The annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will once again rumble through Wisconsin on part of its journey through the northern U.S. and Canada! Check out fun stops with beautiful lights and entertainment – the stops will take place along its CP route in Wisconsin from Sunday, December 3rd through Tuesday, December 5th!
The dynamic lights dancing on the cars of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train adds to the magical holiday feel – and makes it easy to spot as it rumbles across the state!
Here’s the train’s scheduled stops and duration through Wisconsin, from Sturtevant through the Milwaukee area and on to La Crosse, with plenty of stops in between! Again this year, there is no stop in downtown Milwaukee; however, they did retain the stop in Caledonia, in northern Racine County. Basically, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train follows the same route as the Amtrak train – but it will really catch your eye and fill you with holiday spirit. Performers at all Wisconsin stops include Seaforth, Kiesza, Tenille Townes, Breland, Dallas Smith, and MacKenzie Porter. Enjoy!
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Schedule:
Station
Address
Date
Arrival
Event Times
Departure
Sturtevant
9900 East Exploration Ct., Amtrak Depot
2023-12-03
6:45 pm
7:00 – 7:30 pm
7:35 pm
Caledonia
11402 County G (near 5 1/2 Mile Road)
2023-12-03
8:05 pm
8:15 – 8:45 pm
8:50 pm
Wauwatosa
Harwood Ave Crossing
2023-12-04
4:00 pm
4:15 – 4:45 pm
4:50 pm
Hartland
Level crossing at Cottonwood Avenue
2023-12-04
5:30 pm
5:45 – 6:15 pm
6:20 pm
Oconomowoc
Silver Lake Street Railway Crossing, north side
2023-12-04
6:40 pm
6:45 – 7:15 pm
7:20 pm
Watertown
Brandt Quirt Park parking lot, adjacent to track
2023-12-04
7:50 pm
8:00 – 8:30 pm
8:35 pm
Columbus
Amtrak Depot
2023-12-04
9:05 pm
9:15 – 9:45 pm
9:50 pm
Portage
CP Yard adjacent to Averbeck Street
2023-12-05
1:15 pm
1:15 – 1:45 pm
1:50 pm
Wisconsin Dells
100 West La Crosse Street, Amtrak Depot
2023-12-05
2:30 pm
2:45 – 3:15 pm
3:20 pm
Mauston
Division Street railway crossing
2023-12-05
4:00 pm
4:15 – 4:45 pm
4:50 pm
Tomah
205 North Superior Avenue, Amtrak Depot
2023-12-05
5:25 pm
5:30 – 6:00 pm
6:05 pm
Sparta
Corner of South Water Street and Milwaukee Street
2023-12-05
6:40 pm
7:00 – 7:30 pm
7:35 pm
La Crosse
Amtrak Station, 601 Saint Andrew Street
2023-12-05
8:25 pm
8:30 – 9:00 pm
9:05 pm
Closest State Trunk Tour Highways to each stop (hint: Highway 16 hits basically of them from Hartland on west!):
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is back for its 22nd year! Normally held at Menominee Park along the Lake Winnebago shoreline, due to special projects at the park this year the celebration has moved to the EAA Grounds at Wittman Regional Airport, where the EAA AirVenture takes place – right off I-41 and Highway 26 & 44/91 for easy access and just as much fun! This year, it runs from Friday, November 25th through Sunday, December 31st every evening from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
The lights in the park reflect beautifully off the Lake Winnebago coast as you peruse a 1.2-mile stretch of illuminated holiday wonder. A 100-foot tree, sculptured scenes, twinkling animated light displays and accompanying holiday music makes this part of Oshkosh magical during the holidays.
Along with walking or driving through , you can enjoy a horse-pulled wagon ride through the grounds on select nights! You can book and pay for a carriage at 920-303-9200; they reserve rides in half-hour increments from 6pm to 8:30pm on the evenings of November 29th, December 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, and 20th. Reservations are required. Horse-pulled wagon rides are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-18, kids under 4 are free provided they sit on a lap.
Santa will also be in his Workshop November 25 – December 23 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm – Christmas Eve he’ll be out with his reindeer delivering presents, of course!
General Admission per carload is $20.00 with $5.00 off with a donation of a sealed hygiene item or non-perishable in-date food item. Food pantries across the area – scheduled by United Way – benefit from Celebration of Lights, so you’re helping for the holidays, too!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is open every day, 5:30pm – 9:00pm. I-41, U.S. 45, and Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, and 91 all bring you to Oshkosh!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights Address:
EAA Grounds
1858 Neunteufel Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 303-9200 Website
The WPS Garden of Lights brings the magic to the Green Bay Botanical Garden for the 27th year on Thursdays through Sundays November 24th-26th, November 30th-December 1st-3rd, 7th-10th, 14th-17th, 21st-23rd, & 26th-30th.
Check out more than 325,000 twinkling lights. Discover a spectacular array of botanical-themed light displays featuring an enchanted icicle forest, glistening flowers, a dazzling 60-foot walk-through butterfly house, and much more. The show is topped off with northeastern Wisconsin’s tallest and brightest shining tree. Enjoy this stunning winter landscape by foot or take a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Event capacity is limited, so try to pre-buy your tickets online and arrive during the date and time frame of your tickets.
