Amish Country Christmas...along the Heritage Trail
Holiday’s in Northern Indiana Amish Country are a joyous time filled with FUN, FOOD, FAMILY, and FESTIVE TRADITIONS.
Escape the hectic schedule of the holiday season and step into a slower pace where you will breathe in the enticing aromas of pine trees and fresh baked pies and cookies. Feel the warmth from friendly Amish businesses as they invite you into their homes for a peak into the window of their unique world. Treasure memories of Christmas past and present as you delight in the magnificence of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree while you shop for unique gifts.
WE PROMISE YOU WILL DISCOVER WHY THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN NORTHERN INDIANA AMISH COUNTRY IS TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL!
AMISH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ... 3 DAY / 2 NIGHT SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Arrival Elkhart, Indiana
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Linton’s Enchanted Gardens “Holiday Village” [no admission]
Walk through a winter wonderland at Linton’s Enchanted Gardens Holiday Village where the scent of fresh pine and mulled cider fill the air. Linton’s offers 50,000 square feet of spectacular seasonal displays including 100 themed trees that feature over 10,000 unique ornaments. There is something for everyone on your list including ladies’ apparel, jewelry, Vera Bradley handbags, garden tools, home décor, candies and various other holiday goodies make your holiday shopping easy at this one-stop-shop.
3:00 p.m. Check-in at your host hotel
5:00 p.m. Depart for Evening Entertainment
SPECIAL DATES ONLY:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Shipshewana Majestic presents “Noel” at the Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana
Come enjoy our Christmas feast and experience true warm winter comfort where Shipshewana Majestic presents “Noel” a fun filled, holiday evening that is both amazing and uplifting! Your dinner buffet features traditional warm winter comfort food and a 30-minute Comedy, Juggling and Magic Entertainment show. Then enjoy “Noel” which is two full hours of nonstop Christmas excitement! Complete with equestrian adventures of all kinds, lovely aerialists with high in the air routines, world class vocalists singing traditional favorite songs of the season, festive lights, Yuletide dancers, and even a cow who thinks he’s a reindeer! “Noel” shares with you the real Reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and features one of the largest living nativities anywhere, complete with a re-creation of the stable and manger in Bethlehem where the savior was born. Glorious Angels herald the Lord’s coming as wise men from the East with real life camels come to witness the blessed miracle, as well as the townspeople with their sheep, goats, donkeys, and cows. The powerful music and narration of the nativity scene, and the message of hope and everlasting life that it brings will change your life! Upgrade your group to the VIP Experience and get a close look at what goes on behind the scenes with a backstage tour, meet cast members, take pictures on the back of the horses, and get up close and personal with the animal stars including the camels! Buffet Dinner menu includes Cranberry Salad, Roasted Turkey & Gravy, Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans,
Garlic Biscuits, Dessert, Water, Lemonade and Coffee.
- OR -
TUESDAY - SATURDAY, YEAR-ROUND:
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner at Das Dutchman Essenhaus with shopping and Holiday Tree Scavenger Hunt
Welcome to Das Dutchman Essenhaus, home of Indiana’s largest restaurant and a peaceful escape in the country which offers a unique combination of dining, lodging, and shopping opportunities. The attractive Amish style restaurant seats 1,100 and is the largest restaurant in the state of Indiana. After dinner enjoy shopping in one of several Village Shops (coupons provided) all on the same facility grounds. Shop for quilts, baked goods, home décor, ladies’ apparel, Vera Bradley, jewelry and more. Celebrate the holidays by enjoying the numerous festive trees, décor, and Christmas lights on the grounds.
Return to your host hotel following your evening experience
DAY TWO
6:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel & meet your guide in the hotel lobby
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. An Amish Woodworking Christmas experience at Teaberry Woodproducts
Laverne & Rachel Miller, Teaberry Woodproducts, welcome you to their rural family workshop nestled in the heart of Amish Country to watch their handcrafted décor, puzzles, baskets and cutting boards come to life. Today you’ll be treated to a personal authentic discussion sharing Christmas traditions, holiday experiences, and memories from the Miller family. You’ll watch a wooden nativity come to life before your eyes and then take one home to treasure for years to come!
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Shopping & Lunch on your own in downtown Shipshewana
SPECIAL DATES ONLY:
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15-16, 2023
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Blue Gate Buffet Dinner & “Glory & Majesty” Christmas Theatre show at the new PAC [$41.95 pp incl for groups 12-29, $38.95 pp incl for groups 30+ OR show only for $22.95 pp incl for groups 12-29 and $19.95 pp incl for groups 30+]
Welcome to the Blue Gate! Begin at the new Blue Gate Performing Arts Center for the wonderful production of “Glory & Majesty”. “Glory & Majesty” is a live-action telling of the Christmas (biblical) story with a 28-member cast. The Rick Webb Family interject wonderful Christmas music throughout the narration, and the show is an almost progressive style, in which cast members are added to stage throughout the show, then “freeze” for the duration. It’s a must-see and is a Blue Gate tradition with this being the 9th year! Following the show, travel the short distance to the Blue Gate Restaurant for the delicious buffet dinner. (Show at 2:00 p.m., Buffet following show as your dinner.)
SPECIAL DATES ONLY:
NOVEMBER 17 - 19 & NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30, 2023
6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Shipshewana Lights of Joy
Your group will drive through this light display occurring on the grounds of the famous Shipshewana Flea Market. More than 2 million LED lights and specialty displays will be viewed in a 25-minute period in an almost mile and a half long symphony of colorful light scenes.
- OR -
SPECIAL DATES ONLY:
FRIDAY -SUNDAY NIGHTS, NOVEMBER 24-26, DECEMBER 1-3, 8-10 & 15-22, 2023
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart
Featuring over 1 million lights in a breathtaking outdoor walkable setting at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, complete with fire pits, warming station and for purchase hot chocolate, cocktails, wine, and snacks. Your group can relax and enjoy this self-guided walking path around a level, paved botanical garden brought to life at nighttime with the festivity of the holiday season. This event is only offered certain days of the week for a limited time and can involve a mile of walking.
Return to your host hotel for relaxing evening
DAY THREE
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Stocking Stuffer Amish Country Backroads Tour
Get ready to stuff your stocking with treats and trinkets from one-of-a-kind Amish businesses as your step-on guide takes you through the backroads to Amish business that are off-the-beaten-path. As part of this unique and customizable experience, choose stops from the suggested list below. We will supply the Christmas “Stocking” Bag before you set off on an adventure like no other, stuffing your stocking as you go from stop to stop with items perfect for gift giving or maybe just as a personal treat for yourself on the ride home.
Choose (4) Stocking Stuffer stops for $18 total pp incl, additional stops can be included for no fee or for extra gifts; guide to determine timing and routing for the requested stops:
- Amish bakery - Amish noodle maker - Amish Toy Maker
- Amish sugar free jelly maker - Amish Cheese factory - Popcorn Shop
- Amish leather shop - Amish wind chime maker - E&S Bulk Food Store
Authentic Experiences on the Backroads Tour Options
Get to know local Amish entrepreneurs and see first-hand how they operate their unique enterprises. Hear the stories of friendly, hardworking people who use their special talents to create products and build businesses that serve the local community and beyond.
Guide to determine timing and routing for the following highlighted requested stops:
- One room Amish school - Amish buggy maker
Amish rug weaving demo & Whoopie Pie break
Leo & Lorene Miller welcome you to their Old Order Amish home where Leo has been handweaving rag rugs for years. Taught by his family, Leo will demonstrate how he weaves and creates his beautiful and functional rugs. Meanwhile Lorene, his wife, will serve you her famous whoopie pie and cold lemonade as both the Miller’s welcome your group and answer questions about their personal Amish lifestyle.
Lunch on their own at a location determined by the guide
4:00 p.m. Say Good-bye to your guide
EVENING DINNER OPTIONS [timing determined by dinner selection]
Make-Take Christmas Cookie Fun inside the Amish home at “Taste of Shipshewana”
Welcome to Brenda’s banquet room insider her Amish home. Enjoy festive and fun Christmas Cookie Decorating demonstration as she rolls, cuts and shares her families favorite cookie recipe right before your eyes. You’ll get your own hands into the fun as you group will ice and decorate your own cookie plates perfect to take home or munch in on the bus. Round out your tasty time with Brenda’s delicious Two Meat Thresher’s Meal.
- OR -
Jesus Donkey, Homespun Holiday Hands-On Experience & Meal at Meadow Brook Farm
Do you enjoy the sight of twinkling holiday lights on a snowy old tractor or the touch of a furry donkey nose? Come take a tour of the 1860 vintage home at Meadow Brook Farm, that was constructed during the Civil War. Hear documented stories from the farm’s author and storyteller from visitors that traveled the nearby Pumpkinvine Railway. The carefully restored barns are places of gathering and fellowship and is your host location for a delicious lunch. Enjoy hands-on fun with a make-take homespun donkey craft followed by the story of the Jesus Donkey with opportunities to pet and take a fun photo op which is just irresistible! You will create memorable experiences in this beautiful country setting! Enjoy a delicious catered dinner in the farmhouse chic barn to complete your evening.
Return to your host hotel following your evening experience
DAY FOUR
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel
Check out
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Holiday Christmas Shopping at Coppes Commons, Nappanee
Step back in time and visit Coppes Commons, the original 1876 building of the former Nappanee Furniture Co and the Coppes Bros. “Hoosier Cabinet” factory. Enjoy a collection of specialty shops, many Amish, which offer locally made, handcrafted and fresh-baked goods. From bulk food to coffee, pretzels, popcorn, books, teas, home décor and upcycle gifts, there is something for everyone on your Christmas wish list. Several counter-service restaurants, an antique mall, and an historic Hoosier Cabinet Museum also occupy the rambling 10,000 sq. ft. renovated spaces.
10:15 a.m. - Noon Morning Christmas Tea at the Coppes House B&B
Don’t wait for the king’s approval for a tea party! Join us at The Coppes House Bed and Breakfast for a delightful time! You are invited to Nappanee’s historic house of Frank and Katherine Coppes, an 1887 Victorian style home. The Coppes Family helped pioneer the town with flour milling, furniture & cabinet making, the Coppes Hotel and so much more. Four generations of Coppes Family members lived in the house before it was turned into a Bed and Breakfast in 1987. You will be greeted by the 4th InnKeepers of the historic house.
From the moment you enter, your eyes will instantly be drawn to the beautiful, hand-carved woodwork on the walls and large stairway to the rooms upstairs. The gorgeous Lamb Brothers and Greene-stained glass windows throughout the house is also a piece of Nappanee history. This house embodies a unique time in history, truly setting the stage for what Nappanee would become, for cabinet making and tourism. We invite you to experience the past, beauty, and uniqueness when you join us for your tea party. Your time with us will include a forenoon tea served with vintage teacups, fine china, and tableware, hot tea, fresh sweets, and an optional tour of the house.
Depart for home
NOTE: Prices subject to change without advance notice.
