Elkhart News & Updates

Pope Leo XIV continued an annual tradition by baptizing 20 infants in the Sistine Chapel. This ceremony signifies the conclusion of the Christmas holiday period at the Vatican.

Green Bee, a zero-waste store, is hosting a swap for unwanted Christmas decor. This event encourages recycling and reuse of holiday decorations.

Kangaroos and wallabies at a wildlife park have been observed scratching and chewing on discarded Christmas trees. This practice provides a unique form of enrichment for the animals.

Bird enthusiasts in Elkhart County participated in an annual event to tally the number of birds and species present. This event helps track avian populations in the region.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart is significantly short of its $500,000 Christmas fundraising goal, currently more than $200,000 behind target. They are seeking donations to help reach their seasonal fundraising objective.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart has announced a drastic shortfall in its Christmas fundraising campaign. They are falling significantly short of their established goal for the season.

The annual Christmas Bird Count documented 89 species in Elkhart County, including a notable 16 bald eagles. This event helps tally local bird populations during the winter season.

Susan Marie Walker, a resident of Elkhart, passed away on January 4, 2026. She enjoyed baking cookies at Christmas and celebrating the holidays.

Old Christmas trees are being utilized to combat coastal erosion, offering a sustainable solution. This initiative repurposes holiday trees for environmental benefit.

Everence recently concluded its annual winter clothing and food drive, which ran from the Friday after Thanksgiving until the Friday before Christmas. This initiative collected essential items to support the community during the holiday season.

With Christmas now over, many are wondering what to do with their live trees. Several alternatives to landfill disposal exist, helping to reduce waste.

Christmas 2025 is approaching, and one family is preparing to gather on Christmas Day. The article shares reflections on the joy of family gatherings during the holiday.

Residents of South Bend can recycle their live Christmas trees for free starting January 5th. This initiative allows for proper disposal and potential repurposing of holiday trees.

Faith Mission volunteers provided services to hundreds of individuals during the Christmas period. This effort highlights community support during the holiday season.

A dispute has intensified over the vanishing of a well-known river surfing wave in Munich. Authorities removed a beam that was installed over Christmas, which is believed to be the cause of the wave's disappearance.

Ukrainians participated in an Orthodox Christmas procession in downtown Lviv, Ukraine, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The event marked a significant observance of the holiday.

Volunteers are needed for Elkhart County's Christmas Bird Count on January 3rd. Registration is required by January 2nd to assist with monitoring bird populations.

Many shoppers visited the University Park Mall to take advantage of post-Christmas sales and markdowns. The deals offered significant savings after the holiday.

Goshen firefighters responded to a house fire on Mayberry Drive shortly after 9 p.m. on Christmas evening. The blaze caused damage to the residence.

Towns across California experienced significant impacts from storms during Christmas week. Homes were filled with mud and debris, causing widespread damage.

As Christmas concludes, it's important to keep real trees watered to prevent fire hazards. Proper maintenance ensures safety even after the holiday has passed.

Faith Mission organized volunteers to deliver meals to shut-ins and others on Christmas Day. Over 100 additional volunteers helped with the effort.

First Presbyterian Church hosted its annual Christmas dinner for the community. This event provided a festive meal for local families.

National Candy Cane Day has arrived, offering a chance to use up leftover candy canes from Christmas. Simple recipes can help repurpose these sweet treats.

Faith Mission provided Christmas meals to the Elkhart community. The organization rallied volunteers to ensure meals were delivered to those in need.

Daniel Alvistur, dressed as Santa Claus, was seen paddleboarding near San Bartolo Beach in Lima, Peru. The festive image captures a unique holiday activity.

Faith Mission in Elkhart is continuing its tradition of providing holiday meals for the community. They offer meals both in-house and through deliveries to ensure everyone can enjoy a festive meal.

The Christmas season is still offering festive fun, with events like the Mistletoe Market at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Attendees enjoyed attractions such as a large snow globe.

The Elkhart County Parks are hosting the 30th annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, January 3rd. Local bird enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in this long-standing tradition.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart has successfully met its donation match in the final Red Kettle drive of the season. This achievement will help provide Christmas resources for families in need.

Faith Mission in Elkhart is providing Christmas meals for families in need on December 25th. Volunteers are needed starting at 9:00 a.m. to help distribute the 300 planned meals.

An Elkhart County family is putting on a significant Christmas light display despite rising electricity costs. Fran Roberts and her husband Gary are embracing the Christmas spirit with their elaborate decorations.

Waterford Crossing is working to make Christmas less lonely for its senior residents. The facility aims to bring holiday cheer to those living alone in nursing care.

First Presbyterian Church held a Christmas Dinner event, with approximately 70 guests in attendance. A file photo from December 25, 2022, shows the event.

