The holiday season infuses Northwest Indiana with a unique sense of celebration. The South Shore Convention &Visitors Authority features several festive light displays that illuminate the region each year. Families and community members are invited to enjoy a range of illuminated experiences that honor the spirit of the season.
One of the Region’s prominent attractions is the extensive display of holiday light exhibits. Drive-through light festivals are held in Michigan City, Dyer, Valparaiso, and Merrillville. The festivals in Dyer, Michigan City, and Valparaiso are complimentary, while the Merrillville event requires a per-vehicle admission fee. A portion of the proceeds from the Merrillville festival benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In addition to outdoor light displays, the Region hosts the popular “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, IN. While not a traditional light show, this exhibit does feature animatronic window displays originally from Macy’s in New York, which depicts a scene from the classic movie. The exhibit is available from mid-November through December and also offers opportunities for visitors to take photos with Santa.
