The holiday season is in full swing and Northwest Indiana has plenty going on this weekend to get you in the right frame of mind with a number of Christmas and holiday-themed events! If you have an event you'd like to feature, send it along to share@ideasinmotionmedia.com and we'll post 'em!
Portage YMCA To Offer an Evening with Santa
On Friday, December 12 from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, join the Portage Township YMCA for an Evening with Santa! Enjoy a pasta or hot dog dinner in the Gingerbread Cafe with a Make-Your-Own-Sundae Bar. Get pictures with Santa, enjoy games and crafts in Santa's workshop, and enjoy nail painting, hair streaks, and tattoos in the Peppermint Palace.
NWI Leaders 5th Annual Ugly Sweater Social
Join the NWI Leaders (Young Professionals Network) on December 12 as we wrap up the year with our best mixer of the year, so dig deep in your closet (or your parents) and put on that awesome Christmas gear. This a great opportunity to socialize with the current and rising young leaders in La Porte County. If you are in the age range of 21-39 find your most festive holiday wear and enter in for the chance to take home this years trophy.
The Chapel of the Resurrection's Annual Advent Christmas Vespers
A United States premiere of “I Sing the Birth” by Stephen Chatman, Music featuring choirs, handbells, strings and organ, The Jubilate Choir of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, at the 7:00 p.m. Vespers Organists for the services are Dr. Lorraine Brugh and Dr. Joseph Bognar. A reception, sponsored by Thrivent Financial - Greater Valparaiso Group, will be held at the Ballroom of the Harre Union, adjacent to the Chapel, beginning at 8:15 p.m. All are welcome. There is no charge to attend the service, but tickets are required.
Walking in a Whiting Wonderland
As the holidays grow nearer, bring your family and friends to Downtown Whiting on Saturday, December 13th for a day filled with festivities. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., watch holiday ice sculptures being professionally carved along 119th Street. Make reservations to have breakfast with Mrs. Claus from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Winey Beach Café or have your photo taken with Santa between 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the WR Chamber of Commerce. Warm up by taking the Hot Cocoa & Cider Tour down 119th Street from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and before or after, stop in Studio 659 for a holiday performance by the Whiting School Choir at 12:00 p.m. With so much to do, the opportunity to have holiday fun, shop, and eat is as close as Historic Downtown Whiting.
Downtown Cookie Walk Coming Back to Downtown La Porte
Visitors can fill their very own La Porte cookie tins on Saturday, December 13th as part of the 2nd Annual Downtown Cookie Walk. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning the limited edition La Porte cookie tins will be available for purchase at the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, 803 Washington Street.
Dunes Leathernecks Detachment Marine Corps League and Valpo Parks Team for Touch a Truck Toy Drive
The Dunes Leathernecks Detachment Marine Corps League and Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up for a Touch a Truck Toy Drive on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso. Kids of all ages will enjoy explorign their favorite big rigs and more! There will be free refreshments, music, Santa and more! Please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots! Monetary donations are also accepted- donate and enter for a chance to win a prize sponsored by Kong Hobbies and Raceaway.
Presbyterian Church of Portage to Host Annual Cookie Walk on December 13
First Presbyterian Church of Portage, 6225 Lute Road, will have their annual cookie walk on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm. An assortment of cookies and candies will be available for $7 per pound. There will also be nut rolls and pumpkin rolls. Proceeds to benefit the church's ministry. Building completely handicapped accessible.
Purdue Calumet Hosts Kids Day During Men's, Women's Hoops Doubleheader Vs. Holy Cross December 13
While the Purdue University Calumet men’s and women’s basketball teams will take on Holy Cross College (Ind.) in an important league doubleheader, the Peregrines athletic department invites all children to take part in the fun in its annual Kids Day, set for Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Fitness and Recreation Center. All kids ages 0-18 will be admitted FREE to the event – presented by Purdue Calumet Corporate Champion Nipsco -- featuring bouncy houses, face painting, coloring stations, free-t-shirts and mini basketballs, Santa Claus, free poster autograph sessions by the home teams, and other child-friendly events before, during and after the two games.
Free Family Day with Frida at South Shore Arts
On Sunday, December 14th from 12-3pm, South Shore Arts is proud to bring you this inspirational, cultural, and historic exhibition based on the life and work of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, arguably the most important female artist of the 20th century and an emblem of Latina pride. Organized by Global Entertainment Properties, Los Angeles, California, over 100 hand-painted, licensed recreations of Kahlo’s paintings executed in her Magic Realist style will be on view. This is the only exhibit worldwide that follows the artist’s life and development from a hobbyist to a mature, revolutionary and contemporary artist. Also on display will be 30 hand-woven and embroidered dresses from Mexico, jewelry, artifacts, and historic photographs detailing the life of this pivotal artist.
Jazz Masters 101 Reunion Wraps Up Purdue North Central Sinai Forum Season
The Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum will conclude its 61st season Sunday, Dec. 14 with a performance of swinging jazz mixed with a lively discussion of the art of improvisation and the essence of jazz with John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums of the Grammy-nominated Clayton Hamilton Orchestra. They will be reunited with their musical friend, Michigan City native, Dr. Peter Bankoff on piano.