10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Events to Kick Off the Holidays!

Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do!

Ice Carvers, Train Rides and Live Music to Kick Off Holidays!
Downtown Valparaiso will come to life with the lights and sounds of the holiday season on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5-7 pm as part of the annual Holly Days event. Valparaiso Community Festivals & Events will host numerous activities in Central Park Plaza including live ice carving by the Michiana Ice Carvers, shopping in the Holiday Village Market, a live nativity display, free train rides and holiday music performed on the Porter Health Amphitheater Stage.

Need A "Little" Christmas!
LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra Children's Chorus have prepared an evening of uplifting tunes for the holiday! On Sunday, December 4, directed by Matt Nelson, local 2nd -5th grade students will sing a variety of Christmas songs for your enjoyment. To add to the festivities, the LCSO French Horn Quartet will also perform.

Winter Snow Show to Feature Snowmobiling, Snow Removal, Skiing, Sledding and Ice Fishing
Whatever your reaction to the snow, winter in Indiana Dunes Country is terrific for bringing friends and family together. To help you celebrate and get ready for this changing of seasons, the Winter Snow Show is being held at the Porter County Expo Center on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Numerous vendors will be present to encourage your winter-loving spirit and help you discover new ways to enjoy the season.

City Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Portage will light up Saturday, December 3, with the annual parade and tree lighting! The parade will run from Hamstrom Road to City Hall, along Willowcreek, followed by the lighting.

Psi Chapter of Tri Kappa Sorority to Host Annual House Walk
The women of the Zeta Psi chapter of Tri Kappa sorority will host its 15th annual Christmas House Walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, 2011. The homes this year are located in Crown Point's White Hawk subdivision. Treats, sweets and gift baskets will be available for sale at one of the homes, also included in the sale are the chapter's famous cheese balls.

Chicago Street Offers Unique Spin on ‘Wonderful Life’
This holiday season, Chicago Street Theatre will present a play like none other performed on its stage. “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is a new twist on the classic, inspirational story set in 1946 about George Bailey who learns through an angel that despite his financial woes, his life has been meaningful and those around him have been better off because of his contributions. But this play is about more than the heartwarming holiday tale. It’s performed as a live radio broadcast, and everyone in attendance is the live studio audience.

Holiday Artisan Market at Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Come out to the center on December 2 for a special "Holiday Artisan Market" edition of the popular First Friday after-hours open house. A spectacular selection of gift-giving possibilities by some of the Midwest's finest craftspeople will be on display. Those looking to support the community while they shop will be inspired by over 100 artist-made ornaments being sold as a fundraiser benefiting Lubeznik Center education outreach.

Simply Amazing Market to Host Holiday Open House
The Opportunity Enterprises Simply Amazing Market will host a Holiday Open House on December 2 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, and December 3 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy product samples, enter into prize drawings, and take advantage of special sale items and a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more. The market will also offer free photos with Santa on December 3 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Meet the Cast of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!"
“A Major Event” will be held Saturday, December 3rd at the Indiana Welcome Center and kicks off the holiday events. The Welcome Center will be bustling with children’s activities from 11am to 3pm including a passenger train – kids and their parents can ride for free! “Flick” Bingo, movie showings, crafts and sweet treats will all be available. Meet the cast of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" on Dec. 3 at 12:00pm in the exhibit hall at the Indiana Welcome Center. Four of the cast member will sing a few original songs from the musical.

Christmas at Valpo Features Festive Musical Events
The first of five events is A Carol Festival: The Valparaiso University Christmas Concert. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. The concert features the Valparaiso University Chorale, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Chamber Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra. The audience will join the student performers in the singing of familiar carols.

More events can be found on our event calendar! Want to submit your own event? Click here to do so or send us an email at contribute@valpolife.com!