The Lighting of Shipshewana

There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with the Lighting of Shipshewana! Taking place in the first part of November each year, this spectacular one-of-a-kind event brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the community and the Christmas season. Each year, thousands and thousands of guests line the streets of our quaint town to witness this joyous event.

Activities will begin as early as 10am – you can enjoy the whole day in Shipshe and not run out of things to do! Blue Gate Shops, Harrison Street Shops, Davis Mercantile and other downtown shops are open as late as 9 pm so you can look for that perfect Christmas gift… or, maybe a little something for yourself. Musical performances at the Blue Gate are available at 10am and 1pm, and there is Christmas music, Santa visits, open houses, games, and refreshments throughout town.

To get you in the holiday mood, stroll down Harrison Street and enjoy a Country Christmas.  Harrison Street will be closed to parking on Friday after 5:00 pm.   Pose in photo opportunities staged along Harrison Street to create that perfect Christmas card!  Father Christmas will be on the Davis Mercantile’s east porch from 3:00-6:00 pm.  A vintage Christmas truck and cute holiday scenes to sit in front of will also be available, and you will also see the Grinch, Elsa and live reindeer by the Blue Gate Restaurant. Warm yourself with hot chocolate, donuts, chili and other delicious foods served up by local food vendors from noon until 8:00 pm as you wait to watch the magical Shipshewana Light Parade. Some of the vendors for 2023 include Sweet Eliza’s doughnuts, Jo’s Vintage Coffee, JBONZ, Hilty’s Backwood Wings, Otto’s Elephant Ears, Smokehouse Grills, Taco Spot, Randy’s Famous Popcorn,  Lupita’s Mexican Food Truck, Jone’s Coffee Trailer, Nelson Chicken.  Shawna Rae’s and the Boardwalk Cafe will be serving up their normal menus of hot foods, popcorn and dessert.

LIGHT PARADE

Shuttle buses provided at the Town Park will bring people into town from approximately 3:00 – 7:00 pm

The Light Parade begins at 7:00 pm and showcases spectacular lighted floats while carolers, wagons and horses march through town delighting and surprising the whole family. The parade ends in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant.  Bleacher seating by the Davis Mercantile is limited and on a first come, first served basis, so guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs to watch the parade.  The bleachers by the Blue Gate are reserved and are for the Blue Gate only.

TOWN & BLUE GATE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The light parade is followed by the official lighting of the town of Shipshewana as well as the lighting of the amazing tree at the Blue Gate Restaurant. You don’t want to miss it!