The Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond opens “A Christmas Story” Comes Home opens on November 13th. The exhibit, hosted by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, runs through January 2, 2022. 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 and holidays).
The exhibit will showcase all seven animated window displays; each depicting a classic scene from the holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.” The scenes include: Higbee’s Department Store, A Hero’s Dream, Flick’s Tongue and the Triple Dog Dare, It’s a Major Award, Santa’s Mountain at Higbee’s, The Bumpus Hounds, and The Parker Living Room.
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. In addition to the exhibit and photos with Santa, visitors are welcome to take their own photos at the photo opportunities including the bronzed Flick outside of the Indiana Welcome Center.
Photos with Santa
Families are welcome to schedule a visit with Santa on select days leading up to Christmas. Scheduling is open now. Each session is five minutes and includes a printed photo with Santa. The cost is $10 and $6 for each additional photo.
This year Santa will not be atop the replica Santa’s Mountain, but instead will be located inside the theatre at the Indiana Welcome Center. Guests will be at least six feet from other guests during their wait and Santa will have a glass barrier separating him from guests. Appointments will be scheduled online ONLY. A scheduling link can be found at www.achristmasstorycomeshome.com.
Santa will be available for photos on the following weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: November 26, – 28; December 4-5; 11-12; 18-19; and 21- 23rd.
Visit Safely
Guests to the Indiana Welcome Center are required to wear masks (all adults and children who are old enough to walk). Hand sanitizer stations will be available to guests as they visit the exhibit, Santa (select days) and gift shop. Six-foot markers will be placed on the floor throughout the exhibit so visitors can enjoy the exhibit safely.
Christmas in Northwest Indiana:
Where to Go For Christmas Lights – 2021
5 Holiday Traditions – Thru Dec 31st – 5 Things to do For the Holidays Your Family Will LOVE!
What’s on Theatre Stage this year 2021
Candlelight Tour in Laporte Cancelled in 2021
Winter Lights Drive Thru – Valparaiso Nov 20th thru Dec 31st , 2021
Holly Days in Valparaiso – Friday, Dec 3rd, 2021
A Christmas Story Comes Home – Hammond Indiana Nov 14th – Jan 2nd, 2022
Christmas At Barker Mansion – Michigan City -TBD
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS DRIVE THRU – Michigan City Dec 5th thru Jan 3th 2022
The Nutcracker – 8 shows
Shipshewana On The Road, Dec. 11th and 12th, 2021
Local Christmas Tree Farms (And How to Buy One)
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.
