The BEACHCOAST.com online lifestyle magazine Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph & Berrien Counties Welcome to The BeachCoast Online Magazine - Serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph & Berrien Counties

May 2012

Lake Michigan's Southern Riviera™

December Events

The Nutcracker
12/1

The La Porte County Symphony and Indiana Ballet Theatre will present two performances of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the Holiday Star Plaza in Merrillville.  This enchanting tale has been delighting audiences for generations.
Location:
Merrillville, IN
More info:
click here

Holly Days
12/2

Await the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the Memorial Opera House and Porter County Museum. They will light the tree and will be available for photos inside the Museum ‘til 7pm. Michiana Ice Carvers will create a giant sculpture, carols sung by Girl Scouts, and a live nativity scene.
Location:
Valparaiso, IN
More info:
click here

The Gift of Art
12/2 (opening reception) to 12/24

Members of the Southern Shore Art Association in downtown Michigan City have created their own market with gifts under $200. Keep it in mind for holiday shopping, especially for those people you know who will appreciate an original work of art.
Location:
Michigan City, IN
More info
: click here

Michigan City Winter Wonderland Offers Two Weeks of Fun
12/2-17

Sponsored by the Mainstreet Association, this event spans two weeks with something new almost every day, from ice carving to carriage rides, wagon rides and a stained glass tour, gallery open houses and more. Click on the link below to learn more.
Location:
Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District
More info:
click here

The Grand Party at Customs Imports
12/2

A sparkling holiday kick-off with food, wine, entertainment and shopping. Casual to black tie. Social and business networking. This holiday party is a Harbor Country favorite! Festive, fun and convenient....prepare for the holidays with a great selection of furniture, home decor, jewelry, folk art, incense and candles...and so much more!
Location:
New Buffalo, MI
More info:
click here

Hammond Holiday Parade
12/3

Kick-off the holiday season by attending this festive parade that’s fun for old and young alike. Featuring holiday floats, marching bands, a drill team and maybe even an elderly gent in a red suit!
Location:
Hammond, IN
More info:
click here

Three Oaks Holiday Parade & FOTOfest
12/3

Join us for the Three Oaks Holiday Parade at 11am, then head over to the library to for a photo with Santa. The Friends of Three Oaks will host the 5th Annual FOTOfest beginning at 11:15 in the Acorn Theater. Kids will enjoy lunch, entertainment and holiday songs. Winners of the annual FOTO Art Contest will also be announced.
Location:
Three Oaks, MI
More info:
call Kim Pruitt 269-757-3221

or e-mail: threeoaksvillagevoice@gmail.com

Holiday Open House with Santa Claus
12/3

Meet & greet the Man in Red at Round Barn Winery’s Holiday Open House. Be the first to taste our nouveau wine from this year's harvest! Activities for the kids: cookie decorating, making paper snowflakes, ornament decorating. Pick-up holiday gifts for the whole gang while the kids take glamour shots with good ol' Santa. Alligator Blackbird will be here providing live music.
Location:
Baroda, MI

More info: click here

Nutcracker Ballet Sponsored By the Pokagon Fund 12/3                                                                                                                                             

The Southold Dance Theatre will perform the Nutcracker Ballet at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center in New Buffalo, MI.  The entire family will enjoy this beloved story of a magical night set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky.  In lieu of admission attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to support the needy during the holiday season.
Location
: New Buffalo, MI
More info: call (574) 233-9841
or email: info@southolddance.org

A Prairie Primitive Christmas at Fawn Run Farm
12/3-4

Local artist and owner of “Sew Many Things” hosts a holiday show in her purpose-built barn that features her work and that of 30 or more local and regional folk artists. You’re sure to find an irresistible decorative, edible, or functional item for your home or a one-of-a-kind gift for a lucky recipient.
Location:
Rolling Prairie, IN
More info:
click here

Pioneer Land Christmas Open House
12/3-4

This charming two-day event will make you feel like you’ve taken a time machine back to the days of the early settlers of La Porte County. Pioneer Land is located at the La Porte County fairgrounds. Santa will be on hand to greet the little ones and volunteers in period costumes will conduct demonstrations and serve cookies and cider.
Location:
La Porte, IN
More info:
click here

La Porte Symphony Orchestra We Need a “Little” Christmas
12/4

Under the direction of Matt Nelson, the La Porte Children’s Chorus will perform holiday favorites at the Presbyterian Church of La Porte.
Location:
La Porte, IN
More info
: click here

Christmas at Barker Mansion
12/3 through 1/15

The glorious home of Michigan City industrialist John Barker will be decked out for the holidays.  Rooms feature storybook characters like Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood.  Finish the tour with a stop in the gift shop where you may find a unique item for your holiday giving.
Location:
Michigan City, IN
More info:
  click here

Holiday Mixer Extravaganza 12/3                                                                                                                                         

Please join us by getting in the holiday spirit and networking with other 3-Oaks business leaders in a fun, relaxed environment. Enjoy an evening of fine food, spirits & live entertainment at the new Journeyman Distillery.
Location: Three Oaks, MI
More info: click here

