Here are six unforgettable things to do in Shipshewana at Christmas.
1. Lighting of Shipshewana – Light Parade & Ceremony
Second Saturday in November
The Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade & Ceremony is a huge, one-of-a-kind event that ushers in the Holiday season. Thousands of visitors and residents line the streets to watch lighted floats, carriages, and more pass by during the light parade. The parade ends in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant, where there is a traditional Christmas tree lighting, complete with a reading of the Christmas story and Christmas Carols. It truly is a family-friendly event.
There are many other activities happening in town during the day including a visit from Santa, downtown shopping and entertainment.
After the Lighting Ceremony, the tree and Christmas lights all over town are up for the entire Christmas Season for visitors to enjoy throughout the holidays in Shipshewana.
2. Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Show Holiday Bazaar
Fourth Saturday in October and First Saturday in December
The Ship-Chic (pronounced ship-sheek) Holiday Show is an indoor Christmas market featuring 100+ vendors with amazing gifts, home decor, vintage items, handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, jewelry, baked goods and more.
Grab your girlfriends for a fun day of shopping for unique items and gifts.The Holiday Market is held the first Saturday in December from 9am – 3pm inside the Shipshewana Auction Building at 345 S Van Buren St in Shipshewana.
*The Ship-Chic Fall Market also held the third Saturday in October from 9 am – 3 pm.
3. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy
November & December on Select Dates | Shipshewana RV Park
Make holiday memories and traditions with your family by visiting the largest Holiday and Christmas Light Drive-Thru display in the region in Indiana Amish Country, Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy. Visitors will experience nearly 2 miles of colorful light displays and animatronics, featuring over two million LED lights in spectacular holiday displays.
Held at the Shipshewana RV Park, select dates in November and December. Shipshewana Trading Place and Blue Gate Hospitality have partnered to bring this holiday experience to Amish Country Indiana.
4. Chocolate Day Walk
Did somebody say “Chocolate?” On this special day in Shipshewana, visitors enjoy walking to various stores in town to collect delicious chocolates. What more could anyone want?
Start by purchasing a one-of-a-kind chocolate box at Aunt Millie’s Candy & Nuts inside the Davis Mercantile. Then stroll through the delightful town collecting chocolate confections to fill your box. All inclusive.
5. Gingerbread Jamboree
FREE to enter and view, get ready to pre-heat the oven, pull out the cookie sheets and pastry bag, put on your creative chef’s hat and enjoy the gingerbread competition!
6. Shipshewana Ice Festival
Carrying the holidays over into the winter, enjoy the annual Shipshewana Ice Festival, where teams of carvers take over the town to drill and shave blocks of ice into beautiful creations all over Shipshewana! The creations they design are submitted by a sponsor or are the carver’s choice. Visitors can enjoy seeing the carvings at various locations, watching the special ice carving competition, and voting for their favorite chili at the Chili Cook-Off.
To get the full experience, visitors can purchase the Shipshewana Ice Festival Pin which allows for free admission into the Chili Cook-off plus lots of discounts at Shipshewana stores during select dates!
Want more Shipshewana trip ideas? Check out our free e-book…the Ultimate Guide to Shipshewana!
