The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will open its doors for the 18th year of the “A Christmas Story” Comes Home Exhibit on November 16, 2024, at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. The exhibit will run through December 30, 2024. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with special hours for events.
The exhibit will showcase six animated window displays; each depicting a classic scene from the holiday classic, “A Christmas Story.” Visitors are welcome to relive their own childhood memories of Santa and that long-sought-after Christmas present while strolling through the exhibit, admiring the decorated Christmas trees or visiting with Santa.
Families are welcome to schedule a visit with Santa on select days leading up to Christmas; November 29 through December 23. Each session is five minutes and includes a printed photo with Santa. The cost is $10 and $6 for each additional photo. Schedule your photo with Santa at AChristmasStoryComesHome.com. Walk-ins are welcome, but we strongly suggest making an appointment.
All is Calm
Santa invites families who may benefit from a sensory-friendly environment to visit on December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This special session is designed to make everyone feel comfortable, with accommodations for guests who need extra support.
Wag Your Tail Wednesdays
Bring your leashed dogs and cats for photos with Santa on December 4, 11 and 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We will also be accepting donations for local shelters.
Holiday for Heroes
First responders (police, fire, EMT), Hoosier Helpers and active & retired military are invited to experience the exhibit with their family and visit with Santa on December 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mommy’s Little Piggy
The Mommy’s Little Piggy mashed potato eating contest will he held on December 14. Registration is free and begins at 10:30 a.m. We request each participant bring in canned food/non-perishable items as an entry fee to be donated to NWI Food Bank. The contest will start at 11:00 a.m.
Visit AChristmasStoryComesHome.com for additional details. The Indiana Welcome Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond, Indiana. The Welcome Center Gift Shop offers a variety of movie memorabilia including the infamous leg lamp! Follow us on Facebook for additional announcements, including special events and performances. www.facebook.com/AChristmasStoryComesHome.
Video:
See Animated Displays at “A Christmas Story” with the song “Here We Go Wassailing”
Visits with Santa on Santa’s Mountain will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 26-Dec. 18. Also, special Santa photo days include Nov. 25, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. All photos with Santa must be scheduled in advance at santaphotos.simplybook.me or visit achristmasstorycomeshome.com. Cost for photos is $10 each and includes one photo. Additional photos are $6.
VIDEO:
Santa’s Mountain:
Jazzy Version of “So This Is Christmas” with Scenes from A Christmas Story
New this year, an “All is Calm” event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. TBD. The event, featuring a sensory-friendly experience, is designed for families with individuals with special needs. Photos with Santa must be scheduled online.
The Holiday for Heroes will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. TBD and is only for First Responders, active and retired military and their families. On that day, attendees may have their photos taken with Santa and visit the exhibit. Visits with Santa must be scheduled online.
Pet fans are invited to attend “Wag Your Tail Wednesdays.” Cats and dogs may have their photos taken with Santa from 4 to 7 p.m. TBD. Pets must be on non-retractable leashes. Cost is $10 and guests will receive one printed photo. Also schedule appointments online.
Watch This VIDEO: Animated Displays with Ralphie Stuck on the Flag Pole
Jazzy Christmas Music with Animated Raphie Stuck on the Flag pole
The popular OH Fuuudge! Relay Race will take place Saturday, TBD Registration is at 9:30 a.m. with contest at 10 a.m. The Mommy’s Little Piggy Contest TBD. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. with contest at 10 a.m.
For more information on the exhibit, visit AChristmasStoryComesHome.com. The Indiana Welcome Center is at 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond.
Guests will see window displays such as The Triple Dog Dare, The Parker Living Room, Flick’s Tongue, Santa’s Mountain at Higbee’s and others. In addition to the windows, guests will see a variety of Christmas trees on display surrounding the exhibit.
The free exhibit relays assorted scenes from “A Christmas Story” the movie, in recognition of local writer Jean Shepherd lived in the Region.
VIDEO: See the Christmas Tree Display at “A Christmas Story”
Jazzy Version of “What Child Is This” at “A Christmas Story”
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Mommy’s Little Piggy Eating Contest, Oh Fudge Relay Race
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
