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.
Dutch Creek Animal Farm
Get up close with some furry and feathered friends on Morton Street! Meet friendly animals, enjoy a fun hands-on experience and make a special holiday memory the whole family will love.
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.
Christmas Music LIVE
Celebrate the season with the beautiful sounds of Christmas music from Clinton Frame Church. Enjoy uplifting songs and traditional favorites that bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
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!