Hi friends,

If you’re craving a little holiday magic — the kind that makes you roll the window down, turn up the Bing Crosby, and forget that you’re still in Northwest Indiana traffic — I’ve got you. I scouted the top Christmas light displays within 45 minutes of Highland so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the sparkle.

Here are the Top 5 Holiday Light Experiences worth bundling up for:

Winter WonderLights — Merrillville, IN

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• Location: 7595 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN (about ~15–20 min drive from Highland 46321). NITDC+2Groupon+2

• Best nights to go: Sunday–Thursday evenings (5:30–9:00 PM), Friday & Saturday (5:30–9:30 PM). On Dec 24 & 25 hours may vary (e.g. earlier closing). NITDC+1

• Cost: ~ $30–$34 per vehicle online (subject to change) for a “General Admission Vehicle.” Groupon+1

• Parking / Tips: It’s a drive-thru show — you view from your car, so parking isn’t complicated (just follow their entrance directions). Shows are weather dependent; check their website or social-media before heading out. Winter WonderLights+1

• Why it’s worth it: It’s a quick, easy, weather-friendly drive-through — over half a mile of festive lights, tunnels, giant characters, and synchronized holiday music. Great if you want a stress-free, family friendly light show close to home. Winter WonderLights+1

Michigan City Festival of Lights — Washington Park, Michigan City, IN

• Location: Washington Park (“6 on the Lake”), Michigan City, IN 46360. Visit Michigan City La Porte+1

• Best nights to go: The light display runs nightly — from December 6, 2025 through January 3, 2026, roughly from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Visit Michigan City La Porte+295.1 FM/AM 1420 WIMS Radio+2

• Cost: Free admission (donations may be welcome). NITDC+1

• Parking / Tips: Since it’s a drive-through / park-drive setup, arrive early (especially on weekends) to avoid traffic. Weeknights may be less crowded and more enjoyable. Car radios or hot cocoa make it cozy.

• Why it’s worth it: According to local sources, it’s “the largest free drive-through light exhibit in the Midwest” — millions of bulbs, dozens of displays, and a beautiful lakeside park setting. It’s perfect for a low-cost, memorable holiday outing. PanoramaNOW Entertainment News+2Visit Michigan City La Porte+2

Christmas Tyme Lights — Harvest Tyme Family Farm

• Location: 17904 Grant St, Lowell, IN (about 25–30 min drive from Highland 46321). christmas.harvesttymefun.com

• Best nights to go: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, plus Monday Dec 22 and Tuesday Dec 23 — from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. christmas.harvesttymefun.com

• Cost: ~ $9.99–$10.95 per person (online price). Kids under 3 are free. christmas.harvesttymefun.com

• Parking / Tips: Parking is free. Since this is a walk-through (not drive-through), wear good shoes and dress warmly — you’ll stroll a lighted trail of more than a mile. Consider hot cocoa, marshmallows, or s’mores (they often have campfires and treats). christmas.harvesttymefun.com

• Why it’s worth it: It’s a cozy, family-friendly walk through a magical, lighted trail — a nice contrast to drive-through displays. Campfires, cookies, character meet-ups, and peaceful walking make it ideal for a more intimate holiday evening rather than a quick drive. christmas.harvesttymefun.com

Light Up McKinley — Crown Point / Crown Point area, IN

• Location: 9824 McKinley St, Crown Point, IN 46307 (about ~25–35 min drive from Highland). Tacky Light Tour+1

• Best nights to go: Typically every night through late December — check local “tacky-light” tour guides for exact dates yearly. Tacky Light Tour+1

• Cost: Free (private home / neighborhood display) — no formal admission. Tacky Light Tour+1

• Parking / Tips: Street-side viewing. Try to park a block or two away if the street is narrow or crowded to avoid blocking the view or traffic. Go earlier in the evening to avoid heavy traffic or blocked driveways.

• Why it’s worth it: Sometimes the best light shows aren’t big productions — just creativity, neighborhood holiday spirit, and classic Christmas charm. Light Up McKinley is frequently listed among the “jaw-dropping” house displays in the area for its festive décor and community vibe. Tacky Light Tour+1

Bozak Family Christmas Lights — Burns Harbor, IN

• Location: 259 Lake Park Rd, Burns Harbor, IN 46304 (about 30–40 min drive from Highland, depending on route). Tacky Light Tour+1

• Best nights to go: Through December / early January — neighborhood light sites often stay up all season. Tacky Light Tour+1

• Cost: Free (private home / neighborhood display). Tacky Light Tour+1

• Parking / Tips: Street-side viewing. Be respectful of neighbors — park so you’re not blocking driveways, and avoid loud music. As it's a residential area, go earlier in the evening to avoid congestion and ensure a good view.

• Why it’s worth it: According to local listings, this is one of the top 10 light displays near Crown Point — a great “hidden gem” if you want a low-cost, low-stress outing with real neighborhood charm rather than a big-ticket spectacle. Tacky Light Tour+1

🔎 Quick Notes & How I Picked Them

• I prioritized displays within roughly a 30–45 minute driving radius from Highland 46321, considering typical traffic in Northwest Indiana.

• I included different styles of displays — drive-thru, walk-through, and neighborhood home displays — so you (or your family) can pick based on what vibe you want (easy drive, scenic walk, or casual stroll).

• I checked 2025 availability when possible and double-checked that these are real, operational shows — not “maybe coming back” or rumors.