About This Festival

Christmas in Shipshewana is a festive, town-wide holiday celebration held in Shipshewana, Indiana, located in the heart of Amish Country, spanning from early November through the end of December. It features a charming small-town atmosphere with millions of Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the entire town, creating a magical setting reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Visitors can stroll through the quaint downtown area, shop for unique locally made gifts, and enjoy holiday-themed entertainment and activities that capture the spirit of the season.

Event Vibe and Surrounding Area

The event takes place throughout Shipshewana in LaGrange County, which combines small-town charm with Amish Country culture. The town is decorated extensively with Christmas lights and festive décor, fostering a warm, welcoming, and joyful holiday atmosphere. It is handicapped accessible, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the festivities.

Main Activities and Highlights

  • The Lighting of Shipshewana (November 8): The official start of holiday lights and decorations illuminating the town.
  • Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy (November 21 to December 31): A spectacular drive-thru light display at the Shipshewana RV Park featuring over two million LED lights stretched along nearly 2 miles, with synchronized Christmas music broadcast on local radio.
  • Shopping: Specialty stores and local vendors offer unique handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday treats—a favorite stop for Santa’s locally made products.
  • Ship-Chic Holiday Craft & Vintage Show (December 6): A market event with craft and vintage shopping opportunities.
  • Holiday Performances at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center:
    • Highlights include concerts and shows such as "The Magic of a Gospel Christmas," performances by The Texas Tenors, Dionne Warwick Christmas show, Gaither Homecoming Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, and many others running from early December through mid to late December.
  • Breakfast with Santa hosted by the LaGrange Fire Department, offering a family-friendly holiday experience.
  • Shipshewana’s Majestic Noel at the Michiana Event Center: An equestrian variety show featuring horses, talented riders, aerialists performing high-flying acrobatics, world-class vocalists singing Christmas favorites, and festive dancers spreading holiday cheer.
  • Other activities: Antique auctions, horse auctions on select days, holiday parades, gingerbread jamboree, chocolate day, and more.

Rough Schedule of Major Events and Locations

  • November 8: Lighting of Shipshewana — throughout the town.
  • November 21 to December 31: Lights of Joy Drive-Thru — Shipshewana RV Park (Open 6-9 PM Sun-Thurs, 6-10 PM Fri-Sat).
  • December 6: Ship-Chic Holiday Craft & Vintage Show — Shipshewana Antique and Miscellaneous Auction Building.
  • Early December (3-7): Various performances at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center including gospel music, The Texas Tenors, and more.
  • December 10-14: Continued holiday shows at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center including David Phelps and Cheap Trick performances.
  • Mid to Late December: Additional Christmas concerts and events at Blue Gate PAC.
  • Throughout December: Majestic Noel Equestrian Show at Michiana Event Center.
  • Family and community events like Breakfast with Santa and Craft shows sprinkled throughout the season.

History and Founding

While precise founding details are not explicitly given, Christmas in Shipshewana appears to build on the town’s heritage as an Amish Country destination known for its craft markets, antique auctions, and strong community traditions. The holiday celebrations have evolved into a cornerstone winter event, blending local culture with festive holiday traditions and national entertainment acts, designed to draw visitors for a unique and charming Christmas experience.

Overall, "Christmas in Shipshewana" offers visitors a comprehensive holiday experience with a range of activities focused on lights, shopping, live performances, and uniquely Amish cultural ambiance spread throughout the town and key venues like the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center and Michiana Event Center.