Winter in Indiana is a pretty amazing time of year; everything’s coated in layers of fluffy white snow, buildings and homes are decorated in shimmering lights, and some towns really get to show off their festive side right about now. One of the best winter towns in Indiana is none other than the historic small town of Valparaiso, which is famous in the Midwest for having one of the downright best ice skating rinks in the country. This season, while it’s cold, come out to Valparaiso and see what this beautiful little town does right during the winter (hint: everything).

Valparaiso has the fascinating distinction of being one of the oldest towns in Indiana.
Valparaiso Now/Facebook
It wasn't officially incorporated until 1856, but it had already been a valuable trading post since the late 17th century. These days, the locals lovingly call it "Valpo," and during the winter, they make sure it shines... literally and figuratively.
It all starts with the 30-foot-tall, beautifully lit tree erected at the center of town. Slowly, businesses and homes begin decorating for the season as well, ensuring that anyone who visits during the winter is sure to want to stay forever.
Steve Johnson/Flickr
The other seasons are great and all, sure, but winter is where Valpo really stands out. It's been repeatedly called one of the ten "best small towns in the United States" and "best winter towns in the Midwest" by numerous outlets (including ourselves, because yeah... it really is).

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Typically, folks hear about winter in Valpo when they look up where to go ice skating in Indiana.
Valparaiso Now/Facebook
Valparaiso is home to the famed Central Park Plaza, which is quite notorious for having the best ice skating EVER when it's chilly. It's perfect for a date night or a family outing, and it really helps you get into the spirit of the season.
January is typically the coldest month of the year, though if you come out to Valpo hoping for a white Christmas, you're likely to get one.
Valparaiso Now/Facebook
Browse the streets filled with charming little shops, local eateries you won't find anywhere but here, and so much more. Be sure to dress warm, though - the average daily high in Valparaiso hovers right around freezing (32 degrees) at the peak of winter.
Of course, for those who can't get enough of this beautiful, chilly white time...
Yeonsang/Flickr
...Valparaiso is like something out of a postcard or a snow globe, unlike anywhere else, and certainly something you won't want to go without ever again once you've experienced it.

For more information about this beautiful small town in Indiana, be sure to check out its official Facebook page for all the latest goings-on. Have you ever been to this gorgeous little winter town in Indiana? Let us know what you think in the comments. Not sure what to pack for a winter escape? No worries – our handy-dandy winter trip packing list ought to help.

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Things to Do in Winter in Indiana

Tori Jane | November 21, 2023

What are some of the best things to do in winter in Indiana?  

Indiana is a pretty amazing place no matter what time of year it might be, but winter does indeed have something particularly special about it. There are lots of things to do in winter in Indiana, and some of our favorites include:  

  • Visit Santa Claus – In Indiana, Santa Claus isn’t just the big man in red. Nope, there’s a whole town called Santa Claus, and it’s the Christmas capital of Indiana... if not the whole Midwest.  
  • Experience Christkindlmarkt – This amazing German Christmas market is holiday magic to a T. With all the delights you could ever hope for from a holiday-themed market, this one’s a must.  
  • The Polar Express – Every year the Whitewater Valley Railroad puts on its very own train ride to the North Pole, where the kids can meet Santa and enjoy holiday shenanigans.  

Learn more about all the best things to do in winter in Indiana.   

What is Indiana in winter like?  

Few things are quite as magical as Indiana in winter, don’t you think? We sure do. Winter in the Hoosier State is a delightful time, and there’s always something going on. Some of the perks of being in Indiana in winter are:  

  • Snow – Indiana does indeed get snow. The snowiest town in Indiana is South Bend, which receives an average of 66.8 inches per year.  
  • Holiday delights – From drive-thru lights displays to full Christmas markets and towns, Indiana is an amazing place to be during the holidays.  
  • Beauty – Indiana is beautiful all year, but we promise there’s something particularly incredible about the Hoosier State covered in snow.  

Check out all the best things to do in Indiana during the winter.  

What is there to do during winter in Valparaiso Indiana?  

Northern Indiana just wouldn’t be the same without Valparaiso. As one of our most awesomely historic towns, there’s so much to love around here during the holidays that you’ll probably never get bored. Winter in Valparaiso Indiana looks something like this:  

  • The Tree – Valparaiso's official holiday tree is 30 feet tall and nothing short of incredible. You can’t miss the tree lighting ceremony this year!  
  • Ice Skating – Folks come from all over Indiana to ice skate in Valparaiso, namely at Central Park Plaza.  
  • Shops and Dining – Valparaiso is awesome all year, but in the winter, the shops and eateries become a little more awesome.  

Learn more about the historic old town of Valparaiso, Indiana. 

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