A Holiday Shopping Guide to Indiana’s Cool North

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Dina Miller

You’ve made your list. You’ve checked it twice. Now you’ve got to figure out what to get those that made the nice list! Northern Indiana is full of awesome shopping opportunities. From authentic, locally made treasures, to eclectic experiences you’ll only find in the Cool North, holiday shopping is a breeze across our seven unique counties. And don’t be afraid to pick up a little something for yourself. After shopping your way around Indiana’s Cool North, it’ll be a well-earned reward!

Some of these special shopping events are early in December, so don’t delay!

 

Stuff Every Stocking at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets

 

You can’t go wrong with one of the largest retail centers in Northern Indiana. At Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City, you’ll find top fashion brands for the whole family—with prices that won’t blow your holiday budget. Find the perfect party outfit at Banana Republic, H&M, or Michael Kors. If your New Year’s resolution involves hitting the gym, get ready to look the part at Adidas, Champion, or the Nike Factory Store. In search of a little sparkle? Slip something extra special under the tree this year with a gift from Kay Jewelers.

 

Get into the Christmas Spirit in Nappanee

 

Local creativity and craftsmanship come together to make one awesome shopping destination at Coppes Commons. Visit a number of small shops in the building.  Drop by Dutch Lady Antiques for something that hard-to-buy-for friend will love. Watch for the Coppes Christmas on complete with an artisan market, live music, and the chance to win some sweet gift certificates.  Neighbors Mercantile is the newest shopping destination in Nappanee, where you can find unique and nostalgic finds.

 

 

Nothing Beats a Bottle from Our Local Vineyards

 

Spread some Christmas cheer with a selection from one of Northern Indiana’s acclaimed wineries. If you’re around Indiana Dunes, Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery offers free tastings of their award-winning wines, like Rhubarb Blush and Blueberry, so you can sample your way to the perfect gift. Plus, they’ve got all the supplies a budding home brewer needs.

Discover even more wineries and breweries in Indiana’s Cool North.

 

 

Outfit the Outdoor Adventurer

 

For the outdoor person on your Christmas list, you need to visit Bass Pro Shops in Portage or Cabelas in Hammond.  They have everything imaginable for outdoor sports, adventure, and fun.  You might even consider a gift certificate to make it an experience, so that you can all visit the store together to enjoy the entertainment and museum quality displays.

 

 

Cozy Up with a Quilt

 

It’s quilt country around here, and we think there’s no better way to keep warm on a chilly winter night than bundling up in a quilt by the fire. Whether you know someone who’s looking to take on a new hobby, or you’re looking for the finished product hand-crafted by quality quilters, The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus in Middlebury has everything you need. Pick up supplies, pattern, and panels, or browse their selection of beautiful homemade quilts.   Rebecca Haarer Arts & Antiques in Shipshewana has a wide variety of antique American and locally made Amish quilts, rugs, dolls, and furniture, as well as a gift for the quilter!

 

Jingle All the Way to Downtown Shipshewana

Downtown Shipshewana transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The streets are lined with lights, family-friendly events are all around, and seasonal markets and craft fairs provide plenty of opportunities to check a few names off your shopping list. The Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Show on December 7, 2024 inside the Shipshewana Auction Antique & Misc. Building makes for a festive weekend that will put a little jingle in the step of even the biggest Grinch.

 

 

Join the European Market Community for that Special Item

The Mistletoe Market has become a much loved holiday tradition for the Chesterton European Market Community. Favorite markets, merchants and chefs come together on December 7, 2024 to offer the opportunity to pick up that special gift.  Perhaps it is a favorite market goodie you want to share, or something you’ve had your eye on and the holidays is your excuse to make the purchase!

 

 

 

Treat the Hostess with Popcorn and Candy

Don’t forget to keep gifts on hand to take along to a hostess, or for that person you forgot to add to your list.  Albanese has been crafting The World’s Best gummies, chocolates, and freshly roasted nutmeats for over 3 decades, making them perfect choices for delightful hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.  Another thoughtful gift is from the ChicagoLand Popcorn  at two locations in Merrillville and Gary.  With over 250 seasonal flavors of delicious freshly popped gourmet popcorn to choose from, there should be something that your hostess or friend would love.

 

 

Shop with Joy at Joyfully Said

 

Joyfully Said  based in Middlebury, crafts wooden signs that turn meaningful words and scenic designs into beautiful wall art. Known for its “Magnolia” experience, the shop also features a curated collection of trendy decor and gifts. It’s a place to find unique touches to create a warm, welcoming home.

 

 

 

Downtown Michigan City for an Old-Fashioned Experience

Downtown Michigan City offers a vibrant shopping experience, especially in the Uptown Arts District along Franklin Street. Here, visitors can explore unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, nearly all within a convenient three-block area. The district comes alive on First Fridays each month from 5-8 pm, when artists showcase their work, musicians perform, and local shops and restaurants offer special treats.

 

 

 

 

Discover the Schoolhouse Shop Magic

 

Visit this 1886 Porter County  Schoolhouse Shop  to discover all the magic that has been curated in this building for your unique gifts, artisan foods, and more. The store features affordable, quality clothing and accessories for both women and men from Dune Clothiers.

 

 

 

Gifts with Faith-Inspired Meaning of Christmas

 

Get Festive with the Fighting Irish

 

If you have a Fighting Irish fan in your life, an experience at a game may be the perfect gift!  If you are not able to treat them to the real deal with a ticket to a game, perhaps you can pick up the latest Irish gear or other home decor by visiting the Hammes Bookstore either at the Eck Center on campus, on Eddy Street, or by ordering online

 

 

 

 

Now that you’ve got some shopping inspiration, why not plan a holiday getaway in Indiana’s Cool North? Check out more places to shop, and even more things to do in Northern Indiana here.