Need to find some festive holiday fun for your kids, family and friends? From Santa to Christmas events to every imaginable kind of holiday lights, we’ve got you covered in Elkhart County.
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
The fairgrounds have never been more merry and bright. Load up the car for a festive drive-through display at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen. Open from 6 to 10 p.m. on weekends starting December 6 through December 28. New this year is the Mistletoe Market, for shopping fine artisan crafts, great food and drink, and an immersive holiday experience from 5 to 9 p.m. December 19-20.
See more holiday lights! Check out Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Shipshewana, Goshen’s Shanklin Park and more
See some of the finest paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography and more, all from the amazing artists of the Elkhart County area. It’s all on display in the 45th Elkhart Juried Regional at the Midwest Museum of American Art, 429 S. Main St., Elkhart. The regional exhibit ends on December 22, but you can also enjoy the museum’s incredible permanent collection.
Bask in the comfort of a traditional English tea at Market Street Manor Bed and Breakfast, 302 E. Market St., Nappanee. Enjoy hot Christmas-themed teas alongside a selection of sandwiches, scones and spreads, and sweet treats from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from December 4-21.
All Aboard with Santa!
It’s a combination of two things that kids love — Santa Claus and trains! The National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart, will have All Aboard with Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7. See Santa Claus on a real train car while enjoying music and activities in the museum.
Goshen First Friday: Hometown Holiday
Celebrate the holidays with the city of Goshen at the monthly First Fridays festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, December 6. Join in a round of Christmas carols as you rub shoulders with your friends at the Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Washington Street. Your Christmas shopping will be complete with the many merchants and artisans ready with the perfect gift. The kids will love visiting with Santa for photos!
Winterfest Parade and Tree Lighting
The Winterfest Parade and Christmas tree lighting in downtown Elkhart is sure to get you in the holiday mood. Check out all the floats starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 7, and stay for more festivities throughout downtown.
Handmade quality just feels better in your hands, and you’ll find plenty to fill your Christmas gift-giving needs at the Handmade Holiday Market from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the Middlebury Public Library, 101 E. Winslow St., Middlebury. Browse the wares of local artisans while the kids enjoy crafts, hot beverages and cookies.
- More holiday shopping: Winter Wonderland at Woodland Crossing, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 14 and 1 to 5 p.m. December 15 at 154 W. Hively Ave., Elkhart.
- Also, check out these places to make it a Well Crafted Elkhart County Christmas.
The Grinch at the Wakarusa Dime Store
What mischief is the Grinch up to in Wakarusa? Find out from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the Wakarusa Dime Store, 103 E. Waterford St., Wakarusa. Join a meet and greet while shopping the store’s amazing selection of candies, chocolates and, of course, the famous jellybeans.
Everyone’s favorite elf, Buddy, is back on stage thanks to Premier Arts. “Elf the Musical” will be performed December 13-15 at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.
The legendary Gaither Vocal Band brings its Christmas show, Gaither Homecoming Christmas, to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, on Saturday, December 14.
Experience the beauty of Bonneyville Mill County Park on a winter evening at the Illuminated Trail Hike from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17. The hike starts at the park’s Feedlot Shelter, 53373 County Road 131, Bristol, and will feature many illuminated markers to help hikers. After the hike, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at the One-Room Schoolhouse.