As the festive season unfolds, there’s something truly special about exploring holiday traditions in our county. This December, La Porte County is brimming with seasonal celebrations, twinkling lights, and family-friendly activities that capture the true spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a magical evening drive through millions of lights, a chance to meet Santa, or an elegant night at the symphony, our neighboring towns have something for everyone.
We’ve put together this quick guide to help you make the most of the holiday season right here in our own backyard. So bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories!
Please be sure to check websites before venturing out to see if there have been any changes in hours, cost, or location of the events.
Michigan City Holiday Events
Santa’s Candy Cane Express
December 6, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to Santa at the Hesston Steam Museum! Children can visit Santa in an authentic railroad caboose while enjoying hot cocoa at Doc’s Soda Fountain. It’s a charming, nostalgic experience that combines the magic of Christmas with the wonder of vintage trains.
Festival of Lights
December 6, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Michigan City’s beloved Festival of Lights returns to Washington Park for another spectacular season!
Opening Night: December 6, 2025
- Parade begins at 5:00 PM
- Arrive early (4:30 PM) to meet Santa at the Michigan City Library
- For extra fun, book a JOYRide to see the lights. Learn more here.
Drive-Through Displays:
- Open nightly from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Nearly 30 acres of holiday decorations
- Over 40 displays featuring millions of lights.
- FREE admission (donations welcome)
This breathtaking display is perfect for a cozy evening drive with the family, and you won’t want to miss the magical moment when all the lights illuminate Washington Park at once!
Barker Mansion Christmas Celebrations
Throughout December
Step back in time and experience a Gilded Age Christmas at the historic Barker Mansion. This stunning 38-room mansion will be beautifully decorated for the holidays with multiple events throughout the month:
Barker Christmas Cottage
- Open throughout December
- $5 admission (or included with mansion tour)
- Learn about holiday traditions in a charming, festive setting.
Christmas Candlelight Tours
- Friday, December 12 at 6:00 PM
- Friday, December 26 at 6:00 PM
- Experience the mansion by candlelight while learning about the Barker family Christmas celebrations from over a century ago
Photos with Santa
- Sunday, December 14 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Saturday, December 20 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Sunday, December 21 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Children can visit Santa in the festively decorated drawing room
- Advance tickets strongly recommended
Mansion After Hours: Yuletide Favorites
- Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 PM
- $25 per person
- Enjoy dramatic readings of beloved holiday stories, including “The Gift of the Magi,” “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” and excerpts from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story,” and “The Santaland Diaries”
La Porte Holiday Events
Preserve Historic La Porte Christmas Candlelight Tour
December 6-7, 2025
Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of La Porte during this special candlelight tour. Seven historic buildings will be open for self-guided touring, complete with live musical entertainment throughout the weekend. It’s an excellent opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories of these beautiful homes while getting into the holiday spirit.
Holiday at the Pops Concert
December 13, 2025, La Porte Civic Auditorium
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra presents its traditional Holiday at the Pops concert, a festive annual event that has become a beloved signal of the holiday season in La Porte. Enjoy an evening of holiday favorites performed by talented musicians under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Watson. Balcony tickets are still available, and the evening includes chocolate-dipped pretzels, sweet treats, and cash bars featuring wine, craft beers, and specialty drinks.
Christmas Wizards: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute
December 19, 2025
Rock out this holiday season! This high-energy tribute show brings the spectacular sounds of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to life with all your favorite holiday classics reimagined with a rock twist. It’s a fun, energetic way to celebrate the season and is perfect for music lovers of all ages.
Night at the Giese Church
December 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Experience a La Porte tradition that has delighted families since 1947! The mechanical Giese Church is a remarkable piece of local history that comes alive during the holidays. This annual event is perfect for starting or continuing a family tradition. Admission is by donation, and hot cocoa and cookies will be provided.
Ongoing Through the Season
Downtown La Porte Ice Rink
November 28, 2025 – January 25, 2026 Corner of Monroe and State Streets
Enjoy outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown La Porte! The temporary refrigerated rink offers:
- Skate rentals available
- Special promotions, including Free Skate Fridays and BOGO Skate Sundays
- Perfect for date nights, family outings, or just enjoying a winter activity
Be sure to register in advance online for the best experience!
Plan Your Visit
Many of these holiday events are just a short drive away! Whether you choose to spend an entire day exploring multiple events or pick one special evening out, you’ll find warm hospitality and genuine holiday cheer in our neighboring communities.
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
- Many events require advance tickets or reservations – book early!
- Dress warmly for outdoor events like the Festival of Lights and ice skating.
- Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information on times and pricing.
- Consider making a day of it by exploring local restaurants and shops while you’re in town.
For more information about everything La Porte County has to offer, visit Michigan City La Porte Tourism or browse their complete Events Calendar. You can also find tons of Michigan City-centric events at the JOYRide.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is about more than just events and activities; it’s about community, connection, and creating memories with the people we love. We’re fortunate to have such wonderful holiday events to celebrate the season.
So this December, we encourage you to venture out and experience the magic that La Porte County has to offer. Whether you’re marveling at millions of twinkling lights, listening to a symphony performance, or skating under the stars, you’ll find that the true spirit of the season is alive and well just down the road.
From all of us at New Durham Estates, we wish you and your families a joyful, peaceful, and magical holiday season. See you out there!
