DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Get in the holiday spirit during the whole month of December! Watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony, attend the Holiday Light Parade, visit Santa, vote for the best gingerbread house, and shop for the perfect gift. Click below to find just the perfect activity for you!
2024 information appears below. 2025 information is coming soon!
TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA'S ARRIVAL
This year's Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by Indiana Michigan Power, will take place on Friday, December 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will feature live holiday music and dance performances.
There will also be holiday giveaways, a holiday photo op, roving mascots, and a Santa letter-writing station. Santa will make his grand entrance to downtown a little after 6:00 p.m. for the lighting of the tree on the Gridiron. Santa’s House will then officially open for visitors at approximately 6:30—9:00 p.m.
VISITS WITH SANTA
This year's visits with Santa are presented by Indiana Michigan Power. Look for the little red and white house located next to the South Bend Chocolate Café (at the 100 Block of S. Michigan St.). Santa’s House is a great place to spend one-on-one time with the “big guy.”
Remember to bring your wish list and a camera! Each child who visits Santa will receive an “I Believe” sticker, which will enable them to receive trinkets and discounts throughout downtown South Bend, including a complimentary chocolate bar from the South Bend Chocolate Cafe.
NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for Visits With Santa this year. Please limit your visit to a few minutes per visitor so that everyone can participate.
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Santa Schedule
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Fridays: December 6, 13*, 20 | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
*break from 7-8 p.m. for the Holiday Light Parade
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Remaining Saturdays 7,14,21 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Sundays: December 8,15,22 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Monday, December 23 & Tuesday, December 24 | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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HOLIDAY SPECIALS & CALENDAR
The Gingerbread Village will be located in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott. View the entries and vote for your favorite!
HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE
The DTSB Holiday Light Parade, presented by Ruoff, will take place on Jefferson Blvd. Friday, December 13, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ​
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Do you have a float or walking unit you want to enter the parade? Fill out the online application here. The application deadline is December 6.
HOLIDAY HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
Come celebrate the holiday season and explore South Bend's unique history on the DTSB Holiday Historic Walking Tour on Sunday, Dec. 15. Take a trip through time with free self-guided tours of historic homes and businesses in the West Washington National Historic District.
HOLIDAY FITNESS FEST
Join us for a DTSB Holiday Fitness Fest! On December 14 the Downtown YMCA will be offering free fitness classes!
Group Fitness Schedule
7:30 - 8:30 am - Cycling
8:00 - 9:00 am - LesMills BodyPump
9:15 - 10:00 am - Pilates
9:00 - 10:00 am - WERQ
9:00 - 9:45 am - Arthritis Aqua
10:00 - 10:45 - Aqua Fit
10:30 - 11:30 am - Yoga
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