Special features at the WPS Garden of Lights:
Explore a quarter of a million twinkling lights in botanical-themed light displays
Indulge in a tasty treat or beverage from the Winterberry Café (they don’t allow carry-ins)
Enjoy a model train exhibit set up by the G-Gagers Train Club
Warm up by the campfire
Shop for holiday gifts in the WPS Trellis Gift Shop
FREE parking onsite; overflow parking is also free and within walking distance
Other Special Dates & Features:
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides will be available as in previous years. Seating will be limited, with up to 10 guests per wagon; first come, first served. Tickets for the horse-drawn wagon rides must also be purchased in advance.
Letters to Santa will be available every night before Christmas; just place him in the North Pole mailbox.
Photos with Santa will not be available at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens this year, but appointments can be made at the nearby Ambroslus Studios at 2851 S. Packerland Drive by appointment. Call (920) 494-2294 to make one.
The WPS Trellis Gift Shop will be open every event night from 4:30 pm to 9 pm. You can shop for holiday gifts, home décor, locally handcrafted art and unique gardening items.
Dated and timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure proper capacity and parking availability. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You’ll find the WPS Garden of Lights inside Green Bay Botanical Garden along Larsen Road, just off Packerland Drive. It’s about a mile west of I-41, between Highway 54 and Highways 29/32. I-43, U.S. 141, and Highways 57 and 172 all bring you to Green Bay, too.
WPS Garden of Lights Address:
Green Bay Botanical Garden
2600 Larsen Road
Green Bay, WI 54303
(920) 490-9457 Website
Caledonia in northern Racine County features the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights, hosted Saturday, November 18th through January 1st at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort along Highway 38. The first Carnival of Lights took place in 2009 and it has grown in popularity every year since as more and more families experience the magic that the owners, the Isaacson family, have put together.
Every display at the Christmas Carnival of Lights is one-of-a-kind; all in all, it takes five weeks to set it all up. Each year you’ll find something new to see – and as it keeps growing, there are now over TWO MILLION LIGHTS in the trees!
Relax in the safety and comfort of your car as you wind your way through the campground on a 1.6-mile path, with lights on all sides and high above in the trees. Check out one-of-a-kind hand-crafted displays featuring elves, reindeer, forest friends, beloved children’s characters, Santa himself and more – it’s like stepping into one of your favorite Christmas movies. You can drive through the Carnival of Lights display and then enjoy a separate walk-through display, Santa’s Workshop, and more.
Check out their “one horse open sleigh,” too… well, more than one horse. This one seats guests in tiered and comfortable seating, masks are required this year. Some nights you can even ride with the big jolly guy, Santa! Make reservations for the sleigh here. You can also book a ride on the Golf Cart Holiday Trainfor a ride through the grounds and enjoy all the spectacular sights in a way you never could before.
Believers age 12 and under can write Santa a letter on the nights they cannot meet him in person and we’ll make sure he receives it. Santa then emails a personalized letter back to each child!
Also explore Santa’s Workshop with “Evy the Evergreen”. Evy is a 7 foot tall, magical Christmas tree. He talks, leads friends in Christmas Carols and tells stories like “The Night Before Christmas”. Evy is available every night to visit with friends and spread Christmas cheer.
Enjoy a variety of beverages available at Santa’s Workshop, including hot chocolate, apple cider, lattes, mochas and more.
TICKETS
Admission is $30/car – up to 8 people per car. Larger passenger vans, campers, limos, and mini buses are $45; large buses or motorhomes are $55. The Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights will partner with the Ronald McDonald House Charities for the holiday season, donating $1 per car, up to 4,000 cars.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-11 pm
GRAND OPENING November 18th, then closed Thanksgiving (the 23rd) and Friday the 24th for the 5K on-site
Starting November 25th, it’s open every day except December 25, Christmas Day
You’ll find Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park along Highway 38 in northern Racine County. It’s about three miles south of Highway 100, a little over two miles east and north from I-41/94, and three miles west of Highway 32.
Sheboygan hosts the 12th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 24th through December 31st, except for Christmas Eve, December 24th.
Making Spirits Bright takes place at Evergreen Park in Sheboygan. You can enjoy a 1.1 mile route through the park, enjoying hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights in displays choreographed to music aired on the dedicated 89.1FM radio setting. The show will be open from 5:00 to 9:00 PM every day from November 26th through New Year’s Eve, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Across the street you can visit the Quarryview Center for entertainment, wreath raffles, concessions, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to board a trolley to take you through the park. The fun at Quarryview Center is available Fridays & Saturdays from 5-9pm through December 23rd.
Admission to Making Spirits Bright is FREE! However, food pantry donations are requested. Items will be delivered to the Sheboygan County Food Bank each night and their volunteers disburse to food pantries throughout the county. With the significant increase in people needing help with basic necessities, the event has historically brought in thousands of pounds of donated items each year.
Evergreen Park is just off Highway 42 in Sheboygan, just southeast of its interchange with I-43 and a few miles north of the junctions with Highways 23 and 28. Here’s a map of the driving path, right off Highway 42 at Evergreen Park on the north side of Sheboygan (.pdf).
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show Address:
Evergreen Park/Quarryview Center
3100 Calumet Drive (Highway 42)
Sheboygan, WI 53083 Website Facebook Page
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland celebrates its 18th year in 2023! Since 2006, Rotary Winter Wonderland has grown to reach over 1,000,000 lights along with dozens of additional displays. It takes place in Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Park & Zoo, were you can enjoy the drive-thru route and/or the walking route. Doing both is recommended to fully enjoy all of the lights and displays.
