Shipshewana To Hold Light Parade Nov. 9

Shipshewana Light Parade organizers are hard at work to expand the 17th Annual Light Parade Saturday, Nov. 9. Photos provided by Visit Shipshewana.

News Release

SHIPSHEWANA — The 17th Annual Lighting of Shipshewana and Christmas Light Parade kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 in downtown Shipshewana.

This annual kickoff to the Christmas season in Shipshewana is a welcome event for many of the thousands of people who come each year.

In 2023, more than 36,000 people attended the Lighting of Shipshewana. “This year will be one of the biggest light parades we have ever done,” said Andrew Rohrer, one of the event’s organizers. “The family-friendly atmosphere, food, lights and live music make for a wonderful getaway for families.”

The event is completely free to attend. While the lighting ceremony starts in the evening, activities will happen all day long. Local shops and vendors on Morton Street open at 10 a.m. and stay open after the lighting. From 1-5 p.m., Santa will be greeting children and there will be live reindeer and costumed characters available for photos. Harrison Street will be lined with food-trucks and there will be plenty of shopping.

Organizers have been working all year to make sure visitors have plenty to do from morning to night when the town lights up.

“We’ve expanded the experience for travelers coming to town for the festivities,” said Sonya Nash, executive director of the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB. “In addition to restaurants, there will be two dozen food trucks, free limited bleacher seating, additional restrooms and the new Market on Morton full of shopping opportunities.”

Alongside the lighting, the Michiana Events Center is hosting two indoor events. The Christmas Vintage and Craft Bazaar is Nov. 8 and 9 in the morning and afternoon. While the PBR Bull Fest brings the adrenaline-fueled action Friday and Saturday night. These are separate events and tickets are available online or at the door.

Town leaders advise visitors to plan ahead due to the success of previous years and the large crowds that the Lighting of Shipshewana attracts.

: Check for updates on parking, maps, routes and more at LightingofShipshewana.com.

Travel Advisory and Tips

Parking is limited by lot.
Use the provided maps to plan your route and parking.
The downtown area parking will fill up. There is additional parking at the town park and ball fields with shuttle service to downtown!
State Route 5 will be closed starting at 6pm from North Village Drive to Farver St on the South Side of Town, a quick detour with signage will be marked.
Arrive early, bring a chair, blankets and comfortable clothes and shoes.
Bench seating is limited.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. from the Flea Market Grounds and proceeds through town, passing by the Blue Gate Restaurant and Shipshewana Furniture Co. where the main stage will be set for the final countdown and Lighting Ceremony. The Ceremony begins immediately following the conclusion of the parade.

The Lighting of Shipshewana Ceremony will feature a Live Nativity, music by the Chuck Wagon Gang, a dramatic reading of the Christmas story and of course, the countdown to the lighting of the 53-foot tall Christmas Tree and thousands of Christmas lights for which Shipshewana has become famous.