Shipshewana

Shipshewana, Indiana, is one such delightful little town. It is an amazingly magical Christmas town that must be experienced to be believed. A holiday season in Shipshewana is one you'll never forget. This small Amish community in Indiana is a charming delight all year. It's pleasant, friendly, and so magical that you might find yourself wishing you could live here. Shipshewana comes alive in the winter, when the snow falls, and the nights become longer than the days.

Attend a variety of festivals and annual traditions that will undoubtedly become your own. The holiday season begins almost immediately after Halloween; in early November, attend the Shipshewana Christmas light parade, which is followed by a tree lighting ceremony. When the tree is lit, the holiday festivities in Shipshewana really begin. The annual Chocolate Day, held in mid-November, is one of the town's sweetest traditions. Get a one-of-a-kind chocolate box from Aunt Millie's Candy & Nut Shop before wandering around town collecting chocolates to fill it with. It's the epitome of pure magic.

Any visit to the fascinating town will include seeing horse-drawn carriages and learning about the local Amish-Mennonite culture. Shipshewana is a popular Heritage Trail stop. With a variety of guided tours of local establishments available, the town is a great way to explore the historic LaGrange County. Menno-Hof, along with the family-friendly Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, should be visited by visitors to Shipshewana for an interactive cultural experience. Explore the expansive flea market with over two dozen independent vendors selling handcrafted wares and antiquities from May to September.