Chesterton, IN- The Hometown Christmas Celebration begins the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 26^th 2010 starting with charming carriage rides venturing through the Historic downtown from 3pm to 5pm, leaving from the Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 220 Broadway to get Porter County in the spirit for the Twilight Christmas Parade. The free horse drawn carriage rides are sponsored by the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce and provided by Buggies and Things.

The Twilight Christmas Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. from the Chesterton Middle School and continues through downtown from Broadway to Calumet Road, Porter Avenue and returning back to the middle school parking lot. There are over 30 entries, from floats to walking groups, decorated for the holiday theme all leading up to the big finish of Santa Coming to Town on the Chesterton Fire Department fire engine. Children may then visit with Santa after the parade from 6:00pm to 8:30pm in the Chesterton Park Department Santa House in Thomas Centennial Park. Santa will be in his house every Saturday through Christmas from 10:00 a.m. to noon and again from 1:00 to 3:00p.m.

Businesses downtown will remain open offering holiday snacks, warmth and of course Black Friday deals. Chesterton Feed & Garden will be selling holiday greens as well as samples of their fresh, hand-cut Christmas trees available for purchase at their location. Duneland Kiwanis will be selling flavored coffee and hot chocolate to parade attendees and carriage riders at 220 Broadway as well. For any questions or more information, please contact the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce at (219) 926-5513.