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website Facebook Page
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 27th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Road geeks (like us on the State Trunk Tour) love the old Mobilgas pumps along the Country Christmas Tour!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Also, back by popular demand for the 3rd year, wagon rides will be available on the dates of November 27- 30th, December 4th – December 8th, and December 11th – December 15th. Rides start at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm and are $20 per person. Wagon rides include hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie; they can be purchased online. Carload admission is not required for wagon rides.
Country Christmas is again partnering with the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County (HAWS). On December 1st and 8th, $5 of each regular carload admission will go directly back to HAWS. Additionally, HAWS Mobile Adoption Center will have animals on site in Christmas Village those two nights from 5pm-9pm for guests to visit and adopt.
Country Christmas 2023 runs November 24, 2021 through January 1, 2024, closed November 30th. Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays. Admission is $25 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and holidays. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $55. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $35.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201 Website
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show. Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Website
The Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens is an annual holiday highlight in Janesville, the “City of Parks.” Follow the illuminated garden pathways on an evening stroll through the 20-acre botanical gardens, where the wintry garden paths are brought to life with more than 1.5 MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations, beautifully decorated trees, dangling icicle lights hung from the tallest trees in the Garden and more. Santa makes periodic stops (get the dates HERE), and they have other events like Silly Scarf Night, Holiday Sweater Night, and more.
Back by popular demand are the Selfie Stops & Photo Opps, with fun props and amazing backdrops that offer holiday photo opportunities both indoors and out. Step inside to enjoy a warm beverage as you watch the 200′ electric model train display, hand-sewn quilts, festive local musicians and holiday shopping.
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm on the following long weekends:
November 24-26, 2023
November 30-December 3, 2023
December 7-10, 2023
December 14-23, 2023
December 26-30, 2023
Admission is $12 for people age 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 3 to 12, and kids 2 and under are free.
It’s recommended this year that you purchase tickets in advance, although you can buy tickets in person at the Gardens between 10am and 3pm Mondays through Saturday. Tickets must be purchased for a specific evening so they can keep proper attendance levels and allow for social distancing.
On-site parking will be available, but you can also take advantage of their FREE shuttle service, beginning at 4:15pm each day of the show. The shuttle picks up visitors at Dawson Field and drops them off at Rotary Botanical Gardens. The shuttle will run throughout the duration of the Holiday Light Show. Dawson Field is located minutes from Rotary Botanical Gardens, at 920 Beloit Ave, Janesville, Wisconsin, 53546.
The Janesville Rotary Gardens are (obviously) in Janesville, where Highways 11, 14, 26, and U.S. 51 all come together, as well as I-39/90.
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens Address:
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 752-3885 Website
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is a HUGE show that claims over 12 MILLION LIGHTS – so it’s probably visible from space. It runs November 24th – December 31, 2023. Sam’s, located right along the Apple River in Somerset, features a 1/2-mile walk-through light tour, plenty of woods with trees adorned with holiday lights, a 500-foot light tunnel, a 50-foot animated tree, and fun for all ages across 40+ acres of holiday beauty. Sam’s also features a European-style Christmas market with plenty of ideas for holiday gifts, treats, and a lot more.
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is open seven days a week. On select Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s Drive-Thru only; Wednesdays through Sundays, it’s a walk-through. Hours are 5 pm – 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, 5 pm – 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets range from $15 for adults for the drive-thru $20 for the walk-thru. Kids ages 3-10 are $10; it’s free for kids 2 and younger. Military IDs get your 50% off admission as well. Parking is $10 cash on walk-through nights.
For even more adventure, Sam’s offers S’more Cabins, which you can book starting at $129 and enjoy the heated cabin, a S’more kit for up to 8 people, a campfire starter kit, firewood, and even a special visit from Santa. They have 21 cabins to choose from, and you can book them on drive-thru nights.
You’ll find Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour just off Highways 35 and 64 in Somerset, Wisconsin, along the Apple River in St. Croix County.
Chandelier lights over Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street in downtown Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 25th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
A podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Pere Marquette Park, one of several decorated parks during downtown Milwaukee’s Holiday Lights Festival. Photo credit: Alan Herzberg Jr. via Milwaukee Downtown.
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
The Plymouth Arts Center, touting Plymouth as the “Cheese Capital of the World,” is doing its 16th annual Big Cheese Drop and New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st and is ready for the biggest one yet!
This should make national news (again), since it’s been on the list for the top 10 things to do on New Year’s Eve for many years. All the details are on the Plymouth Arts Center website. While in downtown Plymouth, admire all the cool murals and decor along the historic downtown blocks, filled with great shops, restaurants, bars, and more.
Why is Plymouth the “Cheese Capital”? Well, it’s rooted in the fact that the price of cheese in the United States was designated at the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange in downtown Plymouth, beginning in 1918. The Cheese Exchange pricing and standards were the platform for cheese pricing until 1956. During these decades Plymouth became known as “Cheeseville” because of the cheese storage facilities, the processing of cheese and shipping of product throughout the country. Today, over 15% of the cheese consumed in the U.S. goes through the city.
Follow Highways 23, 57, or 67 to get to Plymouth and check out this unique way to ring in 2021. Check out a brief video clip of last year’s party below!
