COOKIE WALK | Portage

First Presbyterian Church, 6225 Lute Road will hold their annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. until noon Dec. 13. You may choose from a large assortment of home made cookies and candy for $6 per pound. Also available will be nut rolls and pumpkin rolls. Come early as we sell out fast.

FYI: (219) 762-4914

BENEFIT DINNER | Valparaiso

A benefit dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 22 for Jim Branham, a long-time Porter County firefighter who is now battling stage IV esophageal cancer, at the Elks Lodge, 157 Jefferson St. The evening will feature a dinner catered by Ruge's Meats, which will be served from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a cash bar, door prizes, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $20 per person. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.

FYI: (219) 926-1226

GOING GREEN | Lowell

Help decorate the farm for Christmas at Going Green for the Holiday, a program from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Road. Enjoy a cup of hot cider in the upper barn while helping make enchanting green reindeer. Then travel back in time to the pioneer cabin to decorate for Christmas Eve and to the schoolhouse for the Christmas pageant. Help decorate inside and out of the main house with fresh greens. Dress for the cold and bring work gloves. Call to RSVP.

FYI: (219) 769-7275

FISH FRY | South Haven

American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750 North, will host a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21. prices vary per menu item.

FYI: (219) 759-2121

TOYS FOR TOTS | Hammond

Napleton River Oaks Cadillac, 6131 Hohman Ave., has teamed up with Toys for Tots. The site will accept new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls through Dec. 15. Those who donate, will receive a $10 coupon redeemable in the service department. Toy drop-off hours are 9 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

FYI: (219) 933-0600

HARVEST AUCTION AND BREAKFAST | Porter Township

Salem United Methodist Church of Porter Township will sponsor an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at Salem Fellowship Hall, 756 W. County Road 350 South, across from the church. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 5 to 12. The annual Harvest Auction will be held that evening at 7 p.m. A light supper will be served at 6 p.m. at a cost of $5 and dessert for $1. There will be items donated by local merchants, crafts, dinners, hotel accommodations, gift baskets, gift certificates, homemade baked goods, plants and more. The proceeds will go toward supporting the missions of the church.

FYI: (219) 988-4700

PICTURE WITH SANTA | Munster

Children and/or pets can have their picture taken with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Calumet Harley-Davidson on Calumet Avenue. Pictures cost $6 each and all proceeds will go to the Humane Society Calumet Area.

FYI: (219) 922-3811

TREE LIGHTING | Lansing

Lansing's annual tree lighting is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Nov. 28 at Ridge Road and Henry Street. Come for Christmas carols, hot chocolate and the official throwing of the switch to light all of Lansing's decorations.

FYI: chamberoflansing.com

SANTA'S MARCH | Highland

Santa's March starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 at First Church of the Nazarene, 9330 Kennedy Ave. It continues down Kennedy Avenue to Main Square. Santa will be at the Main Square to pass out treat bags to all the kids. This event is sponsored by the Highland Special Events Committee and the treat bags are donated by the Highland Chamber of Commerce.

FYI: (219) 838-3794 or laurelwilsonroach@yahoo.com

HOLIDAY PARADE | East Chicago

Mayor George Pabey and the School City of East Chicago will have a holiday parade beginning at noon Nov. 22. Festivities close with a Christmas program and lighting of the trees at Washington Park. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet the children at the greenhouse.

FYI: eastchicago.com

HOLIDAY PARADE | Hammond

The 2008 Hammond Holiday Parade begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 6. The parade starts at Gavit High School, 1670 175th St. It heads east to Indianapolis Boulevard, turns north on Indianapolis and ends at 169th Street.

FYI: (219) 853-6378 or gohammond.com

MAGNIFICENT MILE | Chicago

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is Nov. 22. Attend this free event featuring the festive lighting of more than one million lights along North Michigan Avenue followed by a fireworks show over the Chicago River.

FYI: themagnificentmile.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Munster

The Munster Chamber of Commerce hosts Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 6 at Wilbur Wright Middle School, 8650 Columbia Ave. Children will have breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other costumed characters. Tickets for the event are $5 for children and adults. Seating times are 9 to 10 a.m., 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber of commerce office, 1040 Ridge Road; Citizens Financial Bank, 707 Ridge Road, and Chase Bank, 45th and White Oak Avenue.

