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!
2023 info appears below, 2024 coming soon!
TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA'S ARRIVAL
This year's Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, 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 Gridiron Tree. Santa’s House will then officially open for visitors at approximately 6:30—9:00 p.m.
VISITS WITH SANTA
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.”
Don’t forget 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 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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Holiday Specials and Calendar
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The Gingerbread Village will be located in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott. View the entries and vote for your favorite!
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HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE
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The DTSB Holiday Light Parade 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 would like to enter into the parade? Fill out the online application here. The application deadline is December _.
HOLIDAY ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR
The DTSB Holiday Historic Walking Tour is back! 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 Saturday, Dec. 16, Beacon Health & Fitness will be offering free fitness classes!
8-8:45 a.m. - BodyPump
9:15-10 a.m. - Pilates
1030-1130 a.m. - Yoga
Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation with you to support St. Vincent DePaul's Food Pantry.
SPONSORED BY:
