You know it’s officially the holidays when you find a stray Halloween Reese’s in your coat pocket and realize it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. Ready or not, mama, the season starts this Saturday — and honestly? Let somebody else handle the twinkle lights this year.

The Lighting of Shipshewana is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Grab the kids, grab the cocoa, and let’s make a plan.

When Is the Shipshewana Light Parade 2026?

Mark it down: Saturday, November 7, 2026. The parade rolls out at 6:00 p.m. from the Shipshewana Flea Market grounds, and the downtown Christmas tree lighting happens right after the parade.

And here’s the fun twist: this year it’s a brand-new two-day festival, November 6–7. That means more family activities, live entertainment, food, and Christmas magic all over downtown. Get the full rundown on the Lighting of Shipshewana Festival page.

What You’ll See

This isn’t your average fire-truck-and-a-wave parade. Picture floats, tractors, horses, buses, carriages, golf carts, and trucks, all decked out in lights and music.

• Horse-drawn floats that are totally unique to Amish Country
• Holiday characters (cue the kids losing their minds)
• A countdown to the big tree lighting downtown

It’s also kind of a big deal nationally. The parade took second place in USA Today’s Best Holiday Parade voting last year, and it’s nominated again. You can vote for the Shipshewana Light Parade to help push it to No. 1!

Your No-Meltdown Game Plan

Thousands of people show up for this, so a little planning goes a long way. Based on how organizers ran things last year, here’s what to know:

• Get there early. Claim your spot along the route, then go shop and snack until showtime.
• Bring chairs and blankets. They’re allowed (and encouraged!).
• Park smart. Downtown fills up fast. Look for extra parking at the town park and ball fields with a shuttle to downtown.
• Expect to linger. If you park downtown, road closures and traffic may keep you there a bit after the parade. Translation: one more hot chocolate. You’re welcome.

Check the Lighting of Shipshewana parking and parade route maps before you leave the house so nobody’s navigating from the backseat.

Bonus: Make It a Whole Day

Downtown Shipshewana goes all-out with holiday shopping, character meet-and-greets, live music, and food trucks starting earlier in the day. Knock out a few Christmas gifts while the kids burn off energy? That’s what we call multitasking magic.

And if your crew can’t get enough sparkle, keep Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy on your radar for later in the season. It’s a drive-thru show with millions of LED lights — perfect for a pajamas-in-the-car night.

Your Turn!

Is the Shipshewana Light Parade a family tradition at your house, or will this be your first time? Tell us your must-have parade snack in the comments on our Facebook and Instagram — bonus points if it involves sprinkles! 🎄✨