Lighting of Shipshewana Festival
Welcome to the Kickoff to the Holiday Season!
Christmas magic is coming to Shipshewana! Join us in the heart of Amish Country for the Lighting of Shipshewana Festival, where our community comes together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Join us November 7, 2026. Parade starts at 6:00 P.M.
From festive music and local shopping to family-friendly activities, delicious food and the spectacular Light Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your family, make a weekend of it and experience the magic of Christmas in Shipshewana!
What's new for 2026?
Friday Fun in Shipshewana
Start your Christmas weekend in Shipshewana with an evening full of festive family fun! Grab dinner from a food truck, explore hands-on holiday activities, and settle in for a showing of Elf under the stars on Morton Street. Bring your best Elf magic.
Gingerbread Village at E&S Sales
Join us for the unviling of this season's gingerbread village at E&S Sales on Friday, November 6th. Available to view until December 5, 2026 during E&S Sales's normal hours.
Snap a photo of your favorite one!
Jingle Junction Kids Adventure
Children and their grown-ups journey through festive stations featuring games, handmade crafts, sweet treats, stories, and holiday fun inspired by the traditions and charm of Amish Country. Travel around 12 stations in 45 mintues!
Christmas Music LIVE
Celebrate the season with the beautiful sounds of Christmas music from Prairie Heights Chior & The Northern Indiana Cloggers. Enjoy uplifting songs and traditional favorites that bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
Pottery Christmas Ornaments
Head over to Riverwood Pottery to paint your own Christmas Ornament. Choose from a snowman or reindeer. $5 per ornament and available Friday & Saturday during the Lighting of Shipshewana Festival!
Barnyeard Town Christmas
Meet furry and feathered friends at Barnyard Christmas downtown Shipshewana on Morton Street. Pet and feed goats, a giant camel and baby rabbits.
$10 entry fee!
Basket Making at Teaberry
Morton Street is packed with fun activities, but this one is the one you don't want to miss! Teaberry on Morton Street is offering wooden basket classes and or Sebastion the Snowman Ornament kits.
Tinsel, Treasure & Treats
Shop handcrafted items, yummy Christmas treats, and find new treasures at the Tinsel, Treasure & Treats Market located near the Shipshewana Auction Barn. Available Friday & Saturday!
Bouce Houses
Celebrate the season with the beautiful sounds of Christmas music from Prairie Heights Choir & The Northern Indiana Cloggers. Enjoy uplifting songs and traditional favorites that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. $5 for 12-15 minute bounce.
Breakfast at Blue Gate Restaurant
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Blue Gate Restaurant before enjoying the day of holiday fun!
7:00am - 10:30 am available by buffet
Returning Activities
Morton Street Holiday Market
Shop local and get into the holiday spirit at the Morton Street Holiday Market! Browse unique handmade goods, festive finds, gifts and more from local makers and vendors.
Face Painting
Add a little extra holiday magic with festive face painting! Choose a fun Christmas-inspired design and let the holiday spirit shine.
Christmas Vintage Market
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, vintage finds and unique holiday décor at the Christmas Vintage Market—perfect for finding something special this season.
Chuck Wagon Gang
Enjoy the timeless sounds of the Chuck Wagon Gang as they bring classic gospel and Christmas music to the festival.
Reindeer Scavenger Hunt
HELP! Santa's reindeer are hiding on Harrison Street. Stop into Cornucopia to pick up your scavender hunt sheet to find all the missing reindeer! Have fun hunting!
Food Trucks
Come hungry! Enjoy a variety of delicious food truck favorites throughout the festival, with tasty options for the whole family. Grab a bite, treat yourself to something sweet and keep the holiday fun going!
Light Parade
The moment the town comes alive for Christmas!
The holiday magic comes to life as Shipshewana lights up for the annual Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade! Watch festive floats, decorated vehicles and holiday characters make their way through town as we celebrate the start of the Christmas season. Gather your family, bundle up and find a spot along the route for this beloved Shipshewana tradition!
Parade starts at 6:00 P.M
Come early. Grab a spot. Stay for the lights!
Share your Festival Fun
Whether you are by yourself for traveling with family, we want to see your Holiday photos! Use #VisitShipshewana when posting your fun on social media. Or feel free to upload here!