Downtown for the Holidays
​December 5, 2025
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Downtown South Bend will be kicking off their month-long series of holiday programming this First Fridays - "Downtown for the Holidays!"
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
About
The holiday season kicks off this First Fridays where we will be celebrating "Downtown for the Holidays!"
​
Santa Claus is coming to town and downtown South Bend will be alive with holiday cheer at the annual DTSB Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by Indiana Michigan Power.
It all kicks off at the Gridiron at 5:00 p.m. with live music by Joe Baughman + The Righteous Few, performances by the IU South Bend Kickline, Southold Dance Theater, Luke & Jake, and South Bend Civic Theatre, a holiday photo op, roving mascots, a Santa letter station, Mayor James Mueller, the ND Jump Rope Club, giveaways, fireworks, and more!
​
Santa will be arriving a little after 6:00 pm to light the tree, and Santa's House will be open for visitors directly after, approximately 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
​
You'll find a variety of First Fridays activities and promotions all around downtown, including Holiday in the Gallery at SBMA, the Notre Dame College of Science's Christmas Lecture at the Century Center, live music, and more.
​
This First Fridays is just the start of a month-long celebration of the holidays in downtown South Bend. For full holiday details, click here.
FREE PARKING
​
Parking (on-street and in City-managed garages) is always free in downtown South Bend nights and weekends. For full details on downtown parking options, click here.
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
714 E. Jefferson Blvd.
A Healing Oasis invites you to attend their First Fridays Open House, which is all about you coming to find out what their practitioners have to offer. Healers share their "magic" by offering mini sessions. You will also have a chance to check out their retail space, group events, and what services are at A Healing Oasis.
127 N. Main St.
Enjoy live music by Kennedy's Kitchen from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every First Fridays!
333 S. Michigan St.
Enjoy amazing bargains on books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and more for both kids and adults from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1025 Northside Blvd.
Live music by Lucas Miner and 20% off bottles of MI Cabernet Franc​
121 S. Niles Ave.
Perry Vine - located inside the Emporium Building - will be doing tastings this First Fridays. Enjoy three free 1 oz. tastings, and additional for tastings $1.50. In partnership with Island Fusion guests may buy a meal and a glass and dine in the atrium area adjacent to our store — please note seats are limited. They will also have bottles for sale! Bring back your clean bottles and receive 10% off your next purchase!
218 Sycamore St.
They are located near Fire Arts and are a minority-owned studio that is seeking to build individual and community power through pole dance. They provide quality pole instruction and a welcoming atmosphere for all of their students.
​
They will be featuring an Intro to Pole Class every First Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for $22. Registration is required and can be done on their website.
WXYZ Bar at Aloft
111 N. Main St.
Buy 1 flatbread pizza and get a 2nd flatbread pizza at 1/2 off; plus monthly Cocktail for a Cause, with $1 from every cocktail sold donated to their featured charity of the month.
Plus Live @ Aloft with DJ Outlaw playing your favorite tunes. Live @ Aloft features local artists, groups or DJs playing music every Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the WXYZ lounge.
SPONSORS
