"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center

You know it’s the holiday season when it’s time to unwrap the "A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit, on display at Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. If you have never been to this spectacular display, then you don’t yet know what you’re missing! This exhibit is free to view and is open from November 15 - December 30, 2025.
 

This annual exhibit is centered on the popular movie - I am sure you have seen once, twice, or more than 20 times - “A Christmas Story.” The six Macy’s window displays showcase the fictional town of Hohman which is really, low and behold, the author (and movie narrator) Jean Shepherd’s hometown, Hammond, Indiana!

Santa is once again sitting on top of Santa's Mountain in the exhibit hall for photos. Climb the stairs to tell Santa what you want for Christmas, get your photo, then slide down the big red slide. You can see Santa's hours and schedule a time here. Walk-ins are available if Santa has an opening.

You can also bring your dogs and cats back on by to get their photos with Santa on Wag Your Tail Wednesdays - December 3, 10 and 17, 2025. 



Paint and Sip is back on December 9, 2025. This year, the subject will be the Pink Nightmare - reveal of the bunny suit! 

There's also a new event - Santa's Secret Pop-Up Shop, November 22-23 and 28-30, 2025. Everyone in the family can start holiday shopping early, as all items in the pop-up shop will be $5 and under!
 

Other special events include Holiday for Heroes, exclusively for our first responders (police, fire, EMS and Hoosier Helpers) and retired or active military on December 4, 2025. Families can explore the exhibit, visit with Santa, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. 

There's also All Is Calm on December 2, 2025. Santa will be available for photos on this sensory-friendly and accessible day for kids and adults of all ages. Schedule for Santa photos at Holiday for Heroes here and All is Calm here.
 

No house is complete without its very own leg lamp to display! Pick one up (desk or regular-sized) and more themed items at the gift shop. Browse through our South Shore Line posters and locally made items for the perfect holiday gifts.
 

Make sure to stop at the photo booth in the exhibit hall before you leave. Pose for your picture, then you can share your visit online with family and friends.
 

Visit AChristmasStoryComesHome.com for more details. The Indiana Welcome Center at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond is conveniently located off I-80/94 & Kennedy Avenue South, about 20 minutes from Chicago and two hours from Indianapolis.