgiving. Howard Park's ice trail opens November 27, the Holladay Christkindl Fest sets up at the Inn at Saint Mary's the same weekend, and Christmas in New Carlisle kicks off the holiday season November 29.
Senior Night at Notre Dame
Notre Dame closes its regular home schedule against SMU on November 21. Senior Night carries its own energy. It's a different atmosphere than midseason, and a game worth being present for. If you're planning around the football calendar, this is the last opportunity of the regular season to see the top-ranked Irish in action. Book early; game-weekend rooms in South Bend and Mishawaka fill weeks out, and mid-range properties within a few miles of campus routinely run at a premium on home Saturdays.
RELATED CONTENT: Notre Dame Football Game Day Guide
Stay through the holiday weekend
Howard Park's ice trail opens November 27 — a mile-long loop near the St. Joseph River in the heart of downtown South Bend. The same weekend, the Holladay Christkindl Fest arrives at the Inn at Saint Mary's November 27–28, with a German-style holiday market on the grounds of one of the destination's best-regarded properties. Their annual tree lighting is a must-see.
Christmas in New Carlisle is back November 29 with a day full of family fun, local shopping, Santa photos, cookies with The Grinch, treats, games and so much more. Round out the night with their 32nd Annual Lighted Parade!
See the Holiday Lights on the Diamond light up the night at Four Winds Field. 1 million Christmas lights and displays, holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus will truly envelop you in the holiday spirit.
In the mood for more Notre Dame sports action? The Notre Dame men's basketball team takes on Central Michigan at Purcell Pavilion November 24, while Notre Dame Hockey hosts Bowling Green at Compton Family Ice Arena the same night.
There's an incredible lineup of shows this week at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Laugh along with O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy November 22, and comedian Mike Epps November 25. Feel nostalgic with a special screening of It's a Wonderful Life including a Q&A with Karolyn Grimes November 27, and enjoy the sounds of the season with The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas November 28.
Make a six-day stay from Senior Night through Thanksgiving Sunday genuinely worth building around. See more events below and visit our Event Calendar for the full lineup!
Where to stay for the long weekend
The Inn at Saint Mary's sits directly adjacent to the Notre Dame campus and is the host property for the Christkindl Fest. Staying there puts you steps from the market. Downtown, the Courtyard by Marriott South Bend and the DoubleTree by Hilton are both walkable to Howard Park and the ice trail. If you want to be close to campus and prefer a smaller feel, Ivy Court Inn and Suites is a boutique option on the southeast corner of campus. Reserve now — availability between Senior Night and Thanksgiving compresses quickly.
Restaurants open for Thanksgiving in South Bend and Mishawaka
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