Downtown South Bend is inviting community members to get involved with “Downtown for the Holidays” events.
Downtown for the Holidays is a month-long series of holiday programming in Downtown South Bend. Community members can enter the Gingerbread Village Competition, join the Holiday Light Parade and participate in the DTSB Festival of Trees.
The Gingerbread Village Competition is seeking handmade gingerbread houses from bakers of all ages and skills levels. The deadline for entry is Dec. 4. Entries will be on display for public viewing December 6 to 24 in the downtown Courtyard by Marriott lobby.
Prizes will be awarded in five categories: non-professional child (18 and under), non-professional adult, non-professional family or group, professional (individual or group) and people’s choice. An award ceremony will take place Dec. 14. Entries will be judged on originality, design, craftsmanship, degree of difficulty and overall appearance. Learn more here.
The seventh annual DTSB Holiday Light Parade will take place 7 to 7:45 p.m. Dec. 13 on Jefferson Blvd. The event consists of lighted holiday-themed floats and walking units. Community members, local organizations and businesses are encouraged to have an entry in the parade. The application deadline is Dec. 5. Learn more here.
Local individuals, businesses and organizations are also invited to sponsor and decorate a downtown tree in the 2024 DTSB Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees will feature a combination of artificial trees and holiday plantings in the downtown flower bowls. Learn more here.
Downtown South Bend is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the growth and prosperity of downtown South Bend. Incorporated in 2002, Downtown South Bend offers marketing and events, business recruitment initiatives and support to the downtown community.
