Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration Expands for 2025

Michigan City Special Events, in coordination with the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department, will kick off the Christmas Season with the annual Festival of Lights Celebration, Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. This year’s celebration has expanded to two days, which will include multiple visits from the big man himself, Santa Claus!

“The Festival of Lights has always brought a special kind of magic to our city, and this year we’re taking it to the next level,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “With two days of activities, music, local food, and of course Santa, we’re excited to kick off the holiday season in a way that brings light, laughter, and togetherness to our entire community.”

Festivities will begin at 6:00 pm Friday, December 5, with the annual lighting of the City’s official Christmas Tree, which will now be located at the plaza at 7 th and Franklin Streets. The tree lighting will include food trucks, hot chocolate, a very special performance by the Marquette High School Chorus, and of course, welcoming Santa Claus who will visit with children starting at 7:00 pm. The incredible light display in Washington Park, put on by the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department, will also come to life and remain on until Monday, January 6.

The festivities will continue Saturday, December 6, with a Kindlmarket at Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal MC, located at 600 Franklin Street, starting at 2:00 pm. In grand fashion, the Festival of Lights Parade will begin at 5:00 pm, running south on Franklin Street, from 4 th Steet to 9th Street. Following the parade, the annual Chili Challenge will be held at Barker Hall from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For a donation of $5.00, guests can taste chili prepared by local organizations, including the Michigan City Fire and Police Departments. All proceeds from the Chili Challenge will go to Meals on Wheels of LaPorte County. In addition to the Chili Challenge and the Kindlmarket, Santa will again visit with children as guests enjoy holiday music from the Michigan City High School Treble Chorale & City Singers.

“This year’s Festival of Lights Celebration will be bigger and better than ever,” said Director of Special Events, Terry Greetham. “The Holiday Season is such a big part of our community, and our goal is to get everyone in the spirit of peace, joy, and community togetherness.”

Children can visit Santa Friday at the 7 th Street plaza, and Saturday at Barker Hall. “We wanted to be sure all children had the chance to deliver their Christmas list to Santa,” said Greetham. “We are asking guests to bring an unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots if possible.

It isn’t required but is greatly appreciated because all children should receive a toy at Christmas.”

Michigan City Special Events would like to thank our partners Arnett Construction, NIPSCO, LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Highstreet Insurance and Financial Services, Michigan City Port Authority, Iron Workers Local 395, Horizon Bank, Xfinity, Bay Logistics, WIMS Radio, Trinity Episcopal Church/Barker Hall, and the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department.

For more information and updates on all the Festival of Lights activities, visit Michigan City Special Events on Facebook.