NICU babies at Beacon Children's Hospital are dressed in holiday attire, ready to celebrate Christmas. The hospital is decking out its youngest patients for the festive occasion.

The Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos are distributing 200 Christmas food boxes to families in need. This donation aims to ensure many have holiday meals.

The NICU babies at Beacon Children's Hospital are dressed in their finest holiday attire. This gallery showcases the festive preparations for Christmas.

This article offers 13 Christmas meal ideas for those seeking variety beyond traditional turkey and stuffing. It provides options for small gatherings or second holiday meals.

This guide presents 13 casserole recipes perfect for Christmas feast side dishes. These options simplify planning for a warm and easy holiday spread.

This article suggests 9 shareable recipe ideas for Christmas morning. These recipes are designed to make the holiday morning easier and fit a relaxed pace.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are expected to be mild with highs in the mid-40s and lows near freezing. The weather forecast indicates a damp holiday ahead.

The Cart's family in Elkhart hosted a Christmas light drive-thru at their decorated home on Monday, Dec. 22. They shared holiday cheer with the community through their festive display.

WVPE will feature holiday programming including 'The North Pole Radio Hour' by the Elkhart Municipal Band. The special will air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The South Bend Police Department has made a high-profile holiday arrest, apprehending The Grinch. This action was taken to ensure the Grinch does not steal the Christmas spirit this year.

Veterans at an Elkhart senior living center were presented with Christmas gifts. This heartwarming event brought holiday cheer to local veterans.

The NAACP is hosting a Christmas event that will provide free school supplies and engaging activities. This event aims to bring holiday spirit and support to the community.

A nonprofit organization brought holiday cheer to veteran residents at the Hellenic Senior Living Center in Elkhart. This event provided Christmas gifts and celebrated the veterans' service.

Veterans at the Hellenic Senior Living Center received an early Christmas celebration thanks to the veteran's coalition. Volunteers and staff worked together to bring festive cheer to the residents.

Jonathan Byrd, who is a cancer survivor, has been transforming into Santa Claus for nearly two decades to spread Christmas cheer. He embraces the role wholeheartedly, often playing Christmas music.

Families gathered at the Tolson Center for a Las Posadas celebration, which included candy. This event is part of the broader holiday festivities in Elkhart.

This article offers 13 Christmas meal ideas to make holiday celebrations unforgettable. The suggestions aim to bring warmth and ease to the holiday rush for readers.

This article features 13 casseroles that are perfect for holiday potlucks and Christmas parties. These dishes are designed to add to the festive gatherings.

The 30th annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count will be held on January 3, 2026. Local bird enthusiasts are invited to participate in this citizen science event.

Elkhart's Tolson Center for Community Excellence hosted a Christmas celebration called 'Las Posadas,' a traditional Mexican holiday observance. The event featured music, food, and activities.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds was mentioned in relation to holiday lights. This location was noted in an article discussing what happens to food after a Christmas feast.

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, observed on December 19th, encourages festive and bold attire with sequins and jingle bells. This day brings color and cheer to offices and homes.

The Tolson Center in Elkhart is hosting a free Christmas 'Posada' event this Friday night. Attendees can enjoy music, food, and activities as part of this holiday celebration.

Elkhart County's Christmas Bird Count is seeking residents of all skill levels to help collect valuable bird data for scientists. This annual event encourages community participation in conservation efforts.

The Mistletoe Market is currently underway at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, offering holiday shopping opportunities. The market will continue through Saturday, with Christmas just one week away.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds are filled with holiday spirit as the annual Mistletoe Market has begun. With Christmas only a week away, the event offers a festive atmosphere for shoppers.

The Elkhart County Parks will be hosting the 30th annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count on January 3rd. This event is a long-standing tradition for the area.

A remarkable science project has revealed a microscopic 'Christmas tree' through stunning photographs. This quirky comparison highlights the vastness of the universe in a seasonal display.

The Christmas Village in Philadelphia has been recognized as one of the best European-style holiday markets in the country. It secured a spot in the top 10 according to USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards.

The Cops and Kids program brought Christmas joy to Meijer, with an event happening in Elkhart, IN. This initiative aims to spread holiday cheer through community involvement.

A man has set a new world record by singing Christmas classics for 42 hours straight. He performed songs from artists like Mariah Carey and Wham! in his record-breaking attempt.

Hotel Elkhart has transformed its café into a festive holiday pop-up bar called 'Reindeer and Rye.' The bar aims to create a warm and nostalgic Christmas atmosphere in downtown Elkhart.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart and Goshen is hosting its annual holiday food drive to help stock local food pantries. Major Bill Welch emphasized that donations are crucial not just for Christmas but throughout the year.

Instacart has released data on the most popular grocery items purchased by Hoosiers for Christmas celebrations. The report highlights trends in holiday food shopping across Indiana.

