About This Festival

The Shipshewana Ice Festival and Chili Cook-Off is a popular annual winter event held in downtown Shipshewana, LaGrange County, Indiana. The 2025 festival takes place on January 17-18 and features professional ice carvers creating elaborate frozen sculptures throughout the town, culminating in an ice carving competition on Saturday starting at 11 am in the parking lot behind Davis Mercantile. Visitors can watch the carving process from Friday morning at 10 am through Saturday to see the finished works.

In addition to the ice carving, the festival hosts a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday at 11 am (until sold out) at the Smokehouse Grill & Supply on Morton Street. Chili lovers can taste various chili recipes, interact with cooks, and vote for their favorite. On Friday evening from 4 pm to 7 pm, there is also a wing sauce competition downtown at the same location. Many local stores extend their hours on Friday night, encouraging shopping and exploring in the festive winter town setting.

The broader atmosphere of the festival is that of a vibrant small-town winter celebration. Downtown Shipshewana transforms into a winter wonderland with numerous ice sculptures illuminated, creating a scenic and lively vibe complemented by the warm entertainment and food options. Visitors often wear the Ice Festival pin sold at the Visitor's Center, which allows them access to special deals at local businesses during the event.

Event Activities and Schedule (2025):

  • Friday, January 17:

    • 10:00 am: Ice carvers start their work; visitors can watch ice carving in progress around town.
    • 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Wing sauce competition at Smokehouse Grill & Supply.
    • Extended shopping hours at various local stores.

  • Saturday, January 18:

    • 11:00 am – Sold out: Chili Cook-Off at Smokehouse Grill & Supply.
    • 11:00 am onward: Ice Carving Competition begins in the parking lot behind Davis Mercantile.
    • Viewing of completed ice sculptures all around town.

Event History and Founding:

The Shipshewana Ice Festival has been held for over 18 years, originally starting as a community winter event to celebrate ice carving artistry and local culture. It has grown to attract visitors nationwide who come to see the creative ice sculptures and enjoy the festive, warm community atmosphere in the cold winter. The addition of the Chili Cook-Off and wing sauce competitions adds a culinary dimension that complements the visual art of ice carving, making the festival a well-rounded winter event.

Surrounding Area:

Shipshewana is a small town known for its Amish heritage and peaceful countryside, located in northern Indiana’s Amish country. During the Ice Festival, downtown is decorated with lights and buzzing with activity, creating a lively but cozy small-town vibe. The festival encourages local business participation, enhancing the overall experience with shopping, dining, and socializing opportunities.

The festival is fully handicapped accessible and provides a family-friendly environment appealing to visitors of all ages who want to enjoy a unique winter celebration blending art, food, and community spirit.