Address for the Big Cheese Drop in Plymouth for New Year’s Eve:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409 Website
Carp Fest: New York drops a lit ball at New Years’ Eve; Prairie du Chien drops a carp!
Yes, Prairie du Chien drops a real carp on New Year’s Eve. The carp, caught in the Mississippi, is named “Lucky”, and then frozen until New Years’ Eve. Lucky is then adorned with makeup and lights and lowered via crane. As soon as they ring in the New Year, people can kiss Lucky for good luck.
How’s that for a New Years’ Eve fish story?
Prairie du Chien, always down for a good, expanded party, has taken the original New Year’s Eve “Droppin’ of the Carp” and expanded it to a multi-day event with a variety of activities, many of which are quite family-friendly.
The BIG party for Carp Fest is the New Year’s Eve party that takes place on the west edge of downtown Prairie du Chien on St. Feriole Island Park by the Mississippi River. It starts at 9pm and culminates with the “Droppin’ of the Carp” a little before midnight to ring in 2020!
A earlier version of the carp drop for children and families – featuring “Lucky Carp Jr.” – takes place indoors at Hoffman Hall (1600 Wacouta Street.) The Family “Droppin of the Carp” takes place New Year’s Eve from 5pm – 6:30pm at Hoffman Hall featuring Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Miniature Dairy Goats, and Carnival Games. You can also meet the Carp King & Queen, meet Master Gardeners & Bixby The Rabbit, and Exotic Animals from Ridgetop Rescue. Of course they’ll have noisemakers and hats, plus Carp Corn, Pizza, and Hot Carp Chocolate (yes, we’re curious too…) for $1 each. This event is sponsored by Valley Fish & Cheese, a State Trunk Tour favorite located just east of the Mississippi River bridge where eastbound Highway 27 begins. Check out the shop, owned by “Sturgeon General” Mike Valley, and its incredible selection of fresh fish, meats, cheeses, uniquely Wisconsin items, and more!
Hit U.S. 18 or Highways 27, 35, or 60 and check this out!
Carp Fest Address:
St. Feriole Island
900 W. Blackhawk Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8602 Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
Start:
December 31, 2022 5:00 pm
End:
December 31, 2022 11:55 pm
Venue:
Downtown Prairie du Chien
Phone:
608-326-8602
Address:
400 W. Blackhawk, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821, United States
The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Make plans to visit Santa and his elves from 12:30pm – 2:00pm and 2:30pm -4:00pm.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 4 :00pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional brat fry.
Warm up around the bonfire while you roast a tasty s’more or two.
Climb aboard the trolley for rides around town and mingle through the local shops. The Holiday Open House will be happening in select downtown, riverfront and South Pier businesses to help with your holiday shopping.
Help us decorate our tree with handmade ornaments or write your letter to Santa and we’ll deliver it to the North Pole.
Participate in the ugly sweater contest to win prizes.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 6pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional Sheboygan Jaycees Brat Fry. Marketplace Vendors include:
Comfort & Joy Wooden Ornaments
Crafters Attic (soaps, lotions & more)
Fat Cat 3D creations
Hope Church Bake Sale
Infernal Candles
Mz.Nita’s Kitchen (desserts & baked goods)
Nap Time Treasures (wire jewelry)
She Sews Creations (purses, wallets, backpacks, kids pouches)
Sit back and relax for a bit with some holiday entertainment.
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060 Website
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website
Forget the “Big Apple” – go “Big Cherry”! The 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop takes place this New Year’s Eve in Sister Bay to ring in 2022. This takes place after the 8th annual “In With a Bang!” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, the only major fireworks show on the Door Peninsula. And really, what better way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in Door County than by dropping a giant cherry up to the stroke of midnight?
Begin with the fireworks, scheduled for 8:00 pm on Friday, December 31, at the Sister Bay Marina along Highway 42. They’re promising the biggest finale ever for the fireworks this year – even though they say that every year. Before and after the fireworks show, check out the village restaurants and bars for their celebration menus and specials. The fireworks are sponsored by the Village of Sister Bay.
It’s kinda-sorta like Times Square! The big party in Door County is in Sister Bay for New Year’s Eve, where the Cherry Drop is fast becoming a popular annual tradition.
Top off your evening with the 5th Annual Door County Cherry Drop, presented by one of our favorite Wisconsin radio stations, FM 106.9 The Lodge. Enjoy live music and libations at both Husby’s & Sister Bay Bowl, and then The Lodge will warm up the event with the biggest party tunes of all time starting at 10:30pm, broadcasting live from both Husby’s and The Sister Bay Bowl. Shortly before midnight, the giant sparkling cherry will drop in Sister Bay and welcome in 2022. You should too! The party continues for a while because, as you know, you have to keep it going for a while once a new year begins.
Find out more about the event in my State Trunk Tour podcast discussion with Jaime Forest from the Door County Radio Group! Listen on your free iHeartRadio app here or right on this page via Spreaker below:
You’ll find the festivities for the 8th annual In With A Bang! Fireworks show and the 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop along Highway 42 in Sister Bay, where Highway 57 ends. You’ll probably want to stay overnight, so find lodging and other resources at ComeToSisterBay.com.