A recent study indicates that 87% of Americans plan to celebrate Christmas, with a significant portion observing traditions like the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This year, the observance of this traditional meal feels slightly different.

The Indiana Black Expo Elkhart Chapter's annual holiday dinner, Feed Our Friends, brought the community together. Over 275 individuals were served shortly after the event began.

The Salvation Army, with the help of community volunteers, distributed Christmas baskets. This act of giving back is a significant holiday tradition for the Elkhart area.

Families gathered at Mounds State Park to learn about historical Christmas traditions with the Bronnenbergs. The event took place as a winter storm was beginning to set in.

A Motown Christmas LIVE event is scheduled for December 21, 2025, at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, MI. The show begins at 3:00 PM.

Tourists are flocking to Connecticut's filming locations for a weeklong "Hallmark Movie Christmas Tour." Visitors are shopping and experiencing the festive atmosphere in towns like Wethersfield.

Lifeline Youth Ministries in Elkhart is hosting its 5th Annual Christmas Store event. This initiative ensures that many children will have gifts to unwrap this Christmas.

The Salvation Army, with the help of community volunteers, distributed Christmas baskets filled with items. This event was part of their annual Christmas assistance program.

Lifeline's fifth annual Christmas Store is providing assistance to over 650 children. The event aims to ensure these children have a Christmas with gifts.

People were seen taking photos beneath illuminated Christmas decorations in downtown Dakar, Senegal. The decorations lit up the city center on Friday, December 12, 2025.

The Old World Christmas Market at Osthoff Resort is drawing thousands of visitors with its 70 vendors offering German traditions and handcrafted goods. The highly-rated market is a popular destination for holiday shopping and festive cheer.

Premier Arts is presenting Disney's 101 Dalmatians, featuring an all-youth cast at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, IN. This theatrical performance offers holiday entertainment for the community.

The Salvation Army in Goshen reported being 'blown away' by community support for their annual Christmas distribution event. Cars lined up early to receive assistance, highlighting the community's generosity.

Salvation Army volunteers distributed Christmas baskets to people in vehicles on Friday. The event saw a significant line of cars waiting to receive their holiday provisions.

The Lifeline gymnasium in Elkhart is prepared for its annual Christmas Store. Caregivers can purchase discounted gifts for their children at this event.

Amy Miller was awarded $1,000 in holiday scrip through The Papers Inc.'s yearly promotion. This announcement highlights the winners of the 2025 Christmas Bucks.

Celebrate Mexican traditions at the Tolson Center's Christmas Posada on December 19th. This free event promises food, gifts, and festive fun for all ages.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart had a busy day distributing Christmas gifts to families in need. For the 43 families who signed up, they received much-needed holiday assistance.

The Old World Christmas Market featured various vendors offering unique holiday gifts and warm fashion items. This event provided an opportunity for attendees to find special presents while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Enjoy a wintery evening of family fun with a miniature train ride, festive Christmas lights, and decorations at Eden Springs Park Holiday Train Rides. This event offers a magical experience for all ages.

The Salvation Army in Elkhart is hosting its annual 'Adopt a Family' Christmas assistance program. This initiative will provide gifts and household items to 400 local families in need.

Kercher's in Goshen is hosting an inaugural event with a special Christmas surprise. Co-owner Maureen Kercher mentioned that the children planned something special for the holiday.

Milford is celebrating the holiday season with a festive display of Christmas spirit. The town's Christmas tree was lit, and characters like the Grinch and an Elf were part of the festivities.

The Salvation Army in Elkhart is actively running its annual Christmas assistance program, 'Adopt a Family.' Over the coming days, 400 families will receive gifts through this community effort.

The Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee is hosting a Christmas Jubilee, offering a unique approach to gift-giving. This event allows parents to personally choose gifts for their own children.

Experience the magic of Christmas with ventriloquist Taylor Mason in Elkhart. His show combines music, comedy, and ventriloquism for an unforgettable holiday night.

Winterfest in Elkhart is celebrating the season with various activities, including an Ugly Christmas Sweater Run. This event brought together community members to embrace the winter holiday spirit.

Nappanee's downtown was adorned with festive nutcrackers and Christmas trees for the 18th Miracle at Main & Market Parade. The event saw a record-breaking number of entrants, creating a strong holiday atmosphere.

A Motown Christmas LIVE is coming to The Mendel Center in Benton Harbor on December 21, 2025. The Motortown All-Stars will perform iconic Motown hits alongside festive holiday classics.

A discussion is underway about the top five Christmas movies of all time. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, released in 1989, is among the films being debated.

This article explores 13 Christmas meals designed to evoke a calm and cozy holiday feeling. The focus is on dishes that capture the essence of the Christmas spirit.

Everyone is invited to a free Christmas Day dinner event from 1pm to 2pm. The event also includes holiday crafting with the Council on Aging.