There is so much to do during the holiday season. Finding the perfect tree, decorating and wrapping presents for loved ones are on everyone’s to-do list this time of year. If you’re around The Bend during the holidays, make sure to carve out time for these events too.

Events in Downtown South Bend

Holiday Light Parade



When: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 13

Details: Lighted floats will make their way down Jefferson Boulevard during the third annual parade.

Santa’s House + Workshop



When: Dec. 6-24

Where: The Gridiron

Details: Look for the little red house and you’ll soon find Santa. Bring your camera for a photo op. And don’t forget the wish list.

RELATED CONTENT: Downtown South Bend events during the holidays

Cookie Decorating and Gingerbread Village at South Bend Museum of Art



When: Dec. 6-24

Where: South Bend Museum of Art Details: Stop by the South Bend Museum of Art while you’re downtown visiting Santa for free cookie decorating and to vote on your favorite house in the Gingerbread Village. Same dates and times as Santa’s House and Workshop.

Visits with The Grinch and Rudolph



When: Dec. 6-24

Where: South Bend Chocolate Café

Details: Snag a photo with the Grinch and Rudolph during your visit downtown.

Hours for Santa’s House and cookie decorating are as follows:



5-9 p.m. Dec 6, 13 and 20

Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21

Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 22, 23 and 24



Holiday Performances

Live theater performances around the holidays include “The Santaland Diaries” and “Elf the Musical” at the South Bend Civic Theater. Headlining shows at Morris Performing Arts Center during December are “The Nutcracker” ballet and South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays.”

RELATED CONTENT: Upcoming schedule at the Morris Performing Arts Center

Holiday Lights at the Zoo

Visit Potawatomi Zoo between Nov. 29-Dec. 22 for The Gift of Lights. More than a million lights are wrapped around trees and free-standing displays throughout Indiana’s first zoo.

For more things to do in The Bend, check out our events calendar.