Door County Cherry Drop & In With a Bang! Fireworks Show Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812 Website
Start:
December 31, 2021 8:00 pm
End:
January 1, 2022 1:00 am
Venue:
Downtown Sister Bay
Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI, 54234, United States
The Wonderland of Lights creates holiday magic at Racine Zoo, now through January 2, 2022. Enjoy dazzling illuminations from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle! This is a drive-thru this year, filled with enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, characters, a 96-foot “drive-thru” tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs, and more. It’s perfect for any age, but children ages 15 and younger also get a FREE piece of Yowie Candy during their visit, while supplies last!
Admission is $5/person, kids 2 years old and younger are admitted free. Cash or credit cards are accepted at the gate. The Wonderland of Lights is open from 6pm to 9pm Wednesdays – Sundays, and will be open on ALL holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The drive-thru works by having drivers enter at the 200 Goold Street gate entrance on the corner of Goold and Michigan Boulevard, just a few blocks east of Highway 32. People MUST queue on Michigan Boulevard along the lakefront; no left turns from Goold Street are allowed. Cars, minivans, and pickup trucks are welcome, please note that the height limit is 9 feet, 4 inches. Oversize vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, and recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. are not permitted. No honking is allowed (this is a zoo, please be respectful of the nearby animals) and the maximum speed allowed is 3mph.
Since it is a drive-thru only experience, masks are not required, but they do ask that you remain in your vehicle at all times.
The Racine Zoo is just north of downtown Racine along Lake Michigan, about 8 miles east of I-41/94. Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you into town; Highway 32 comes closest to the zoo. Map and queue directions can be found here. And ENJOY!
Wonderland of Lights Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189 Website
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 26th-28th, December 3rd-5th, December 10th-12th) in 2021.
This is the first-ever European style Christmas Market, and it’s put on by the Sister Bay Historical Society. Come shop local artisans and vendors and enjoy warm drinks and food. The Christkindlmarkt Door County is being held at the Society’s site, known as “Corner Of The Past” at Highway 57 and Fieldcrest Road. The beautiful tree-filled grounds and historic buildings will be filled with artists selling their handmade art, crafts and Christmas ornaments under a myriad of twinkling lights. Imagine the air filled with the fragrance of sizzling bratwurst, roasted nuts, pastries and hot-spiced gluhwein.
Children can enjoy Kinder Punch or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Santa Claus will be waiting in the cozy Anderson House to hear the children’s Christmas wishes while llama’s are grazing outside under the lit Christmas trees. Christmas music fills the air as you stroll through the booths or warm yourself by the fire pit. This is a great way to begin the Christmas holidays, definitely plan on making a stop here if your road trip plans include Door County in the coming weeks!
All parking is off-site, but you can park at Dovetail Acres along Highway 57 or the former Shopko parking lot along Highway 42 in Sister Bay and a shuttle service will bring you to the Christkindlmarkt Door County event. Buses should show up every 10 minutes, with enclosed tents to keep you warm if you have to wait.
You’ll find the Corner of the Past Museum, site of the Christkindlmarkt Door County, along Highway 57 at Fieldcrest Road, just south of Sister Bay. Highway 42 is nearby and easy, quick access is provided via Country Lane or Fieldcrest Road just southwest of Sister Bay.
Christkindlmarkt Door County Address:
Corner of the Past Museum
Highway 57 & Fieldcrest Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-7680 Website
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show ushers in holiday cheer with brilliant light displays, inflatable Santas, and massive, color-changing trees as part of an international-themed drive-thru experience with OVER ONE MILLION LIGHTS! From Friday, November 19th all the way through Sunday, January 2nd in 2022 (including all holidays), you and your family and friends can enjoy holiday displays from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States on a 1.4-mile route winding through Whitnall Park and the grounds of the Gardens themselves. Theatrical and concert lighting effects change the colors of giant trees and bushes on the route in spectacular fashion. From 20-foot tall inflatable Santas to neon palm trees, there are unique holiday displays around every corner. There’s even a mini drive-in theater!
Admission is $25 per carload, defined as any car, van, mini-van, pick-up truck, or SUV. You need to purchase your tickets online in advance. “Skip the Line” tickets gain early access between 4:30pm and 5:00pm for $35. Planning on showing up in a limo? They have a price for that, too: $51.50 (yes, just like the Van Halen album.) $51.50 also nets you a Season Pass for a car, good for up to four visits from November 19th up through January 2nd.
You can get to Boerner Botanical Gardens just off U.S. 45/Highway 100 and Highway 24 via Whitnall Park in Hales Corners. I-41/894 & I-43 are also close by! The entrance for this route is just off S. 92nd Street between College and Rawson Avenues; the address is 6751 S. 92nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132 for your GPS. It’s the same entrance as Whitnall Park Golf Course.
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show Address:
Milwaukee’s first Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, running from November 27th, 2021 through January 2nd, 2002! It happens at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center. Experience the awe and wonder of over one million glimmering Christmas lights, complemented by a unique artisan market, festive food & drink, daily live entertainment, locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers, and much more… Noel is truly a fairytale world come to life.
The family-friendly event will transform 90,000 square feet of the Expo Centre into a magical winter wonderland. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too!
One Million Twinkling Lights you can walk through indoors in comfort while enjoying the beauty
A Local Artisan Market. This curated Christmas market has a wide array of festive gifts and stocking stuffers from local boutique businesses and craft artisans.
