Duneland’s Hometown Holiday Celebration will take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The festivities will extend through the month of December as Santa Claus visits Duneland children in his house in Thomas Centennial Park. Event celebrations are coordinated by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Chesterton, the Chesterton Police, Parks and Street Departments, and the Chamber organizations and volunteers.
Enjoy shopping our downtown local shops for Small Business Saturday, before walking over to enjoy free carriage rides through historic downtown Chesterton starting at 2:00 pm and going until 4:00 pm. Those wishing to experience a delightful ride through downtown Chesterton should line up in the Chamber parking lot at 220 Broadway in Chesterton beginning at 2:00 pm. Due to time and space limitations, tickets will be given to the first 20 families in line, and additional rides will be given as time permits. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is to begin at 5:00 pm in Thomas Centennial Park, to kick off our parade. The Duneland resident winner of our essay contest “What is your favorite holiday tradition?” will not only be lighting the tree but will also be the grand marshal of the parade. Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Twilight Christmas Parade will step off from Chesterton Middle School at 5:15 pm. Floats will populate this night-time parade, including all manner of lighted cars, trucks, wagon and fire engines, as well as plenty of walking families and service organizations. An impressive series of decorated fire engines will round out the lineup, with Santa Claus himself making an appearance on the final Chesterton Fire Department engine. All individuals, groups, businesses and non-profits are welcomed to participate in the unique Duneland tradition. Parade applications may be obtained by visiting www.dunelandchamber.org, or by calling the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 219.926.5513.
Santa Claus will be receiving visitors in his Duneland house on Broadway in Thomas Centennial Park from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Children may also visit Santa every Saturday leading up to Christmas from 10:00 am – Noon and from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Santa’s last visit will occur on Saturday, December 17.
To continue the celebration on this shopping weekend, the Chamber has scheduled a Retailer’s Open House with business staying open until 8:00 pm that evening. Eat and shop your way across Duneland all day with most participating businesses offering special Small Business Saturday deals. Shoppers should visit the Duneland Chamber’s table, which will be set up near the carriage rides, to receive a “shop small” bag with details for the day that include an open house map and other information. Make sure to like the Duneland Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and keep an eye on our website www.dunelandchamber.org to learn more!
For questions about how to participate in any part of the Hometown Holiday Celebration, please call the Chamber at 219.926.5513 or email info@dunelandchamber.org.