Date: Nov 25, 2022
9 Magical Christmas & Winter Experiences in Shipshewana
Ready to feel the holiday spirit? Here are 9 magical Christmas experiences in Shipshewana, Indiana - a town that goes all in for the Christmas - to help you and your family get in the festive mood.
1. The Lighting of Shipshewana - Holiday Light Parade & Lighting Ceremony
The Lighting of Shipshewana is a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event when the entire community gathers to officially bring in the Christmas season to Shipshewana, IN. Thousands of visitors line the streets to experience this huge event. The spectacular floats, carolers, wagons and horses that march through town will delight and surpise the whole family.
Christmas Music and special events and photo opportunies take place throughout the entire day. The light parade begins at dark. The parade begins at the Shipshewana Flea Market grounds and wanders through downtown Shipshewana to end in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant. Along with the traditional tree lighting, there are Christmas Carols, Santa visits and refreshments throughout town. See the detailed schedule.
2. Shipshewana's Lights of Joy Drive-Thru Light Park
Select Dates in November & December
Over two million Christmas LED lights in free-standing holiday light displays will delight you and your family in this newest addition to the Shipshewana Christmas season.
This drive-through light park is at the Shipshewana RV Park (enter at the flea market) and is open 7 days a week (Closed Select Holidays). Get tickets and specifice dates and hours online at ShipshewanaLightsofJoy.com.
Photo Credit: Keith James Photography
3. Farmstead Inn's Amish Holiday Getaway
Here in Shipshewana, simple living is a choice. You'll slow down, and enjoy time in Shipshewana learning about the Amish lifestyle, experiencing the many activities that the Shipshewana Christmas and Winter Season have to offer, and savoring local cuisine. Spend a few days exploring Indiana's Amish Country with a memorable and fun family or girls getaway!
4. Chocolate Day Walk
Chocolate Walk Dates & Hours (November)
What could be more magical than chocolate? I mean, it's CHOCOLATE. Purchase your one of a kind chocolate box at Aunt Millie's Candy & Nuts inside the Davis Mercantile. Then stroll through town collecting chocolate confections to fill your box - it's all inclusive! For details, you can call 260-768-7728.
5. Wana Night Out
Held Tuesday After Thanksgiving
You probably know that Shipshewana is a town full of tradition, where stores typically close by 6 p.m. But on Wana Night Out, local merchants are open late offering some fantastic savings! It's the perfect day to shop for Christmas. Most stores in Shipshewana will stay open until 8 p.m. on this special evening of shopping, but individual hours may vary. Check visitshipshewa.com for advertisements.
6. Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Show Holiday Bazaar
Make plans to attend the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market's Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Show Holiday Bazaar, a craft and vintage-inspired pop-up market with over 100 amazing vendors.
Shop holiday gifts, antiques, salvage, artisan goods, handmade crafts, furniture, home decor, clothing, jewelry, baked goods and more. It's held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Miscellaneous & Antique Auction Building. Admission is just $5.00 at the door.
7. Kids Day & Santa Visits
Kids travel to locations throughout Shipshewana for a day of fun activities and surprises throughout the day and special acvitities in Santa's Village downtown from 12 pm. to 3 p.m.
There will also be free children's fingerprinting and photo I.D.s done by the Shipshewana Police Department at the Expo Barn.
8. Shipshewana Gingerbread House Competition
Gingerbread House Competition Event Details (December)
This event encourages visitors to join in the fun and decorate and enter a gingerbread house that will be judged with winners in two divisions receiving cash prizes! Houses are then on display in the Davis Mercantile until New Year's Eve for all to enjoy!
9. Shipshewana Ice Festival
Ice Festival Dates, Hours & Event Details (January)
Can anyone say winter wonderland? In January, ice carvers drill and shave blocks of ice all over Shipshewana at participating businesses. The creations they design are submitted by the sponsor or are the carver's choice. These professional carvers enjoy the challenge of creating!
Then, on day 2 of the festival, the ice carvers compete with their own designs for cash awards. While you're there, take part in the annual Chili Cook-off! Find out more at VisitShipshewana.com
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