Dates: November 1 – December 31
Celebrate the season all across Nappanee with a town-wide Nutcracker takeover; painted displays by local artists and business owners, festive shop specials, hands-on activities, and magical moments for the whole family.
Town-Wide Nutcrackers
Stroll downtown to discover uniquely painted nutcrackers created by local artists and business owners.
Find what’s happening around town:
Bella's Books: Christmas Open House 11/7-11/8. Nutcracker drawing for 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% off entire purchase. Giveaways with every purchase, snacks & holiday fun. 11/1 - 12/24: Show them the social media picture of all of their employees wearing holiday hats for a discount!
Main Street Roasters: Holiday drink special menu
Neighbors Mercantile: Mention the word "nutcracker" and receive a free reusable tote
Dutch Kernel: Nutcracker specialty popcorn: caramel corn tossed with roasted hazelnuts, pecans & crushed pretzels drizzled in milk chocolate.
Thingamabaubles: Christmas wishlists, Letters to Santa desk, nutcracker craft
Nappanee Arts Center: Saturdays in November & December - Nutcracker activity FREE nutcracker arts and crafts at the Nutty Station for all (while supplies last)
10am - 2pm each Saturday and any day in November & December when the green light is on!
Nappanee Public Library: Nutcracker themed winter reading challenge.
Winter Reading Challenge: Crack Open a Book!
Join NPL this December for our Winter Reading Challenge, inspired by the Nutcrackers in Nappanee project. From December 1–29, “Crack Open a Book” and track your reading minutes or attend library programs to complete the challenge. Everyone who reads 750 minutes, or attends library programs, will earn a free book and tickets for a chance to win grand prizes like gift cards and bundles from local businesses.
We’ll have fun activities all month long, including a Nutcracker scavenger hunt and other surprises! Kick off the fun at our Winter Reading Kickoff Party on December 1 from 4–6 p.m. with treats, crafts, and family activities.
E. Newcomer and Son Jewelry: Nutcracker box for customers to enter to win a Lenox Nutcracker ornament every weekend from 11/1 - 12/20.
Jayla's Flowers, Gifts, Plants: November: DIY cornucopia. December: decor in birch wood tins. Free coffee & snack.
ELC Heritage Collection: Nutcracker ornament craft in museum.
Veni's Sweet Shop: 15% off any chocolate nutcracker in the store.
Perfect Twist Pretzels: Nutcracker pretzels
Blooms on Main: 30% off all Christmas items 12/6 from 9am-5pm. Refreshments & a nutcracker cookie for guests.
JR Firearms: 20% off of anything with a nutcracker sticker! Come in and look for the discounts!
Cork Emporium: crack a walnut with your hand, get 10% off. Crack 2 walnuts with your hand, get 20% off.
Sweet G's Ice Cream: Nutcracker sundae each Saturday during the Nappanee Nutcracker months.
Joyfully Made Pottery & Soaporium: Handmade nutcracker ornaments for sale.
1874 Found Goods & Gifts: Christmas Open House 11/7 - 11/8
Ruhe 152 Italian Bistro: Nutcracker Special: Buy one appetizer, get the 2nd one 1/2 off when you ask for it by name
Panthers Pizza: Holiday specials during Nappanee Nutcracker months. Open 11am on 12/6 with pizza by the slice & other specials.
Sweet Goodness Cake Co.: Purchase a Nutcracker shaped cookie and get a 20% off coupon for next in store holiday purchase. *Coupon expires 12/31/2025.
Market St. Manor Bed & Breakfast & Tea House: offers valid for the months of November & December during Nappanee Nutcracker event - Stop in to have your picture taken in our Nutcracker Photo Op inside the Pink Victorian. Purchase a $20 Gift Tea Set and receive a $5 Gift Card for the Tea House Cafe. Receive A Children’s Christmas Activity Sheet with the purchase of Child’s Meal. 12 and under. Make reservations for our Christmas Tree Tea Party. Now booking through December.
Countryside Inn: “The Nutcracker suite deal” Save 20% on any weekend stay in November - December and unwrap a surprise holiday treat in your room!
"Nutcracker Giving Tree" Help Clara Share the Joy — Bring a toy or placement item for a local child.
We are so excited to be partnering with Josiah White’s Foster Care! Everyone who donates gets entered to win a future stay at Countryside Inn.
Examples of placement items - What’s always needed: New underwear & socks (all sizes) - Pajamas with tags (infant to teen) - Full-size toiletries (shampoo, body wash, deodorant) - Diapers & wipes - Lice kits, detangler, hair brushes - Cozy blankets & stuffed animals - Gift Cards
Give with dignity. Choose items you’d be proud to give at a baby shower or birthday. Tags on. Nothing expired, stained, or slightly used. Think like a kid entering care with nothing.
If you had to pack in 5 minutes, what would you miss most? Cozy jammies. A toothbrush. A comforting stuffed animal. That’s your shopping list ❤️
