Lights, camera, action! 

With Christmas lights, pictures with Santa, ice skating and more, the city of Elkhart is bringing on the holiday cheer with Winterfest this year. After a year break, the festivities are back in full swing, kicking off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 4.

To start the day off, the Central Fire Station is holding a Breakfast with Santa from 8:00 a.m.-noon, for $2.00 per adult and a canned food item per child. There will be a Winterfest Market at Elkhart Health and Aquatics from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Masks will be required in the facility. This event will feature a selection of craft goods, artwork, and handmade items being sold by 40 local artisans. Also starting at 10:00 a.m., Elkhart merchants in the downtown area will be hosting open houses offering great deals and discounts as well as kids crafts stations. From noon-5:00 p.m. in the Lerner Theatre Lobby, there will be Premier Arts Holiday Window tours and free pictures with Santa.

For those who like ugly sweaters and exercise, the annual Ugly Sweater Run is back! The 5k run will begin and end at NIBCO Water and Ice Park at 3:00 p.m. For those who like ugly sweaters and a more leisurely form of exercise, the 1 mile Ugly Sweater Stroll begins at 3:05 p.m. Check in and same-day registration will be open between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Aquatic Center. It only costs $25 a person to participate, and all proceeds will go to the Elkhart Education Foundation. NIBCO Water and Ice Park will be open for ice skating from 1:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m., and will be hosting the Ralph Hartnagel Memorial Skate from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Kids 12 and under skate free for the Memorial skate.

Lighting up the evening will be the annual Light Parade and Christmas tree lighting. The Light Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. The parade will travel down Main Street, from Harrison Street to Lexington Avenue. After the parade, the tree lighting will take place at the Civic Plaza in the heart of downtown Elkhart. And, finally, wrap up the day with a movie! The Friends of the Lerner will be presenting the iconic holiday movie Elf for free at 8:00 p.m. in the Lerner Theater.

Don’t miss out on these festivities and more all happening right here in Elkhart!