Shipshewana offers an enchanting and cozy setting for a memorable holiday getaway with your girlfriends, where you can fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit without the crowds.
Highlights
- Magical Winter Wonderland: Experience beautiful light displays and the delightful Lights of Joy drive-through, creating a picturesque holiday atmosphere perfect for capturing moments with friends.
- Unique Shopping Experiences: Enjoy diverse shopping opportunities at local boutiques and the charming Davis Mercantile, where you can find unique gifts and handcrafted items to take home.
- Heartwarming Dining Options: Indulge in hearty Amish meals at renowned restaurants like the Blue Gate Restaurant, known for its delicious buffet and rich selection of desserts, ensuring a delightful culinary experience after a day of exploring.
The writer was hosted.
Shipshewana at Christmas is perfect for girlfriends: glowing light displays, expansive shopping, carriage rides, hearty Amish meals and festive holiday shows to end the day.
When we gathered our group of five for a Christmas girlfriend getaway last November, Shipshewana delivered festive magic without the crowds, lines, or pressure, just cozy moments, shared laughter and plenty of reasons to return.
Here are some ideas to help you plan your own special trip.
See Shipshewana Aglow
During the holidays, Shipshewana turns into a winter wonderland. The town is covered in lights that stretch for miles.
Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy
We drove through Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy for a sparkling experience. This drive-through display has over two million LED lights along nearly two miles. We played holiday music on the radio and enjoyed the colorful scenes from our warm car. It was a relaxing way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Shop for Unique Holiday Treasures
Christmas shopping in Shipshewana is an adventure in itself. We found so many unique gifts and local treats. Be sure to check store hours before you go, as many shops are closed on Sundays.
- Davis Mercantile: This four-story shopping haven is a must-visit. It houses 21 unique shops offering everything from boutique clothing to quaint souvenirs. We spent hours exploring and even took a nostalgic ride on the beautifully restored 1906 Dentzel Carousel on the top floor. Fun fact: there’s a tree that goes from the basement all the way to the roof.
- Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes: This group of stores specializes in handcrafted furniture and charming home decor. The Victorian Candy Company, located here, offers fudge and chocolates, perfect for gifts or treats.
- E & S Bulk Foods: To shop like a local, we headed to this amazing store. It’s famous for its vast selection of bulk spices, candies, cheeses, baked goods and one of my favorites, Happy Salt. It’s a fantastic place to find ingredients for your holiday baking or unique foodie gifts. Don’t miss getting their Peanut Butter Spread, a true Shipshewana Amish favorite.
- Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Company: This shop offers over 80 cheese varieties and 150 types of meat, including their famous in-house smoked bacon. It’s an excellent stop for specialty cheeses and meats for holiday meals.
- There are various other boutique-type stores in the area, including gift shops, clothing boutiques, and specialty food stores.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Shipshewana
Besides the lights and food, we spent our days doing fun activities that brought us closer and helped us learn about the local culture.
Festive Shows
The Blue Gate Theatre and Music Hall has a great lineup of holiday shows. We watched “The Christmas Candy Caper,” a cheerful musical that made us all smile. The theater feels warm and welcoming, so it’s a perfect spot for a night out.
The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center also hosts big-name musicians daily.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
One of our favorite moments was taking a horse-drawn carriage ride with Shipshewana Buggy Rides. Our carriage was lit up and looked like something from Cinderella. We snuggled under blankets while we toured the sparkling streets.
Menno-Hof
We toured the Menno-Hof Center to learn about the history and way of life of the Amish and Mennonite people. The multimedia displays and historical settings gave us a real appreciation for local heritage. The museum building was built through a traditional Amish barn-raising.
Hands-On Fun
- Pretzel Making at JoJo’s Pretzels: We had a blast learning to twist our own pretzels at JoJo’s, located in the Davis Mercantile. It was a fun, hands-on activity, and the warm, soft pretzels were a delicious reward.
- Basket Making at Teaberry Wood Products: Some of us channeled our inner artisans and made our own wooden baskets. It was a wonderful, creative experience, and we left with a beautiful, handcrafted souvenir to remember our trip.
Where to Stay for a Girl’s Christmas Weekend
After busy days, we needed a comfortable place to rest. Shipshewana offers several charming inns with warm hospitality.
Blue Gate Garden Inn
We stayed at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, which was decorated beautifully for the season. It resembles a rambling white farmhouse and offers spacious, comfortable rooms. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of many attractions. It is the ideal place to stay with some fantastic amenities such as:
- Heated pool
- Hot tub
- Arcade
- Outdoor Patio with fire pits
- Small gift shop
- Photo ops
- Suites
- Ice Cream Shoppe
- Breakfast Buffet
The Farmstead Inn
The Farmstead Inn is another good choice. It’s right across from the Lights of Joy and has cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s also a little closer to the shopping area. I stayed there before when I attended a conference.
Savor Homestyle Dining
The food in Shipshewana is pure comfort. We enjoyed hearty, home-cooked meals that felt like a warm hug on a cold day.
- Blue Gate Restaurant: Famous for its Amish-style buffet, this restaurant is a Shipshewana staple. We indulged in family-style dining with classic dishes and an incredible selection of 20+ different kinds of pie. If you can only have one meal in the area, make it the Blue Gate Restaurant Buffet.
- The Carriage House: For a truly authentic experience, we had lunch at The Carriage House, an in-home Amish dining experience. We were served a delicious meal of chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes on a family farm. This requires advanced reservations.
- Wana-Cup Restaurant: This spot offers classic American comfort food. It was perfect for a relaxed dinner after a full day of shopping and exploring. TIP: If going on a Friday for fish, it sells out early! Portions are large!
- Destination 814: This cozy spot in nearby LeGrange is known for its comfort food and seasonal specials. It’s a nice place for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends.
Know Before You Go: Shipshewana at Christmas
- Best days to visit: Weekdays when it’s less crowded.
- Book December shows early.
- Bring cash for Amish and Mennonite shops.
- Dress warmly for carriage rides and walks around town to see the lights.
- Drive slowly, you are often sharing the road with a horse and buggy.
Shipshewana Christmas FAQ’s
What Christmas events are happening?
Lights of Joy, downtown lights, Blue Gate Theatre shows, seasonal dinners and festive markets.
Is the Flea Market open in winter?
No outdoor market, but Davis Mercantile, Yoder’s shops and downtown boutiques stay open.
What shops are open for holiday shopping?
Most year-round shops: Davis Mercantile, Yoder’s Hardware & Department Store, bakeries, quilt shops and artisan boutiques. Don’t miss E & S Bulk Foods for Amish delights.
Where can I see Christmas lights?
Lights of Joy drive-through and decorated downtown Shipshewana.
Are there holiday shows?
Yes, the Blue Gate Theatre hosts Christmas musicals, concerts and dinner shows.
Can I take a carriage ride?
Often available on weekends or special event days; check local schedules.
How busy does Shipshewana get?
Weekends are bustling; weekdays are calmer for shopping and parking.
Is Shipshewana kid-friendly at Christmas?
Yes, there are lights, Menno-Hof experiences, family shows and festive displays.
What’s open on Sundays?
Some shops close, but select restaurants, hotels and attractions remain open.
How much time do I need?
A day for highlights; a weekend for shows, lights and relaxed exploring.
Is it worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely, you’ll find cozy shopping, holiday lights, Amish traditions and small-town charm.
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