happenings
  • BY: KATHERINE BULTEMA
  • Dec 04 2023 8:03 PM

The Magic is IN the Season

The holiday season is a magical time, and I just love the extras that it brings to our Northwest Indiana community. This Christmas was a new experience for our Compass NWI office on the Crown Point Square. We were excited to unite in the city's holiday cheer by joining local businesses and decorating our own Christmas tree adorned with team photos and client testimonials from the past year. Being able to look outside our office and see the tree-lit sidewalk, we are filled with gratitude to be in the company of so many wonderful people.

With hearts full of gratitude for our community, we thought it would be helpful to share some of our favorite spots in NWI with you. We've also gathered some awesome holiday events you may want to incorporate into your jam-packed calendars. I assure you that we understand how the never-ending schedule can be overwhelming, but remember to pause and make time to enjoy this season too.

When you support your local establishments, it makes a difference no matter the season! As the region continues to thrive and grow, remember that small businesses are the heart of our community- Let's show up for them! Enjoy.


NWI Festive Events

Compass’ Santa’s Cocoa & Snaps Spectacular

Santa is coming to our Compass NWI office! Join us for a festive time with delicious hot cocoa and Christmas snacks compliments of our sponsor, Halcyon Water Solutions. Remember to bring along your camera for a photo with the man in red!

Holly Days

A downtown Valpo tradition — Holly Days is the perfect festive event to get into the Christmas spirit! Enjoy live entertainment, ice sculptures, holiday lights, candy cane lane, a holiday express train, and shop the local downtown retail shop.

Hunt & Gather

Cross off your Christmas gift shopping and support local vendors and artisans at the highly anticipated NWI Hunt & Gather Market at the Lake County Fairgrounds! Enjoy live music and gourmet food, and shop from 150 antique curators and artisan goods for the perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas gift!

Skate the Soundtrack

Enjoy fun for all ages at Skate the Soundtrack's weekly themed Christmas movie music at Deep River Waterpark! Guests are welcome to dress up and coordinate for each December and January music-themed week. You better believe that you will catch my family at this one!

Crafts at the Crossroads

Get into the holiday spirit with Crafts at the Crossroads, featuring 75+ hand-crafted vendors, food trucks, and free raffles. This Christmas-themed craft show is the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind Christmas decor and gifts!


Holiday Dining & Sweet Treats

Provecho Latin Provisions

Reserve a seat near the front window and enjoy the holiday trees and lights on the Square while savoring the Latin-inspired flavors of their culinary specialties. The chicken is to die for!

Gino’s Prime & Surf

Grab a table by their cozy fireplace and enjoy one of their delicious steak and seafood dishes, or book their banquet room for your work holiday party!

River Rock at White Hawk Country Club

Decorated so festively, filled with warm & inviting vibes, and the food is a crowd-pleaser! Also, this year, they have igloos set up on their patio, which is a great spot for your next game night with your friends. Grab 6 of your pals, your favorite board game, & enjoy cocktail service from your own private igloo.

Refuge Coffee 

Warm up with a holiday coffee and one of their delicious homemade pies! This has become our go-to. It's easy to order ahead of time, plus they are beyond yummy!

Munster Donuts

Grab a dozen (or two!) specialty holiday donuts for a Christmas morning treat! In our house, the kids pick!

Smalltown Coffee

Meet a friend at this cozy spot for the smoothest coffee. The welcoming environment is perfect for reconnecting with an old friend or collaborating with a new colleague. Hey — maybe we will run into you there!

Butterfingers

Want to treat your hairdresser, nail tech, mechanic, teacher, tutor, or caregiver — Bring them the famous Butterfingers chicken salad & buttery croissants for the best lunch treat. It has been an ongoing crowd favorite with our office.


We hope you enjoy the holiday season and make time to visit one of our suggestions! You won't be disappointed. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.