A Grandparents’ Guide To The Ultimate Christmas Get-a-Way in Shipshewana
We love a good road trip, and a recent one took us to Shipshewana with our seven-year-old granddaughter in tow. I knew that our seven-year-old granddaughter would love Shipshewana, Indiana, for a magical Christmas experience – AND SHE LOVED IT ALL! Our only regret is that our weekend ended too soon.
It was no surprise that our granddaughter loved every moment of Christmas in Shipshewana. I have put together the grandparents’ guide to the ultimate getaway in Shipshewana, Indiana. On our visit, we experienced a beautiful Fall day, followed by a Wintry Winter day. Christmas with your grandkids in Shipshewana is the ultimate destination for the holidays.
Table of Contents
Where Is Shipshewana?
*This post is sponsored by Visit Shipshewana and a thank you to everyone who welcomed us into town, along with our seven-year-old granddaughter.
Shipshewana, Indiana, is located in northern Indiana. This charming town is 10 minutes from I-80/90, which traverses east to west across Indiana. Todd and I have driven from home to Shipshewana several times, and it’s an easy drive. It is 500 miles and eight hours from our home near Mason City, Iowa.
Why Is Shipshewana an Ideal Destination For Grandparents & Grandkids?
Shipshewana is a town with a population of around 800. It’s no secret that I love small towns and all that they have to offer. Family-friendly shopping, experiences, and an opportunity to slow down come together in one package: Shipshewana, Indiana.
A Magical Christmas In Shipshewana
The people are friendly, and it’s an opportunity for your family to learn about the Amish culture. On our visit with our granddaughter, we were surprised to hear her counting horses and buggies at the first sighting, about 10 miles out of town. By the end of our visit, she quit counting at 141 horses and buggies.
Christmas is extra special, particularly the first weekend in November. The PBR Rodeo and the Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade both take place this weekend. If you do plan to visit this weekend, book your lodging ahead of time. Shipshewana was very busy on this special weekend, but worth the experience with our granddaughter.
We all had the time of our lives. Shipshewana is all decked out through December 31, giving you plenty of days to view this Hallmark Christmas-like town! Note: Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy opens up the weekend after the Lighting of Shipshewana. A lighted holiday parade makes for a fantastic time experiencing Christmas with the grandkids in Shipshewana.
Stay At The Blue Gate Garden Inn In Shipshewana
800 S Van Buren St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-4725
bluegategardeninn.com
As soon as you set foot in the Blue Gate Garden Inn, you will realize you have chosen to stay in a magical place.
The lobby and grounds have all been transformed for the Christmas season. We had a kid-friendly room designed perfectly for us, with a separate bunk area for our seven-year-old granddaughter.
Breakfast is included with your stay, and it includes an omelet station and a yogurt station with fresh fruit. Our granddaughter loves blueberries and strawberries, which made the yogurt station a huge hit for us.
BONUS: Strawberry, Chocolate and Original waffle ingredients were available.
The on-site Ice Creamery (Ice Cream & Pizzeria) was a hit. Where else can you sit in a buggy and have a conversation?
Make Memories – Christmas In The Great Smoky Mountains
We also enjoyed playing air hockey in the arcade. An indoor swimming pool & hot tub are also available for families to enjoy.
The Blue Gate Garden Inn is a destination in itself, as you could stay busy at the resort all day long.
Holiday Magic In Branson, Missouri
Photos With Santa And Friends
Located in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery
If you do choose to visit on the day of the Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade, your grandkids will have an opportunity to meet Santa and friends. There is a separate roped-off area, in front of the Blue Gate. Our granddaughter was thrilled to wait in line to visit with Santa, The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who, Frosty the Snowman & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Magic of Christmas is all wrapped up in these two photos!
You can also have your photo taken with a real, live reindeer. Meet Evergreen, the six-month-old reindeer. Note: The lines appeared very long, but they moved rather quickly.
Attend A Show At The Blue Gate Theatre
Blue Gate Music Hall
175 N Van Buren ST
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-4725
thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/event/christmas-candy-caper-musical
The Christmas Candy Caper is playing in Blue Gate Music Hall throughout the holiday season. Our seven-year-old granddaughter loved this show! Her attention span is not always long, and this cast and storyline kept her attention for all 90 minutes.
The story is fun and entertaining while celebrating the Christmas season. After the show, the cast is out in the entryway, offering a fun photo opportunity.
Shop At A Candy Shop
The Victorian Candy Co
457 S Van Buren St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-3272
facebook.com/YodersRedBarnShoppes
The Victorian Candy Co in Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes was a huge hit with our granddaughter. We also found the checkerboards, making it a fun place to slow down and enjoy a game of checkers.
The Christmas fudge was on display and very tempting. We all enjoyed a sample of mouth-watering, holiday fudge. Christmas candy will be available all season long, so grab it while you can. With a long day ahead of us, we knew that Grandpa’s pocket needed to have some candy treats in it.
