Things to do in Northwest Indiana
11 things worth doing this weekend in NWI
All weekend in Chesterton: Festivus Pop-Up at Running Vines
When: Thursday–Sunday, December 11–14, 2025 (recurring daily)
Where: Running Vines Winery, 101 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304
Who: Hosted by Running Vines Winery
What: Celebrate the season with a quirky Festivus-themed pop-up. Enjoy themed décor, holiday drinks, and fun inspired by the classic sitcom tradition.
Friday & Saturday in Crown Point: Hunt + Gather Market
When:
• Friday, December 12, 2025 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 899 S. Court St., Crown Point, IN
Who: Presented by local artists and vintage curators
What: A popular seasonal market featuring 150+ vendors of vintage, antique, and handmade goods, plus gourmet food, live music, and a full bar.
Friday in Michigan City: Christmas Candlelight Tour at Barker Mansion
When: Friday, December 12, 2025 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: The Barker Mansion, 631 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Presented by The Barker Mansion
What: A magical holiday candlelight tour through the historic Barker Mansion, ending with a festive sing-along.
Price: $25
Friday: St. John Christmas Parade
When: Friday, December 12, 2025 • 7:00 PM
Where: From Lake Central High School to The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, St. John, IN
Who: Hosted by the Town of St. John
What: A beloved community parade featuring illuminated floats and holiday spirit for all ages.
Saturday in Crown Point: Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Historic Lake County Courthouse – Maki Ballroom, 1 Courthouse Sq., Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: Hosted by the Lake County Historical Society
What: Enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa in a historic setting. A perfect morning for photos, fun, and holiday cheer.
Saturday in Michigan City: Merry & Morbid Dark Holiday Market
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Burn 'Em Brewing, 1215 E. 2nd St., Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Hosted by The Bizarre Bazaar
What: A dark holiday market featuring 30+ spooky and alternative vendors, handmade oddities, and seasonal gifts with an edge.
Saturday in Highland: Fireside Frostival
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Main Square Park, 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322
Who: Hosted by the Town of Highland
What: A cozy community event with fire pits, s’mores, games, food, drinks, holiday lights, and activities benefiting local groups.
Saturday in Crown Point:Bombers Christmas Trivia and Ugly Sweater Contest
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 6:00 PM
Where: Bombers BBQ, 35 W. 112th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: Hosted by Bombers BBQ
What: A festive trivia night and ugly sweater contest with prizes, laughs, and holiday spirit.
Saturday in Dyer: Golf with the Grinch
When: Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Also Wednesday, December 17 – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM AND Monday, December 22 – 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
Where: Midwest Training & Ice Center, 10600 White Oak Ave., Dyer, IN 46311Who: For children ages 4 and up
What: Join the Grinch for a fun-filled hour of golf, games, and snacks! Each session includes golfing, playing games, and eating alongside everyone's favorite grumpy holiday character.
Cost: $25 per child; Must register online
More Info & Registration: www.midwesttrainingandice.com (search “Grinch”)
Sunday in Crown Point: Ugly Christmas Sweater Brunch
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 • 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Bedarra Bar, 419 N. Grant Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: Hosted by Bedarra Bar
What: Rock your tackiest holiday sweater at this festive brunch full of food, fun, and seasonal drinks.
Nightly in Michigan City: Washington Park Festival of Lights
When: Nightly through January 3, 2026 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Washington Park, 115 Lakeshore Dr., Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Hosted by the City of Michigan City
What: A drive-through holiday light display featuring dozens of glowing exhibits along the lakeshore. A must-see for families and holiday light lovers.
ONGOING: Photos with Santa at Southlake Mall
When: Now through Tuesday, December 24, 2025
Where: Southlake Mall, 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: Open to families and children; reservations encouraged
What: Santa is back at Southlake Mall for another season of festive photos, joyful moments, and holiday wishes! Bring the whole family to capture memories and celebrate the season in style. Reservations are recommended to ensure your preferred time.
Santa Hours:
📅 Dec 8 – Dec 18
Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Break: 3:00 – 4:00 PM)
Sun: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Break: 3:00 – 4:00 PM)
📅 Dec 19 – Dec 23
Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Break: 3:00 – 4:00 PM)
📅 Dec 24 (Christmas Eve):
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Break: 12:30 – 1:30 PM)
More Info / Reservations: https://visitsouthlakemall.com/event/photos-with-santa-944a53ed4452/
Pet Photos with Santa
When: Monday, December 16, 2025 — 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Southlake Mall, 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410; Enter through the lower-level entrance next to Albany Western Wear
Who: Pet owners and their leashed or crated pets
What: Bring your furry (or feathered!) friends for a festive photo session with Santa during Pet Photo Nights! All pets must remain leashed or crated at all times.
More Info / Reservations: https://visitsouthlakemall.com/event/pet-photos-with-santa
Hosting an amazing event in Northwest Indiana? Submit it to our team for consideration HERE. Want to make sure an event you host is a big HIT? Contact us HERE. Just want to reach out? Email us at team@livemidbest.com.