FYI: (219) 836-5549

SANTA TAKES FLIGHT | Lansing

Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus when they arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 at the T.F. South Football Field. After greeting all the children, they will travel by fire engine for the official opening of the Santa House. The Santa House will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 20.

FYI: chamberoflansing.com

WAFFLE BREAKFAST I St. John

Enjoy the first Belgian waffle breakfast at Crown Point Christian School's new gym from 7 to 11 a.m. Nov.22 at 10550 Park Place in the Gates of St. John, off Ind. 231 between Cline and Parrish avenues. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the eighth grade class trip.

FYI: (219) 365-5694

TURKEY TROT | Portage

Portage Township YMCA's 8th annual Turkey Trot begins at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Y. There will be a 1k youth run, 2k family fun walk and a 5K run. Register by Nov. 17 to be guaranteed to receive a T-shirt. On race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:15 a.m.

FYI: (219) 762-9622

FUNDRAISER | Hobart

A fundraiser for Jamie Rodriguez will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Avalon Manor, 3550 E. US 30. Rodriguez is a 16 year-old Hobart girl and daughter of Gary pollice officer Primo Rodriguez. She was viciously beaten in Hobart's downtown a few months ago. This violent act left the girl with high chances of permanent bodily and brain injuries. Also, her family is in financial distress due to her ongoing medical care. My Brother's Salsa Band will be performing as the headliner at 7 p.m. Other entertainers donating their time are as follows: DJ Louie Rodriguez, DJ Danny, Solomon y Su Trio, Margaret Gomez Dance Group, Illusiones, Mariachi Del Sol, NaCoprw Dance Group, Clemente Bomba Dancers and Cuatro Group, Mariachi Santa Maria. Ticket donation is $10. Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez will be a guest speaker.

FYI: (219) 712-6187 or (574) 780-1740

RED AND PURPLE BALL | Gary

Classy Ladies United Chapter 6053 of the Red Hat Society will host the Red and Purple Ball Dec. 13 at Majestic Star Hotel ballroom, 21 Buffington Harbor. All Red Hatters and the general public are invited for cocktails, dining and entertainment. The attire is black tie and attendees must be 21 and older. Cash bar is available. Tickets are $40.

FYI: (219) 944-3412 or (219) 949-9683

SUNDAY BREAKFAST | South Haven

American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750 North, will host a Sunday breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 23. This is an all-you-can-eat breakfast with biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, French toast sticks, drinks and more. Cost is $6.

FYI: (219) 759-2121.

MADRIGAL CHRISTMAS FEASTE | Homewood

6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Andrew United Methodist United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road. The event has an all new story line and music. Guests will be greeted with a warm wassail beverage and then be ushered into the hall decorated like a castle interior. The madrigal singers will be wearing elaborate Renaissance costumes. There will be a catered dinner, drama and handbells. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger.

FYI: (708) 481-9060

ST. NICHOLAS DAY | Merrillville

Take a break from the rush of the holiday season and learn the real story of St. Nicholas at the Annual St. Nicholas Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Blvd. It begins with Liturgy at 9 a.m. Breakfast with St. Nicholas will follow at 10:30 a.m. After breakfast, St. Nicholas will talk with the children about his life in the 4th century and how he helped the poor and needy, with a special concern for children. Then the children will enjoy photo opportunities with St. Nicholas and join in singing Christmas carols, making crafts, group activities and games. There is no charge for admission, but attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

FYI: (219) 947-4748 or ptvm.com

HOLIDAY FAIR | Valparaiso

Alpha Sigma Lambda, VU's Alpha Tau chapter, invites you to convenient, one-stop shopping at their Holiday Fair at Valparaiso University, Union Great Hall, 1400 Chapel Dr., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Free admission. Proceeds provide scholarships for select VU non-traditional students. Vendors and crafters welcome.