Festive Food & Drink from a variety of vendors
Noel Princesses who will be there for greetings and photos
Santa’s Village, where you’ll find elves working on toys for Christmas and Santa himself to greet you and hear your wishes
Live Entertainment happening daily with a variety of artists and performers
Picture Perfect Opportunities with all of the lights and decorations, you can light up for Instagram account
Kids’ Activities including face painting, interactive light displays and a holiday play park
Date Night Opportunities. All of this adds up to a great date night!
Memories You Can Make from all of this, whether it’s a date night, family night, or if you just want to get into the spirit
Tickets are best purchased in advance and you can book your date and time to ensure easy entry and a fun time with some elbow room. Right now, take advantage of a 20% discount when you purchase tickets to attend Noel between Nov. 27 – Dec. 5th. Use promo code AGIFTFORYOU20.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center along Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, two blocks east of Highway 181/84th Street and less than a mile south of I-94 at Exit #306. U.S. 18, I-41/894, and U.S. 45 all bring you close, too!
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59 & Highway 181)
West Allis, WI 53214 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Holiday
December 3, 2023 – December 5, 2023
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will once again rumble through Wisconsin on part of its journey through the northern U.S. and Canada! Check out fun stops with beautiful lights and entertainment – the stops will take place along its CP route in Wisconsin from Sunday, December 3rd through Tuesday, December 5th!
Here’s the train’s scheduled stops and duration through Wisconsin, from Sturtevant through the Milwaukee area and on to La Crosse, with plenty of stops in between! Again this year, there is no stop in downtown Milwaukee; however, they did retain the stop in Caledonia, in northern Racine County. Basically, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train follows the same route as the Amtrak train – but it will really catch your eye and fill you with holiday spirit. Performers at all Wisconsin stops include Seaforth, Kiesza, Tenille Townes, Breland, Dallas Smith, and MacKenzie Porter. Enjoy!
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Schedule:
Closest State Trunk Tour Highways to each stop (hint: Highway 16 hits basically of them from Hartland on west!):
Sturtevant: Highway 20, Highway 11
Caledonia: I-41/94, Highway 31, Highway 32, Highway 38
Wauwatosa: Highway 181, US 18, I-41, I-94
Hartland: Highway 16, Highway 83
Oconomowoc: Highway 16, Highway 67
Watertown: Highway 16, Highway 19, Highway 26
Columbus: Highway 16, Highway 60, Highway 73, Highway 89, US 151
Portage: Highway 16, Highway 33, I-39, US 51
Wisconsin Dells: Highway 13, Highway 16, Highway 23, US 12
Mauston: US 12, Highway 16, Highway 58, Highway 82, I-90/94
Tomah: US 12, Highway 16, Highway 21, Highway 131, I-90/94
Sparta: Highway 16, Highway 21, Highway 27, Highway 71, I-90
La Crosse: I-90, Highway 16, Highway 33, Highway 35, US 14, US 53, US 61, I-90
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December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is back for its 22nd year! Normally held at Menominee Park along the Lake Winnebago shoreline, due to special projects at the park this year the celebration has moved to the EAA Grounds at Wittman Regional Airport, where the EAA AirVenture takes place – right off I-41 and Highway 26 & 44/91 for easy access and just as much fun! This year, it runs from Friday, November 25th through Sunday, December 31st every evening from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
The lights in the park reflect beautifully off the Lake Winnebago coast as you peruse a 1.2-mile stretch of illuminated holiday wonder. A 100-foot tree, sculptured scenes, twinkling animated light displays and accompanying holiday music makes this part of Oshkosh magical during the holidays.
Along with walking or driving through , you can enjoy a horse-pulled wagon ride through the grounds on select nights! You can book and pay for a carriage at 920-303-9200; they reserve rides in half-hour increments from 6pm to 8:30pm on the evenings of November 29th, December 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, and 20th. Reservations are required. Horse-pulled wagon rides are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-18, kids under 4 are free provided they sit on a lap.
General Admission per carload is $20.00 with $5.00 off with a donation of a sealed hygiene item or non-perishable in-date food item. Food pantries across the area – scheduled by United Way – benefit from Celebration of Lights, so you’re helping for the holidays, too!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is open every day, 5:30pm – 9:00pm. I-41, U.S. 45, and Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, and 91 all bring you to Oshkosh!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights Address:
EAA Grounds
1858 Neunteufel Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 303-9200
Website
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December 1, 2023 – December 30, 2023
WPS Garden of Lights at Green Bay Botanical Garden
The WPS Garden of Lights brings the magic to the Green Bay Botanical Garden for the 27th year on Thursdays through Sundays November 24th-26th, November 30th-December 1st-3rd, 7th-10th, 14th-17th, 21st-23rd, & 26th-30th.
Check out more than 325,000 twinkling lights. Discover a spectacular array of botanical-themed light displays featuring an enchanted icicle forest, glistening flowers, a dazzling 60-foot walk-through butterfly house, and much more. The show is topped off with northeastern Wisconsin’s tallest and brightest shining tree. Enjoy this stunning winter landscape by foot or take a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Event capacity is limited, so try to pre-buy your tickets online and arrive during the date and time frame of your tickets.
Other Special Dates & Features:
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides will be available as in previous years. Seating will be limited, with up to 10 guests per wagon; first come, first served. Tickets for the horse-drawn wagon rides must also be purchased in advance.
Letters to Santa will be available every night before Christmas; just place him in the North Pole mailbox.
