What do a local bank, a bakery, a leather shop, and a therapeutic horseback riding organization have in common?
This Christmas, they're all helping bring something new to Shipshewana.
On Saturday, November 7, Jingle Junction: A Children's Country Christmas Adventure will make its debut during Lighting of Shipshewana weekend. Children will decorate cookies, play games, make crafts, and collect treats as they explore Christmas-themed stations inside Davis Hall.
But there's another story behind all the holiday fun, and it starts with the businesses and organizations that said yes to being part of it.
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Creating a brand-new Christmas event takes more than a good idea. It takes funding, supplies, volunteers, and plenty of people willing to pitch in.
Thanks in part to grant funding from the LaGrange County Community Foundation, Jingle Junction is becoming a reality.
The Foundation's support is helping bring a new family experience to one of Shipshewana's biggest weekends of the year. And once local businesses and organizations got involved, the idea began taking shape in some pretty creative ways.
"We’re excited to sponsor Jingle Junction, a brand-new Christmas experience that brings families together and creates opportunities to connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories. We believe strong communities are built through shared experiences that bring people together, strengthen family connections, and create a sense of belonging. We’re proud to invest in an experience that will bring joy to our community and create special holiday memories for families for years to come,"
From Candy Canes to Christmas Cookies
Instead of simply sponsoring the event, many local businesses are getting directly involved by creating and operating their own activity stations.
Loveway is bringing a little barnyard fun to Jingle Bell Stables, where children will try their hand at a snowball-feeding game.
At the Country Candy Counter, Farmers State Bank is trading banking for candy cane fishing, while LaGwana is helping little ones spread Christmas cheer by making cards at the Merry Mailroom.
The LaGrange Community Youth Center is adding festive temporary tattoos at the Tinsel & Twinkle Shop.
And with several local bakeries participating, there certainly won't be a shortage of sweet treats!
Country Lane Bakery and E&S Sales are helping bring cookie decorating to life at the Frosting Farmhouse, while Foltz Bakery is participating through the Foltz Bakery Snack Shop.
Rise'n Roll Bakery is joining the fun with a holiday treat station, and Aunt Millie's is bringing a little extra sweetness with a Pucker Powder activity.
ATA Excellence is getting children ready for the North Pole at Reindeer Training Camp, where they'll take part in a festive activity inspired by Santa's reindeer.
At Silver Star Leather, children will have the opportunity to create leather Christmas ornaments, bringing a little of Shipshewana's craftsmanship into the celebration.
Springfield Acres is adding some country Christmas charm with its Barnyard Christmas experience.
And before families head home, Fawn River Coffee will be helping warm everyone up with a hot cocoa experience.
It's a pretty impressive group, especially for an event that's just getting started
More Than Just Another Christmas Activity
Shipshewana has never had a shortage of Christmas traditions.
The Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade has become one of the community's most anticipated events, earning the No. 2 ranking in USA TODAY's 2024 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
This year, the celebration is growing into a two-day festival, November 6–7, with additional Friday entertainment, food trucks, vendors, Christmas characters, and an outdoor showing of Elf.
Jingle Junction adds something new to Saturday's festivities, giving families with younger children a place to enjoy hands-on activities before the evening parade.
But what makes the event especially meaningful is how many different parts of the community are involved.
From bakeries and banks to nonprofits and local businesses, each partner is contributing something different.
And together, they're creating an experience that no single organization could have put together quite the same way.
Be Part of Jingle Junction's First Year!
Jingle Junction takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Davis Hall, located at 285 Main Street in downtown Shipshewana.
The adventure runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with timed admission sessions to give families plenty of room to enjoy the activities.
Tickets are $8 per child in advance or $10 at the door. Adults and children under 2 are free.
Families are encouraged to purchase tickets online and reserve their preferred time.
When the doors open this November, children will see Christmas games, treats, and activities waiting for them.
Behind every station, though, will be a local business, organization, or volunteer who helped make it happen.
And that's a Christmas story worth sharing.