Free Ways to Celebrate the Holidays along Indiana’s South Shore

Spending the holidays in Indiana’s South Shore doesn’t have to mean spending a lot! From tree lightings to seasonal festivals, the region offers plenty of free and affordable ways to enjoy the holiday season. Here’s what’s happening this winter.
 

Free and Low-Cost Christmas Activities

Pay a visit to the A Christmas Story exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center. The exhibit features six animatronic window displays that once adorned the original Macy’s Department Store in New York City! The exhibition is free to visit, though you can get your photo taken with Santa himself at the Welcome Center for a small fee.

Speaking of which, on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa is expected to make a dramatic entrance in Crown Point by helicopter to kick off the annual Santa Parade. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet families after the helicopter lands, before heading to the Lake County courthouse for the day’s festivities.

Meanwhile, on the first Friday in December, Whiting has a nighttime Illuminated Christmas Parade with lighted, animated floats. Then on Saturday, Hammond is set to host its annual Holiday Parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and festive holiday performances. Following the parade, the Hessville neighborhood has Frostyville, a free event with face painting, treats, games and pictures with Santa.

Step into holiday magic with a tour of the Barker Christmas Cottage in Michigan City. They have photo ops, crafts, hot cocoa bar and more for a low price. The Old Grist Mill at Deep River County Park will also be decorated for Christmas during Christmas at the Mill in early December - the store will be open and chestnuts will be roasting on an open fire! The previous night, they will have Twas the Night Before... with a reading of the classic tale, festive music and more.

Holiday Light Shows along the South Shore

You’ll find no shortage of light shows across the South Shore this season, with plenty of opportunities to catch twinkling displays.

In Valparaiso, head over to the Winter Lights Drive-Through in Sunset Hill County Park. This drive-through light show is free and open to the public every night during the season. And if you’re in Crown Point, check out the Tour of Lights - the trolley tours sell out fast, but you can drive your own tour of the most beautifully decorated homes in town for free using the map on their site. 

And if you’re in Michigan City, don’t miss the annual Festival of Lights. The celebration kicks off with a festive parade through the Uptown Arts District along Franklin Street, followed by a community chili cook-off. You can also catch their large-scale, drive-thru light display in Washington Park, which stays up into the New Year.

In Lowell, check out the Christmas Tyme Lights at the Harvest Tyme Family Farm. Listen to holiday tunes while walking through the mile-long light-filled trail. And to make the experience extra cozy, you won’t want to skip their hot cocoa and fresh-baked cookies. General admission costs less if you buy online versus on-site.

Ice Skating along the South Shore

For a classic and budget-friendly way to enjoy the holiday season, you can’t go wrong with ice skating. Bulldog Park in Crown Point, Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso and Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point/Merrillville offer outdoor rinks. Skating here is a simple, festive way to spend time outside without spending much! 

More to Do this Holiday Season

Looking for more to do with family and friends to fill up the holiday season? Check out our A to Z Things to Do this Winter blog for all kinds of ideas.

Plan Your Winter Getaway in Indiana

Looking for even more affordable winter fun? Check out our full events calendar to see what else is happening across the South Shore this holiday season. Use our trip ideas page to start building your holiday itinerary today, and don’t forget to check back often for the latest wintertime activities and events!