The Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade has been named the second-best holiday parade in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The 17th annual parade was chosen by voters and placed above other nationally recognized parades nationwide.

“The Lighting of Shipshewana is a destination event that transforms the small town of 800 into a holiday attraction that draws in 40,000 visitors in one day,” said Sonya Nash, executive director of the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB. “The whole day is full of family activities and leads up to the big parade downtown and the town being lit up for the season.”

The event, created by the Blue Gate’s Riegsecker family in 2007, has grown beyond all expectations and is regularly the biggest day of the year for many local shops. This year saw continued growth with new attractions including the Market on Morton Street, more than two dozen food trucks, and 65 floats. “It’s a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can spend the day shopping and exploring our wonderful town ahead of enjoying the dazzling parade floats and tree lighting,” said Andrew Rohrer, vice president of sales and marketing at The Blue Gate.

Best Holiday Parades in the Nation:

America’s Thanksgiving Parade – Detroit, Michigan

The Lighting of Shipshewana Light Parade – Shipshewana, Indiana

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade – New Orleans, Louisiana

Reston Holiday Parade – Reston, Virginia

Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade – Calistoga, California

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – Chicago, Illinois

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade – Annapolis, Maryland

Grapevine Parade of Lights – Grapevine, Texas