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. 

S. Claus & Co. Christmas Market

Location: 101 S. Main St Nappanee, IN 46550
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Step into a winter wonderland filled with artisan vendors, unique gifts, kids’ arts & crafts, and a festive photo-op area.

• Santa Saturdays: Meet Santa every Saturday from 10am - 6pm November 15 – December 20 (sponsored by Lippert & Newmar)

• Toys for Tots Sleigh: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the sleigh in the market (sponsored by Lippert & Newmar)

Downtown Enhancements & Contests

• Window Decorating Contest: Local businesses compete for holiday glory! The top 3 win a Golden Nutcracker.

• Artistic Trees: Brand-new artistic trees brighten all four corners of downtown.

Community Activities

• Nappanee Rocks Returns! (with the Nappanee Public Library):
  Paint a nutcracker-themed rock at the Nappanee Arts Center, hide it around town, and post a clue to the Nappanee Rocks Facebook page. Found a rock? Rehide it and share a new clue!

• Nappanee Arts Center: Enjoy three free art projects for guests.

• Letters to Santa: Kids can stop by Thingamabaubles to write and send their letters to Santa.

Special Event Day — December 6

Make a day of it downtown! Enjoy food vendors, artisan vendors, family activities, and live entertainment all day, leading up to the Miracles at Main & Market Parade in the evening.

Thank you to our sponsors: Newmar, Lippert, Visit Nappanee (VN), Nappanee Arts Council, & The City of Nappanee!