Free things to do in Elkhart for the holidays and winter break

The most festive time of the year is full of opportunities for family fun and bonding.

Elkhart Public Library is hosting many great programs and events to get you into the holiday spirit or to get out of the house during winter break.

Ongoing events

• Now through Dec. 20, Pierre Moran hosts a Holiday Scavenger Hunt throughout the children’s area. Drop in during open hours and pick up a sheet to get started. The hunt changes weekly, so come back and try it again.
• Now through Dec. 13, during open hours, Cleveland hosts Disguise a Gingerbread Person. Use the provided supplies to help a gingerbread person get a disguise to hide.
• Now through Dec. 19, drop by Pierre Moran during open hours to create a holiday card for seniors. Or drop off a card you made at home. They’ll be delivered to area senior centers to brighten up their holidays.
• Drop by Osolo during open hours from Dec. 6 to Dec. 20 to find their Elf on a Shelf. Take one of his cards to the desk for a prize. Come back again, the Elf moves weekly.
• Get out of the house over Winter Break to come by Cleveland for their Boredom Busters. Enjoy a different activity each day or on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, a movie at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6

• Winterfest at the Library: Holiday Crafts and Music – Come by the downtown library from noon to 2 p.m., during Downtown Winterfest, to enjoy the music of Shiny Shiny Black and make a craft or ornament.
• Gingerbread Workshop – From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cleveland will provide the materials to create a cardboard “gingerbread” house that can be reusable and more sustainable. Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa while you work.

Monday, Dec. 8

• From 4 to 6 p.m., Dunlap will host Family Gingerbread House making. All materials are provided.

Friday, Dec. 12

• At 10 a.m., Dunlap hosts a Preschool Danny Go Christmas, come dance and play games like in favorite Danny Go videos.
• At 10 a.m., the downtown library hosts a Preschool Gingerbread Party with stories, activities and gingerbread-making.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

• At 5 p.m., downtown hosts ornament painting for teens and adults. Registration is required.

Thursday, Dec. 18

• From 4 to 6 p.m., downtown hosts its Christmas Party with Santa Claus. Get a free picture with Santa, play games and kids get a free book while supplies last.
• At 5 p.m., Osolo will show “Home Alone” (PG, 1:43) with free popcorn for Throwback Theatre.

Mondays, Dec. 22 and 29

• From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pierre Moran hosts a Monday Movie Marathon for winter break, showing some seasonal and some fun family movies.