SHIPSHEWANA — Shipshewana kicks off its Christmas season Saturday with a light parade and candle lighting ceremony.
There will be many floats and carolers who will sing Christmas songs and light the Blue Gate Christmas tree to begin Shipshewanderland Christmas.
Many shops will be open until 9 p.m. — after the parade — for those wandering the streets looking for a Christmas cookie, hot cocoa, fresh ground coffee or pie.
The events
And as the countdown to Christmas continues, Shipshewana will have many special activities, including:
• Nov. 14 — Kid’s Day. Children and their parents can pick up a free “passport” at the Davis Mercantile Passport Station and begin their journey around Shipshewana to receive a special signature stamp, activity or token.
• Nov. 21 — Chocolate Day. Start off at Aunt Millie’s Candies and Nuts on the third floor of the Davis Mercantile with an unfilled Christmas box and a list of stores to visit throughout town that will fill a box with designer Shipshewana chocolates.
• Nov. 23 — Gingerbread display. This begins the town’s annual display of gingerbread houses. The public is invited to Yoder’s Shopping Center to cast their vote. Gingerbread houses will be on display throughout the Christmas season.
• Dec. 1 — Want a Wana Night Out? Hours will be 2 to 8 p.m.
Christmas Wanderland
• Dec. 5 — A Christmas Tree Wanderland will be on display at the Hostetler Hudson Auto Museum. Wander through various decorated trees standing throughout the Hudson cars. Take three canned goods, a new toy or monetary donation to enter the first Christmas tree display by local merchants.
The Christmas Tree Wanderland will be on display throughout December. This is a special month of giving back to the community by offering free admission to the Hudson Auto Museum to allow people to enjoy the trees on display and Hudson cars.
• Dec. 19 — Here comes Santa! Saint Nick will be at the Hudson Auto Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will be sharing gifts with the children.
• Dec. 28-31 — Shipshewana Ice Festival
• Dec. 28 — The public can watch carvings being done in front of businesses from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 29 — 2nd annual competition carvings at the Davis Mercantile parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch as the master chefs and carvers do their magic with ice.
• Dec 30 — Snowmobile races and a chili cook off. Races begin at 9 a.m. and race until 3 p.m. The public can enjoy hot chili from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and vote for Shipshewana’s best chili. Tickets are $5 for each event or free, with the purchase of a locally designed ice festival pin.
• Dec 31 — The public can view the completed ice sculptures around town.
Ice Festival pins
Those who buy Ice Festival pins are eligible for discounts, coupons and give-a-ways. Pins can be purchased at the Davis Mercantile and the Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association office.
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