10 Fun Things to Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: December 5-7, 2014

 10-Fun-Things-12-5-14

Northwest Indiana is turning into a winter wonderland this weekend, with Christmas and holiday events planned in Valparaiso, Michigan City, Whiting, Hammond, and more! Do you have an event you'd like to see listed? Email us at share@ideasinmotionmedia.com!

Celebrate the Beginning of the Holiday Season in Downtown Valparaiso with Annual Holly Days Event 
On December 5 from 5-7 p.m., downtown Valpo will turn into a winter wonderland! Many of the festivities will be held in Central Park Plaza. Live holiday music will be performed on the Porter Health Amphitheater Stage. Michiana Ice Carvers will prepare a Giant Ice Sculpture from 10 blocks of ice. The Holiday Village Market will feature special vendors. Free rides on the holiday train will take guests on the streets around Central Park Plaza. Stroll through downtown Valparaiso to enjoy the sidewalk carolers, a live nativity and amazing downtown retailers and restaurants for specials and gift ideas!

Artistic Holiday Magic Highlights the December First Friday in the Uptown Arts District 
The Michigan City Mainstreet Association presents the First Friday Artwalk in the Uptown Arts District on December 5, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm. The Uptown Arts District is comprised of fine art galleries, businesses, retail and restaurants located in the area from 11th Street to the lake and Spring Street to Wabash Street in Michigan City, IN. First Friday of December features new things in the District, including a must-visit Uptown Christmas Bazaar at the Uptown Center, 907 Franklin Street featuring over 20 unique vendors and Santa himself.

Walking in a Whiting Wonderland
The City of Whiting’s Illuminated Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, December 5th at 7:00 p.m., starting from Calumet Avenue and traveling down 119th Street to Whiting City Hall where the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held. After the tree lighting, there will be opportunities to have your photo taken with Santa and enjoy holiday refreshments.

Hammond Holiday Parade 
Join us on Saturday, December 6th at 10:00am for the 2014 Hammond Holiday Parade! The parade begins at 10:00am at Gavit High School and ends at 169th Street. Join us for all the fun and a great kickoff to the 2014 Holiday Season! For more information, call Hammond Parks & Recreation at 219-853-6378.

"Annie" Opening Show on December 5 at Memorial Opera House
Based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and the book by homas Meehan. Features songs "It's a Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", "Little Girls", and "Easy Street". Approximate runtime: 2.5 hours + 15 minute intermission. Showtimes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

"A Christmas Story" Comes Home: A Major Event 
Join us for A Major Event, the first event of the season during our annual "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit. Expect lots of fun including a train ride, bingo, scavenger hunt, letters to Santa, kids crafts, cookie decorating, a Holiday magic show, showings of the "A Christmas Story" movie and an ugly lamp contest! Get your picture taken with Santa on Santa's Mountain and slide down into a pillow of snow. Fun for all ages!

2014 Portage Christmas Parade and Park Lighting Ceremony 
This Year's Christmas Parade and Park Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 6th. The Parade will begin at 3:45 p.m. and will go down Willowcreek Road from Willowcreek Middle School to Gilbert Park. The Lighting of the park will occur at 4:30 p.m. The Willowcreek Choir will be singing Christmas carols for us, and the Myers Student Council will be selling hot chocolate and cookies at the park.

Festival of Lights at Washington Park Will Be December 6 
The 24th Annual Festival of Holiday Lights in coming to Michigan City's Washington Park on Saturday, December 6. Want to take in all of the beautiful holiday lights old-fashioned-style? Just in front of the Senior Center, hop on the horse-drawn wagon and take a brisk ride throughout the park. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit. There is no fee for this attraction. However, we are requesting monetary and non-perishable food donations on behalf of The Salvation Army at this location. Please help us make the holidays a little more enjoyable for families in need!

Portage Porpoise Swim Club Announces First Ever Casino Night 
There will be food provided all night, cash bar, and a DJ to provide some entertainment on December 7th, 2014 from 7pm - midnight at the American Legion Post 260 in Portage. The main event is the Raffle Board. Also, Texas Hold’em tables with buy ins of $25.00, Blackjack tables, Dice, and Dart tournaments there will be cash payouts for the winners.

Don Quijote to Host a Benefit to Aid Homeless on December 7th 
You're invited to join Housing Opportunities on December 7th, 2014 for a special benefit to aid homelessness in Porter County. On Sunday, December 7th, come to Don Quijote Restaurante & Imports from 12:00pm - 5:00pm at 119 E. Lincolnway in Valparaiso for a great event featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring the best Spanish cuisine, live music, a silent auction, raffle and more.