SHIPSHEWANA — One of the nation’s most celebrated holiday parades will return to Shipshewana November 6–7, 2026, with a new two-day festival and a patriotic holiday theme: “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights.”
The Lighting of Shipshewana transforms the small town of approximately 800 residents into a major holiday destination, welcoming an estimated 40,000 visitors in a single day. The event was voted the No. 2 holiday parade in the nation in USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
This year’s theme will bring together the warmth of the Christmas season and a celebration of America through themed entries in the illuminated parade. The festivities begin Friday, November 6, with food trucks, hands-on holiday experiences, and an outdoor showing of the Christmas comedy Elf on Morton Street.
On Saturday, November 7, visitors can explore downtown Shipshewana, shop at local stores and holiday markets, enjoy live Christmas music, visit food trucks, and take part in family activities before the evening’s main event.
One of this year’s new family experiences is Jingle Junction: A Country Christmas Adventure. Children and their grown-ups will travel through a collection of festive stations featuring games, handmade crafts, sweet treats, stories, and activities inspired by the traditions and simple charm of Christmas in Amish Country.
At 6:00 p.m., illuminated floats, horse-drawn entries, decorated vehicles, and holiday characters will make their way through town during the annual Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade. Many of the parade’s elaborate displays are pulled by horses, creating a holiday spectacle that is uniquely Shipshewana.
Following the parade, the community will gather for a countdown to the lighting of Shipshewana’s downtown Christmas tree. With the flip of a switch, the tree, surrounding buildings, and downtown streets will come alive with thousands of Christmas lights, officially opening the holiday season in Shipshewana.
“There is something truly special about standing in the middle of a small town, watching the horse-drawn floats pass by and then counting down together as Shipshewana lights up for Christmas,” said Sonya Nash, CEO of the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is one of those moments that make you feel connected to the people around you, and we cannot wait to welcome families back to experience it.”
Additional Saturday festivities will include the Morton Street Holiday Market, live performances, face painting, Dutch Creek Animal Farm experiences, a Christmas Vintage Market, food trucks, and other family activities throughout Shipshewana.
The complete festival schedule, Jingle Junction admission information, parade route, parking details, and visitor planning resources will be available at VisitShipshewana.org.
About the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
The LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes Shipshewana and LaGrange County as a welcoming year-round destination known for its Amish heritage, locally owned businesses, family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation, and memorable events. The Bureau works with community partners to support tourism and share the people, places, and experiences that make LaGrange County special.
