As the snow begins to fall, and the weather gets colder, the fun and exciting activities with family and friends begin to expand. From winter fun to winter fashion, here is a guide full of amusing activities and experiences to participate in this holiday season. Anyone looking for a fun filled winter in South Bend has come to the right place.

Howard Park & Merrifield Ice Rink

A winter wonderland favorite, Howard Park, is special for the cold weather. Available for private lessons, free for all skate and even private ice rentals, this rink is perfect for enjoying a night out with friends and family. New to Howard Park, the Howard Holiday Market has over forty  different vendors with many different items and gifts up for purchase. 

Open since December 5th, Merrifield Ice Rink is another winter favorite for those living near Mishawaka. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a night out skating for just $4. Skating lessons are also available, for $20, and experience a thirty  minute session with an experienced skate guard. 

Downtown South Bend

Similar to the fall, enjoy fun first Fridays downtown with live music, dining and retail services along with so much more.  South Bend Symphony’s Orchestra presents ‘Home For The Holidays’ from December 16th-17th. Tickets ranging from $20-$50 will let people experience a music show ranging from classical to contemporary. 

Wilson Park & St. Patricks Park 

With a $3 entrance fee, enjoy a tubing hill open daily from 10am-8pm. Have no tube? No problem! Tube rentals are just $2. Winter is full of new experiences, try cross country skiing at St.Patrick’s park December 26 through March 13. With the cost of $15, enjoy the winter scenery, and healthy exercise of skiing over a six  mile trail. Snowshoeing is also available, but recommended when levels are at or above six  feet. 

Winter Fashion

With the cool weather creeping in, the style of many starts to change. Layering is most important during chillier days. Style turtlenecks and long sleeves under shirts and crewnecks to make a cute fashion piece also while staying warm. Knit sweaters and cardigans are a must. Any color, any style perfect to pair with baggy jeans or even low rise jeans. Accessorize with various scarves and gloves, adding the perfect touch to a look. 

Christmas List Ideas

Anyone that celebrates Christmas knows the struggles of thinking of the perfect gift list. Here are some gift ideas to lighten the thinking load.

Shoes:

No one can ever have too many shoes. A classic on the Christmas list, shoes like Converse, Nike, or even slides and slippers make great gifts.

Attire:

Whether it is the normal jeans and sweaters,  workout clothes, even bathing suits, they always make a great gift. Matching sets, cute sweaters, and stylish jeans are another must on the list. 

Technology:

Big tech products sometimes are added to the list just as a ‘it would be nice to have’ type of gift. Many of those include laptops, Ipad or tablets, and smartwatches. This category could also include new phone cases, chargers and even items like popsockets or phone wallets. 

Miscellaneous:

Random items for gifts and stocking stuffers are always the best. Items like candles, new makeup, perfumes, hair clips and so much more are easy items to add as a ‘cushion gift’. Other miscellaneous items to add could be socks, hair brushes, books and jewelry.