Santa’s Candy Cane Express at Hesston Steam Museum
12/3-4, 12/10-11

Enjoy an old-fashioned children’s Christmas at Hesston Steam Museum. Ride the Candy Cane Express and witness Santa’s noon arrival in a vintage Model T. Then kids can visit Santa in an authentic train caboose. Bring an unwrapped gift for the US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program and get a free train ride.
Location:
La Porte, IN
More info:
click here

Washington Park Festival of Lights
12/3 through the end of the year

The largest holiday light display on The Beach Coast.  The switch will be flipped on December 3rd and you can bring your family for a slow drive through Washington Park throughout December.
Location:
Michigan City, IN
More info:
click here

Teddy Bear Tea
12/4                                                                                                                                              

The 11th annual Teddy Bear Tea at the Marina Grand in New Buffalo benefits Toys for Tots.  Children of all ages are invited to put on their holiday finery and enjoy a magical afternoon of giving, snacking and dancing, and visiting with Santa. Feast on kid-friendly tea sandwiches and holiday treats, chat with Santa.  Please bring a new, unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. Reservations required.                                                                                                         
Location:
New Buffalo, MI
More info:
click here

La Porte Hospital Foundation Annual Holiday Pops Concert
12/10

The 17th annual pops concert is a don’t miss for people of all ages. The La Porte County Symphony will fill the Civic Auditorium in La Porte with instrumental and vocal music that will set the tone for the entire holiday season.
Location
: La Porte, IN
More info
: click here

Housing Opportunities Benefit Dinner at Don Quijote
12/11

For a donation of a mere $35 you can enjoy a buffet of delicious Spanish food at the region's only Spanish restaurant. The evening benefits Housing Opportunities and will include live music, a silent auction, raffle, and more.
Location:
Don Quijote, Valparaiso
More info:
click here

7th Annual Christmas at the Acorn
12/17

Plan on attending what has become a beloved tradition on The Beach Coast.
Founded by actor/vocalist Robert Swan, this an evening of holiday music
featuring Martha Cares, Christine Steyer, and other guest vocalists and
instrumentalists. Get your tickets early as this is always a sold out event.
Location: Three Oaks, MI
More info: click here
 

Harlem Globetrotters 2012 World Tour Preview
12/27

The world’s most famous and entertaining basketball team will play at the Hammond Civic Center, featuring members of 2012 “rookie” class which includes three seven+ footers (the tallest being 7’8”).  This promises to be a fabulous holiday event.
Location:
Hammond, IN
More info:
click here

Michigan City Winter Wonderland Offers Two Weeks of Fun
12/2-17

Sponsored by the Mainstreet Association, this event spans two weeks with something new almost every day, from ice carving to carriage rides, wagon rides and a stained glass tour, gallery open houses and more.  Click on the link below to learn more.
Location:
Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District
More info:
click here

 


Star Plaza Theatre

Benton Harbor
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Lake Michigan College - Mendel Mainstage

Benton Harbor
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Majestic Star Casino & Hotel

Gary
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

South Shore Calendar of Events

Hammond
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Horseshoe Hammond

Hammond
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra

La Porte
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Blue Chip Casino & Hotel 

Michigan City
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Michigan City
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

South Shore Arts

Munster/Crown Point/Hammond
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Harbor Country Convention & Visitors Bureau

New Buffalo
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here 

 

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

Notre Dame
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Downtown South Bend First Fridays

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Morris Performing Arts Center

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

South Bend Parks and Recreation

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

South Bend Symphony Orchestra

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

South Bend/Mishawaka Convention & Visitors Bureau

South Bend/Mishawaka
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Acorn Theater

Three Oaks
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Three Oaks Michigan Business Association

Three Oaks
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Taltree Arboretum & Gardens

Valparaiso
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Memorial Opera House

Valparaiso
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Valparaiso Community Festival and Events 

Valparaiso
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Festivals & Events

Chesterton
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Eventful

Chesterton
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Chamber of Commerce Events

Crown Point
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Special Events

Gary
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Community Calendar

Hammond
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Upcoming Events

Highland
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

Festivals & Events

Highland
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Visitors Center

LaPorte
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Parks & Recreation

Michigan City
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here


Visitors Center

Michigan City
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click here

 

Community Calendar

Munster
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here 

 

South Bend/Mishawaka Visitors Center

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

In the Bend.com

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Parks & Recreation

South Bend
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Festivals & Events

St. Joseph
Location:
Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Festivals & Events

Valparaiso
Location:
Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Location: Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

South Shore Calendar of Events

Location: Indiana
More Information
: Click Here

 

Southwest Michigan Fairs & Festivals

Location: Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Harbour Country Festivals & Events 

Location: Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Michigan Vacation Guide

Location: Michigan
More Information
: Click Here

 

Towle Theater

Location: Hammond, IN
More info: Click Here