FYI: (219)464-5341 or suzanna.tudor@valpo.edu

BARKER MANSION CHRISTMAS | Michigan City

The winter holiday season is considered by many to be the most wonderful time of the year. Barker Mansion celebrates the season with "Barker Mansion Presents: Christmas at the Movies." Hollywood has produced many movies to mark this season and ten are presented in the rooms of the Mansion, 631 Washington St. Enjoy the old fashioned warmth of "Miracle on 34th Street" as a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle. A ragged Christmas tree and Snoopy's dog house in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" are featured in the Butler's Pantry. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye starred in the glamorous movie "White Christmas" and a winter wonderland is created in the Dining Room. The value of family is underscored in "Home Alone II" and "It's A Wonderful Life". Also featured is LaPorte County's own "Prancer" about an 8-year-old girl who rescues an injured deer, believing he is one of Santa's team. Self-guided tours are noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 through 2 on Saturdays and Sundays and noon to 3 p.m.

Monday to Friday. Guided Christmas tours resume noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 22 through Jan. 15 on Saturdays and Sundays and10, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for youth under 18. Children 3 and under are free. The Mansion is closed Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1.

FYI: (219) 873-1520

PARK PROGRAMS | Hobart

Hobart Parks and Recreation Department has a full schedule of classes and programs starting now and detailed in a brochure available at the park office, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, as well as other locations in he community. Included are fitness classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the community center, porcelain painting classes on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings at the park annex building, a duplicate bridge learning program and scrapbooking classes for adults, as well as an activity program for preschoolers and a cheerleading program for youths.

FYI: (219) 942-2987

OPEN-SKATE | Flossmoor

H-F Ice Arena has open-skate sessions for practice or recreation from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $6 per person. Families can attend open skate from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sundays. A family of four can skate for $20. Skate rental is available. The H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave., also offers youth hockey leagues, adult hockey leagues and clinics, a women's-only and girls-only hockey team (the H-F Novas), birthday parties and private rentals.

FYI: (708) 957-0100 or hfparks.com

STEPPIN' CLASS | Merrillville

Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a Chicago-style Steppin' Dance class at the Pruzin Community Center, 5750 Tyler Place. Chicago-style steppin' is an urban-style ballroom dancing with intricate spins and turns to an eight-beat count. Wear leather-soled shoes to class. Cost is $45 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.

FYI: (219) 980-5911

DANCE LESSONS | Valparaiso

Just Us & Friends Dance Club is holding Beginners Line Dance Lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays at the Valparaiso American Legion, 4 Monroe St. Cost is $3 per class per student. Classes will be ongoing and geared to the student who has little or no experience in this type of dancing. Jack and Roxanne Anderson will teach basic steps and beginner choreographed dances.

FYI: (219) 462-3874 or linson5678@verizon.net

FISH FRY | Westville

Westville United Methodist Church hosts Chef Charley and Crew's all-you-can-eat fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday. The menu is Alaskan pollock (baked or fried), French fries or baked potato, coleslaw, roll with butter, a drink (coffee, punch or water.) Shrimp, chicken strips and hot dogs also available. The United Methodist Youth will sell soda for 50 cents to fund mission projects. The United Methodist Women will have a variety of desserts for $1 each. The cost is $7.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4.50 for children ages 3-10, and free for children younger than 3.

FYI: (219) 785-2314

NATIVITY BINGO | Portage

Nativity of Our Savior offers bingo Monday evenings at the church hall, 2929 Willowcreek Road. Early-bird games start at 6 p.m., followed by regular bingo at 6:45 p.m.

FYI: nativitybingo.homestead.comTEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT AND BRAVO JOHNNY SHOW | Hammond

TEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT AND BRAVO JOHNNY SHOW | HammondThere will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament that starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Hammond FOP, 7527 Kennedy Ave. Registration starts at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of 100 players. Buy in is $100 with $75 of it going into the winnable pot, and the rest paying for your beer, food, and cover for the Bravo Johnny show which starts at 10:30 p.m. You can reserve a seat for the tournament by paying $25 to the Hammond FOP. Reservations need to be made or they can't guarantee a seat. FYI: hammondfop.com

There will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament that starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Hammond FOP, 7527 Kennedy Ave. Registration starts at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of 100 players. Buy in is $100 with $75 of it going into the winnable pot, and the rest paying for your beer, food, and cover for the Bravo Johnny show which starts at 10:30 p.m. You can reserve a seat for the tournament by paying $25 to the Hammond FOP. Reservations need to be made or they can't guarantee a seat.

FYI: hammondfop.com