Get ready to bundle up and enjoy all of the different ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you are looking to have a date night, family time, or something fun to do with friends, we have gathered a list of fun things to do around The Bend. 

Gift of Lights at Potawatomi Zoo

Animals want to enjoy the holidays too! Visit the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend for a wonderland of lights and seasonal activities. The Gift of Lights is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting 5 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 22. Enjoy a wonderland of lights and seasonal activities designed to delight children of all ages at this special time of year. Visit Santa, ride the train, feed a giraffe, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Christmas in New Carlisle 

Head to this charming small town from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1 for Christmas in New Carlisle, a day with craft and food vendors, photos with Santa and a real-life reindeer (Prancer), games for kids, live music, and a lighted parade. The lighted parade will take place from 6-7 p.m. You can also bring your pup dressed up in Christmas gear for a photo contest!

Holidays and History

Insights in History – Yuletide Traditions

Curator of Copshaholm Skylar Whited describes the Christmas traditions of yesteryear at The History Museum. A first-floor tour of the Oliver Mansion decorated for the season will be offered. The event will take place on Dec. 4, and reservations are required by Dec. 2 by calling 574-235-9664.

 

Christmas at Copshaholm 

The elegant Oliver Mansion, also known as Copshaholm, on The History Museum's campus is decorated beautifully for the holidays, and self-guided tours during Christmas at Copshaholm are a wonderful way to enjoy the home’s Yuletide splendor. Taking place Dec. 8 and 14 from 4-7 p.m., 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! 

Catch a Holiday Show

From annual favorites such as The Nutcracker and Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the newly renovated 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!

Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in Downtown South Bend

Come see Santa make his grand entrance to South Bend! Downtown South Bend’s First Friday kicks off Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. with live music and performances, giveaways, fireworks and more! Santa will light the tree at 6 p.m. and Santa’s House will officially open for visitors at approximately 6:30-9 p.m. No reservations are required this year. Check Santa's schedule. Don't miss DTSB's Light Parade Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m., taking place along E. Jefferson Boulevard. Enjoy ice skating at Howard Park and visits with Santa on the Gridiron. Santa's House will be open from 5-6:30 p.m., and 8-9 p.m.

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 amazing attractions including 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. 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Ironworks Plaza.

Ice Skate Around Town

Howard Park
Grab your hat and gloves because ice skating at Howard Park is back on November 29! Skate around an ice trail with rolling hills and soft curves. If you’re looking for a more traditional skating experience, check out the ice pond attached to the trail. Reserve ice time in advance. Don't miss Howard Park's Winter Open Week with a list of activities to kick off the season.
 
Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka
This is no ordinary ice rink. Ironworks Ice Rink offers bumper cars and icebyks for visitors to enjoy. Skating opens Dec. 7 by reservation only, so book here.

Shop Local

Chances are you need to buy holiday gits, and there are so many boutiques and local stores offering specials and unique gift ideas! Support local businesses this holiday season and check out our guide to boutique shopping around The Bend. 
 

Other Holiday Events Around The Bend

Holiday in the Gallery

Holiday in the Gallery is a beloved community event at the South Bend Museum of Art where all are invited to share their joy for the holiday season. This year it will have a Holiday Art Market, including artists from SBMA's community and local galleries. The main floor offers live music, the opening of their student faculty exhibition, and the art market. Upstairs you’ll find a community quilt activity, food, and more of the art market. This event will take place 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6 during DTSB's First Fridays. 

 

Holladay Christkindle Fest

Taking place Dec. 6-8 The Inn at Saint Mary's is hosting their First Annual Holladay Christkindle Fest. Celebrate the holiday season with a magical tree lighting, fireworks, Santa's arrival, and an artisan market featuring handmade products and baked goods. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, including face painting, ornament decorating, and much more. Click here for their hours.

 

Dasher's Drive Thru Holiday Lights Show

The St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds is decked out with Christmas scenes and festive lights for the holidays. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Click here for hours and dates of operation.

 

For more holiday events, visit our Events Calendar.

Events

Around The Bend