Photos with Santa will not be available at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens this year, but appointments can be made at the nearby Ambroslus Studios at 2851 S. Packerland Drive by appointment. Call (920) 494-2294 to make one.
The WPS Trellis Gift Shop will be open every event night from 4:30 pm to 9 pm. You can shop for holiday gifts, home décor, locally handcrafted art and unique gardening items.
Dated and timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure proper capacity and parking availability. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You’ll find the WPS Garden of Lights inside Green Bay Botanical Garden along Larsen Road, just off Packerland Drive. It’s about a mile west of I-41, between Highway 54 and Highways 29/32. I-43, U.S. 141, and Highways 57 and 172 all bring you to Green Bay, too.
WPS Garden of Lights Address:
Green Bay Botanical Garden
2600 Larsen Road
Green Bay, WI 54303
(920) 490-9457
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Caledonia in northern Racine County features the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights, hosted Saturday, November 18th through January 1st at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort along Highway 38. The first Carnival of Lights took place in 2009 and it has grown in popularity every year since as more and more families experience the magic that the owners, the Isaacson family, have put together.
Every display at the Christmas Carnival of Lights is one-of-a-kind; all in all, it takes five weeks to set it all up. Each year you’ll find something new to see – and as it keeps growing, there are now over TWO MILLION LIGHTS in the trees!
Relax in the safety and comfort of your car as you wind your way through the campground on a 1.6-mile path, with lights on all sides and high above in the trees. Check out one-of-a-kind hand-crafted displays featuring elves, reindeer, forest friends, beloved children’s characters, Santa himself and more – it’s like stepping into one of your favorite Christmas movies. You can drive through the Carnival of Lights display and then enjoy a separate walk-through display, Santa’s Workshop, and more.
Check out their “one horse open sleigh,” too… well, more than one horse. This one seats guests in tiered and comfortable seating, masks are required this year. Some nights you can even ride with the big jolly guy, Santa! Make reservations for the sleigh here. You can also book a ride on the Golf Cart Holiday Train for a ride through the grounds and enjoy all the spectacular sights in a way you never could before.
Believers age 12 and under can write Santa a letter on the nights they cannot meet him in person and we’ll make sure he receives it. Santa then emails a personalized letter back to each child!
Also explore Santa’s Workshop with “Evy the Evergreen”. Evy is a 7 foot tall, magical Christmas tree. He talks, leads friends in Christmas Carols and tells stories like “The Night Before Christmas”. Evy is available every night to visit with friends and spread Christmas cheer.
Enjoy a variety of beverages available at Santa’s Workshop, including hot chocolate, apple cider, lattes, mochas and more.
TICKETS
Admission is $30/car – up to 8 people per car. Larger passenger vans, campers, limos, and mini buses are $45; large buses or motorhomes are $55. The Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights will partner with the Ronald McDonald House Charities for the holiday season, donating $1 per car, up to 4,000 cars.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-11 pm
GRAND OPENING November 18th, then closed Thanksgiving (the 23rd) and Friday the 24th for the 5K on-site
Starting November 25th, it’s open every day except December 25, Christmas Day
Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights Address:
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
8425 State Trunk Highway 38
Caledonia, WI 53108
(262) 835-2565
Website
You’ll find Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park along Highway 38 in northern Racine County. It’s about three miles south of Highway 100, a little over two miles east and north from I-41/94, and three miles west of Highway 32.
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December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show, Sheboygan
Sheboygan hosts the 12th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 24th through December 31st, except for Christmas Eve, December 24th.
Across the street you can visit the Quarryview Center for entertainment, wreath raffles, concessions, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to board a trolley to take you through the park. The fun at Quarryview Center is available Fridays & Saturdays from 5-9pm through December 23rd.
Admission to Making Spirits Bright is FREE! However, food pantry donations are requested. Items will be delivered to the Sheboygan County Food Bank each night and their volunteers disburse to food pantries throughout the county. With the significant increase in people needing help with basic necessities, the event has historically brought in thousands of pounds of donated items each year.
Evergreen Park is just off Highway 42 in Sheboygan, just southeast of its interchange with I-43 and a few miles north of the junctions with Highways 23 and 28. Here’s a map of the driving path, right off Highway 42 at Evergreen Park on the north side of Sheboygan (.pdf).
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show Address:
Evergreen Park/Quarryview Center
3100 Calumet Drive (Highway 42)
Sheboygan, WI 53083
Website
Facebook Page
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website
Facebook Page
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Country Christmas at the Ingleside, Pewaukee
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 27th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Country Christmas is again partnering with the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County (HAWS). On December 1st and 8th, $5 of each regular carload admission will go directly back to HAWS. Additionally, HAWS Mobile Adoption Center will have animals on site in Christmas Village those two nights from 5pm-9pm for guests to visit and adopt.
Country Christmas 2023 runs November 24, 2021 through January 1, 2024, closed November 30th.
Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays.
Admission is $25 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and holidays. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $55. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $35.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show. Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Website
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December 1, 2023 – December 30, 2023
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens
The Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens is an annual holiday highlight in Janesville, the “City of Parks.” Follow the illuminated garden pathways on an evening stroll through the 20-acre botanical gardens, where the wintry garden paths are brought to life with more than 1.5 MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations, beautifully decorated trees, dangling icicle lights hung from the tallest trees in the Garden and more. Santa makes periodic stops (get the dates HERE), and they have other events like Silly Scarf Night, Holiday Sweater Night, and more.
