Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Michiana area this weekend.

Winterfest comes to downtown Elkhart Saturday

City of Elkhart

The City of Elkhart announced the annual Winterfest will take place on Saturday starting at 8 a.m., with Breakfast with Santa at the Central Fire Station.

Winterfest events include the Ugly Sweater Run and Stroll, free photos with Santa at the Elkhart Public Library, downtown merchants’ open houses, and ice skating at NIBCO Water and Ice Park.

Organizers say kids 12 and under can skate for free all day.

There will also be live ice carving demonstrations happening throughout the day.

Winterfest schedule:

• Breakfast with Santa - 8 a.m. to noon at Central Fire Station
• Premier Arts Holiday Windows Tours at The Lerner Theatre
• FREE Pictures with Santa - noon to 3 p.m. at Elkhart Public Library
• Ice Skating at NIBCO Water and Ice Park - Open Skate from noon to 5 p.m.
• Ice Skating at NIBCO Water and Ice Park - Ralph Hartnagel Memorial Skate from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Ugly Sweater Fun Run and Stroll hosted by Elkhart Education Foundation - Check-in at 17 a.m., Run at 8:30 a.m., Stroll at 8:45 a.m.
• Winterfest Market - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elkhart Health and Aquatics
• All Aboard with Santa - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National New York Central Railroad Museum
• Winterfest Parade - 6 p.m. at Main Street, Harrison to Lexington)
• Tree Lighting - After parade at Civic Plaza
• Tree lighting immediately
• Downtown Merchant Open Houses - Discounts, crafts, and holiday shopping all day

For more information, you can contact Elkhart Parks and Recreation at 574-295-7275 or by email at [email protected]. You can also find information here.

Annual live Nativity at Huntly Memorial Baptist Church Friday and Saturday

Huntly Memorial Baptist Church in Niles will host its annual free live Nativity on Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Organizers say the event will feature actors, animals, free horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and cookies, and a gift for each family.

This is the church's second year holding the free event, which is open to the public.

Cathy Zavoral, Nativity Coordinator and Officer of the Huntly Baptist Church, said, "This year, we decided to do some voice over where, last year it was just maybe a visual type of thing, where everybody walked through and could go whatever way they wanted to go, just to see the whole effect. This year we're going to kind of go from the beginning, where they'll go from different stages, and then each stage will have scripture from the Bible being told as they're watching what's happening. So, it's a little different this year."

Ice bumper car and ice byke rides at Ironworks Ice Rink start Sunday

Mishawaka Parks and Rec Department

Mishawaka Parks and Rec Department announced you can now reserve your time slot for the ice bumper cars, with opening day Sunday at Ironworks Ice Rink.

You can reserve slots online for Sunday, Dec. 8, Monday, Dec. 9, and Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Each bumper car ride lasts 10 minutes and tickets are $10 each.

Officials ask that you arrive at least five minutes before your session begins.

Riders must be at least 5 years old and a minimum of 42 inches tall to ride solo.

Riders 4 and younger can ride with a parent and do not need to purchase a ticket.

Ice bykes will also be available to ride from 10 to 11 a.m. for $5 per ticket for a 10-minute ride.