Michigan City Festival of Lights welcomes Christmas to the Region with two days of family-friendly fun

The City of Michigan City and Michigan City Special Events welcomed the Christmas season to town with an expanded two-day Festival of Lights celebration beginning Friday, December 5. Following the warm reception to last year’s additions to the annual holiday event, the city was excited to bring even more holiday cheer this year. 

“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 Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch in a press release. “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.”

The Festival of Lights began on Friday with the lighting of the Christmas tree, where Mayor Nelson Deuitch welcomed Santa to Michigan City as the Marquette Catholic High School chorus sang holiday favorites. The annual display at Washington Park was also lit and will remain open to the public through the holiday season.

Saturday saw even more fun for families, including the return of the Kindlmarket. The Kindlmarket features local vendors selling crafts perfect for decorating or gift giving. The event was a new addition to the Festival of Lights last year, and its return has been highly anticipated.

“It’s been growing,” said Eric Williams, Assistant Director of Special Events. “It just seemed like a great opportunity to expand the celebration so people had more days to have a good time. Last year at Uptown social there was a big turnout, so we’re very optimistic. This year, Barker Hall is going to be more the same.”

One of the biggest draws every year is the Festival of Lights Parade. Dozens of local businesses, clubs, and organizations marched down Franklin Street twinkling with Christmas lights. The parade is always a highlight of Michigan City’s holiday season, bringing families to the sidewalk to celebrate the season together.

“I think this time of year just gives people an opportunity to forget about all the bad stuff for a while,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events for Michigan City. “It helps us come together as a community, celebrate together, and bring some peace and joy to kick off the holiday season.”

Following the parade, Santa returned to visit children and receive their Christmas lists while attendees who donated $5 to Meals on Wheels of LaPorte County were able to enjoy a nice meal at the Chili Challenge in Barker Hall.

The Festival of Lights wouldn’t be possible without the support of the city’s partners and businesses like NIPSCO, Horizon Bank, Comcast, and more who join together to make Michigan City merry and bright.

“I would just like to say thank you to all of the city departments, especially our park and recreation staff, who not only helped us with this event, but did all the hard work for the Festival of Lights in Washington Park,” said Greetham. “They worked all year to make that happen, and the great part is that it’s free for our community.”

Even though the Festival of Lights has concluded, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in Michigan City! Make sure to stop by Washington Park between now and January 6 to check out the drive-through lights display, and follow Michigan City Special Events on Facebook to hear about the next event in Michigan City.Learn more about the City of Michigan City at michigancityin.gov.