We found candy for our granddaughter and treats for us. The only drawback of our visit to this shopping area is that we didn’t have time to shop in all the other stores. On my next visit to Shipshewana, I plan to visit the “Hat Bar” that I noticed in one of the shops.
Enjoy Hot Chocolate In Shipshewana
Kitchen Cupboard
205 N Harrison St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768 – 7969
facebook.com/KitchenCupboard
The Kitchen Cupboard is located in the Davis Mercantile and offers a delicious array of favorite drinks. On a cold, winter day, hot chocolate is the ideal drink for families to warm up with.
We enjoyed sipping our hot chocolate and warming up before we found our seats for the Lighting of Shipshewana Holiday Parade.
Take A Buggy Ride In Shipshewana
Shipshewana Buggy Rides
140 Harriston St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 350-1768
shipshewanabuggyrides.com
I have been to Shipshewana several times and have never taken a buggy ride. Our driver was very knowledgeable and willing to share about his family and their way of life.
Our granddaughter enjoyed meeting our horse, Bonnie. The three of us hopped in the wagon, and we were off. Bonnie trotted along as we rode through the streets in Shipshewana.
It’s best to have reservations ahead of time, but you can always stop at the ticket booth to see if a buggy is available for you and your family.
Make A Doll In Shipshewana
Kid’s Kreations
150 N Harrison St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-7744
babybuzz.net
Kid’s Kreations was a family moment for us. Two years ago, I made an Amish doll, and our granddaughter made one on this trip. This doll shop is well recognized across the country, as people travel far and wide to shop at Kid’s Kreations. Owner, Clara, assisted in the Amish doll-making process both times, making sure everyone enjoyed the experience.
If you enjoy dolls, need doll clothing, doll replacement parts, and anything related to dolls, this shop has you covered. A memorable, unique experience is waiting for you at Kids Kreations. What a fun way to share an experience, along with Christmas in Shipshewana with your grandkids.
Check it out and maybe relive your childhood while making memories with your grandkids.
Attend a PBR Rodeo In Shipshewana
Michiana Event Center
455 E Farver St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-4990
michianaevents.com
The Michiana Event Center is a busy venue with events taking place throughout the year. A highlight of the Lighting of Shipshewana weekend is an experience unlike any other: a rodeo!
We had never attended a rodeo – Can you believe it? A PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Rodeo comes to town on the first weekend in November, and it’s a winning event.
Our granddaughter was tuned to it all before the actual rodeo kicked off. She did conquer the mechanical bull in the pre-rodeo activities.
After I signed the liability papers, reality sank in! I do believe, all three of us are now hooked on rodeos.
Enjoy Popcorn In Shipshewana
Shipshewana Popcorn Co.
100 S Van Buren St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 293-2534
shipshewananpopcorn.co
The Shipshewana Popcorn Co. is home to numerous flavors of popcorn. Flavors include Butterfinger, Cajun, Loaded Baked Potato, and about any flavor imaginable. Our granddaughter enjoyed sampling many of the flavors. I would suggest sampling Amish Krack™ if you have never tried it.
There’s something to be said about white chocolate cinnamon caramel corn. Are you craving popcorn now? It’s fair to say we left with our fair share of flavored popcorn. Another fun memory, sampling popcorn, while ejoying Christmas in Shipshewana with your grandkids.
Ride A Carousel In Shipshewana
Shipshewana Carousel Co.
255 Main St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768-7300
davismercantile.com/shipshewana-carousel-co
Need a special reason to visit the Davis Mercantile? A carousel is waiting for you on the third floor. You can ride the carousel all year long, and I’d suggest making it a goal to ride the carousel with your grandkids during the Christmas festivities. Adults and kids can ride the 1906 Dentzel Carousel. Riding a carousel is a fun way to experience Christmas in Shipshewana with your grandkids. When is the last time you hopped on a carousel?
The animals were commissioned to be carved to represent the animals you see while driving through the countryside around Shipshewana. From chickens, cows, horses, and dogs, an animal is waiting for you. Our seven-year-old granddaughter was all smiles as she rode the carousel. I took the horse behind her, and we went round and round for several minutes.
Eat Pretzels In Shipshewana
Jojo’s Pretzels
255 N Harrison St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
(260) 768 – 7759
jojospretzels.com
Let’s face it, if you know anything about Shipshewana, you cannot visit without enjoying a pretzel. Since 1989, the King family has been serving up pretzels. JoJo’s is also recognized as Shipshewana’s first pretzel shop.
Pretzels are the star item at JoJo’s Pretzels, along with kid-friendly hot dogs, chili dogs, and chicken salad sandwiches. If you have a hankering for something a little different, why not indulge in a root beer float?
We loved our visit to Shipshewana for the Christmas season. Every year, the first weekend of November is when the magical lights appear. The town offers Christmas festivities all season long. Plan your time for Christmas in Shipshewana with your grandkids and make memories you will talk about for years to come.
If you are looking for a town with small-town charm, the Christmas spirit, and an opportunity to slow down a little, Shipshewana is calling. A trip with your grandkids will show you how much fun you can have while visiting small-town America.
SaraB
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