Wintertime Events, Activities, and Adventure

While things may slow down in winter with the colder weather or snow falling, things do not slow down in Shipshewana. One of the most asked questions this time of year is, ‘Is Shipshewana closed?’ No, the town is open through the season. For sure, winter is a quieter time, but you’ll find shops are still open, pies taste just as sweet, and authentic Amish food is just as good. So, visit the Heart of Amish Country for warm greetings, charming winter views, and unforgettable shows.

This is the time of year to enjoy the scenic beauty and inviting community – hike, bike, shop, eat, and explore off the beaten path. There’s plenty to do in town for your winter getaway and we’ve made it easy to find activities to enjoy for the season.

Dining

• The Blue Gate Restaurant: Hit the buffet and load up on your favorites from fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh vegetables, and salad. Of course end with a fresh slice of pie.
• Shawna Rae’s Bakery & Cafe: A from-scratch bakery & cafe with sandwiches, salads, and soups, plus cupcakes and cheesecakes made fresh daily.
• Wana-Cup Restaurant: Comfort food and hearty American platters, plus homemade root beer & ice cream.
• Corn Crib Cafe: A cozy cafe featuring homemade sandwiches, pizza, and burgers.
• Das Kaffee Haus: Keep warm with hot drinks, seasonal flavors, and great service at Das Kaffee Haus.
• Ben’s Soft Pretzels: From traditional soft pretzels to pretzel dogs dipped in mustard, you can’t go wrong with Ben’s.
• JoJo’s Pretzels: Dive into warm, cheesy goodness with a homemade pretzel right from the oven.
• East of Chicago Pizza: Fresh-made pizza and warm desserts great for the winter season.
• Shipshe Pizza & Mini-Golf: Amish-made pizza with a lunch and dinner buffet.
• Kitchen Cupboard: Grab a fresh cup of coffee to start your day and warm up as you walk and shop in town.
• Restaurant Row in LaGrange
  • Destination 814
    • Cozy up at this scratch kitchen and bourbon bar serving burgers, sandwiches, homemade dishes, and craft beers.
  • Fireside Craft Burgers & Brews 
    • Enjoy a craft beer bar with handcrafted burgers, house-smoked meats, and specialty cocktails.
  • Linder’s Tavern on Main
    • Stop by for delicious food like cheesy pizza, juicy burgers, fried fish, salads, and a full bar with Indiana-based craft beer
  • Graze LaGrange
    • February 28 – March 4: A full week where each restaurant on Restaurant Row has a Graze Menu with unique choices not offered at any other time at special low prices.

Shopping

• Yoder’s Shopping Center: Shop three stores in one for clothes, hats, shoes, gloves, hardware, gifts, games, food and drink, and over 20,000 bolts of fabric. Check out Yoder Department Store, Yoder’s Shipshewana Hardware, and Hoosier Banquets.
• Davis Mercantile: Four stories full of gifts, games, clothing, quilting, the 1906 carousel, JoJo’s Pretzels, and the Kitchen Cupboard coffee house.
• The Barn Door: Explore a unique selection of antiques, vintage, repurposed and new furniture, home decor and gifts in a rustic boutique setting.
• Morton and Harrison Street Shops: Downtown shopping at its finest. With dozens of stores all within walking distance of The Blue Gate and The Davis Mercantile.
• E & S Sales: Stock up on groceries and bulk food items for your stay or to take back home
• Yoder’s Meat & Cheese: Pack your cooler and fill it with food for your pantry and fridge. Find over 150 cuts of meat, 80 varieties of cheese, and a variety of jams and jellies
• No Place Like Oz Museum: Be Wicked and check out the private collection of over 6,000 Wizard of Oz collectibles and shop for themed gifts.
• Weekly Wednesday Auctions: Find a rare trinket or treasured item you can’t find anywhere else each Wednesday at the Antique Auction at the Flea Market Grounds.

Winter Events

• • Ice Festival
    • January 17 – 18
      • The 18th annual Ice Festival invites ice carvers to showcase their work around town. Watch live ice carving and enjoy the Chili Cookoff and Hot Sauce Wing Competition.
      • Pick up the 2025 Ice Festival Commemorative Pin for exclusive store discounts through January 31!
  • Pajama Day Sales
    • February 1
      • Dress in your finest PJs and shop for big discounts around town! Sales typically begin the day before, so book your overnight stay and wake up early to get the best deals before anyone else!
  • March Madness Makers Event
    • March 4 – 6
      • Three days and nights of crafting, DIY projects, and creativity at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center. Come with ideas and enjoy meeting other creatives all as you build and craft together!

• • Maple Syrup Days
    • March 15-16
      • A celebration of maple syrup complete with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Find out how it’s gathered, and made, plus get a first-hand look to see tapped maple trees at Maple Wood Nature Center.

Hotels and Lodging

• Van Buren Hotel – 1175 N Van Buren St, 260.768.7750
• Old Carriage Inn – 240 E Farver St, 260.768.7217
• Ole Tin Rooster AirBnB – 165 N Harrison St, 260.768.4160
• Farmhouse on Farver – 460 E Farver St, 260.768.4595
• Amish Log Cabin Lodging – 5970 N SR 5, 260.768.7770
• Blue Gate Garden Inn – 800 S Van Buren St., 260.768.7688
• Der Ruhe Blatz Motel – 1195 S Van Buren St., 260.768.7750
• Farmstead Inn & Conference Center – 370 S Van Buren St., 260.768.4595
• Farmyard Inn – 1360 N 850 W, 574.238.8128
• Morton House – 120 N Morton St., 574.238.5559

Outdoor Adventure

Head outdoors and enjoy the winter air on a new adventure:

• Pumpkinvine Trail: Perfect for biking and walking.
• Explore the acres of parks and nature around town.
• Take a carriage ride through Shipshewana. A great way to enjoy and sightsee around town and the countryside

Live Shows

There is always a live performance happening at The Blue Gate. Whether it’s at The Performing Arts Center or The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, there’s nothing like a live musical act or play in Shipshewana!

Don’t miss acts like Cheap Trick, Brett Young, Jay Leno, Larry the Cable Guy, and Drew & Ellie Holcomb. Just to name a few!

Get your tickets and book your stay at The Blue Gate!

Shipshewana in winter is a destination that promises warmth, excitement, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Come and experience the unique charm of the delightful town in wintertime!