Here are six unforgettable things to do in Shipshewana at Christmas.
1. Lighting of Shipshewana – Light Parade & Ceremony
Select 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 Series
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 is held the fourth 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. Walkway of Lights
Looking for a magical walk through winter wonderland? Don’t miss a romantic walk with your special someone or a family stroll that goes on for a mile! Grab the family or your friends and experience this illuminated walkway that runs all the way from E & S Sales to downtown Shipshewana.
5. Lighted Carriage Rides
Explore Shipshewana in a beautiful lighted carriage and explore the beauty of the holidays in a fun and outdoor style.
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!
