The City of Valparaiso is welcoming the 2021 holiday season with a series of events and Shop Local specials, highlighting the city’s unique dining, shopping, and sharing. “We’re excited to share the warmth of the season with residents and visitors, welcoming all to experience our downtown shops, restaurants, ice skating and events,” said Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “We’ve added more parking, events and Shop Local specials, all designed to make the Valpo experience even more inviting,” he said.
The City of Valparaiso is making free parking available at the Porter County Parking Garage, located at the corner of Lafayette and Monroe streets, from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am on weekdays and 9:00 am to 1:00 am on weekends, along with holidays.
The Valparaiso Holiday schedule includes:
Winter Fest and Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 27, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St.
Enjoy caroling, figure skating performances, photos with Santa and the lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree. The ice rink will have a special of $7 admission and skate rental with a receipt from a downtown business in support of Small Business Saturday from 5:00 pm -10:00 pm.
For more information, visit ValpoParks.org.
Winter Skating and Hockey
All Winter Long
William E. Urschel Pavilion, 70 Lafayette St.
Valparaiso’s signature 80-foot by 120-foot outdoor ice rink, nicely protected from the elements under its towering arched roof. A state-of-the-art sound system for music and colorfully changing lights set the stage for a memorable ice-skating experience for all ages and abilities.
For hours and details, visit CentralParkPlazaValpo.com
Shop Local
Nov. 27 – Dec. 31
Visit Valpo.in to view a list of dozens of participating Shop Valpo businesses offering specials and discounts through the holiday season. Look for the Shop Local window clings in store windows for a QR code to the directory of specials.
For more information, visit Valpo.in.
Holly Days
Dec. 3-4
Downtown Valparaiso
Ring in the season with a traditional Valparaiso welcome, including interactive family fun, carolers, ice carvers, outdoor market, food, shopping and good cheer -- with holiday specials throughout downtown.
For more information, visit ValparaisoEvents.com
Cover the Cruiser for Indiana Special Olympics
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Valparaiso Courthouse (south side), 16 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Make a donation and place your icon on the side of two cruisers from the Valparaiso Police Department.
Touch a Truck for Toys for Tots
Saturday, Dec. 11, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Foundation Meadows, 3210 N. Campbell St.
Kids of all ages enjoy the opportunity to explore their favorite big rigs and emergency vehicles during this free hands-on Touch a Truck event. Free refreshments, Santa, music, and more! Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to local Toys for Tots efforts. Monetary donations also accepted.