Back by popular demand are the Selfie Stops & Photo Opps, with fun props and amazing backdrops that offer holiday photo opportunities both indoors and out. Step inside to enjoy a warm beverage as you watch the 200′ electric model train display, hand-sewn quilts, festive local musicians and holiday shopping.
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm on the following long weekends:
November 24-26, 2023
November 30-December 3, 2023
December 7-10, 2023
December 14-23, 2023
December 26-30, 2023
Admission is $12 for people age 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 3 to 12, and kids 2 and under are free.
It’s recommended this year that you purchase tickets in advance, although you can buy tickets in person at the Gardens between 10am and 3pm Mondays through Saturday. Tickets must be purchased for a specific evening so they can keep proper attendance levels and allow for social distancing.
On-site parking will be available, but you can also take advantage of their FREE shuttle service, beginning at 4:15pm each day of the show. The shuttle picks up visitors at Dawson Field and drops them off at Rotary Botanical Gardens. The shuttle will run throughout the duration of the Holiday Light Show. Dawson Field is located minutes from Rotary Botanical Gardens, at 920 Beloit Ave, Janesville, Wisconsin, 53546.
The Janesville Rotary Gardens are (obviously) in Janesville, where Highways 11, 14, 26, and U.S. 51 all come together, as well as I-39/90.
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens Address:
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 752-3885
Website
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December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour, Somerset
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is a HUGE show that claims over 12 MILLION LIGHTS – so it’s probably visible from space. It runs November 24th – December 31, 2023. Sam’s, located right along the Apple River in Somerset, features a 1/2-mile walk-through light tour, plenty of woods with trees adorned with holiday lights, a 500-foot light tunnel, a 50-foot animated tree, and fun for all ages across 40+ acres of holiday beauty. Sam’s also features a European-style Christmas market with plenty of ideas for holiday gifts, treats, and a lot more.
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is open seven days a week. On select Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s Drive-Thru only; Wednesdays through Sundays, it’s a walk-through. Hours are 5 pm – 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, 5 pm – 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets range from $15 for adults for the drive-thru $20 for the walk-thru. Kids ages 3-10 are $10; it’s free for kids 2 and younger. Military IDs get your 50% off admission as well. Parking is $10 cash on walk-through nights.
For even more adventure, Sam’s offers S’more Cabins, which you can book starting at $129 and enjoy the heated cabin, a S’more kit for up to 8 people, a campfire starter kit, firewood, and even a special visit from Santa. They have 21 cabins to choose from, and you can book them on drive-thru nights.
You’ll find Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour just off Highways 35 and 64 in Somerset, Wisconsin, along the Apple River in St. Croix County.
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour Address:
710 Spring Street
Somerset, WI 54025
(715) 247-5099
Website
Instagram Page
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 25th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
A podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Episode 1: Community Spirit Park at Cathedral Square Park:
Episode 2: HiBEARnation Station at Pere Marquette Park:
Episode 3: Red Arrow Park:
Episode 4: Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies at Zeidler Union Square:
Episode 5: Wisconsin Avenue – Vel R. Phillips Avenue to Prospect Avenue:
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
It all kicks off Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm, where Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate, WISN 12, will feature holiday acts on stage in a televised performance.
The lights and decorations downtown continue all the way through New Year’s Day 2024, because we’re all ready for a new year.
Download their full guide (.pdf) or keep up on their website for more as we go through the holiday!
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
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December 31, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Plymouth’s New Years’ Eve “Cheese Drop”
The Plymouth Arts Center, touting Plymouth as the “Cheese Capital of the World,” is doing its 16th annual Big Cheese Drop and New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st and is ready for the biggest one yet!
This should make national news (again), since it’s been on the list for the top 10 things to do on New Year’s Eve for many years. All the details are on the Plymouth Arts Center website. While in downtown Plymouth, admire all the cool murals and decor along the historic downtown blocks, filled with great shops, restaurants, bars, and more.
Why is Plymouth the “Cheese Capital”? Well, it’s rooted in the fact that the price of cheese in the United States was designated at the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange in downtown Plymouth, beginning in 1918. The Cheese Exchange pricing and standards were the platform for cheese pricing until 1956. During these decades Plymouth became known as “Cheeseville” because of the cheese storage facilities, the processing of cheese and shipping of product throughout the country. Today, over 15% of the cheese consumed in the U.S. goes through the city.
Follow Highways 23, 57, or 67 to get to Plymouth and check out this unique way to ring in 2021. Check out a brief video clip of last year’s party below!
Address for the Big Cheese Drop in Plymouth for New Year’s Eve:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409
Website
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Prairie du Chien Carp Fest
Carp Fest: New York drops a lit ball at New Years’ Eve; Prairie du Chien drops a carp!
Yes, Prairie du Chien drops a real carp on New Year’s Eve. The carp, caught in the Mississippi, is named “Lucky”, and then frozen until New Years’ Eve. Lucky is then adorned with makeup and lights and lowered via crane. As soon as they ring in the New Year, people can kiss Lucky for good luck.
How’s that for a New Years’ Eve fish story?
Prairie du Chien, always down for a good, expanded party, has taken the original New Year’s Eve “Droppin’ of the Carp” and expanded it to a multi-day event with a variety of activities, many of which are quite family-friendly.
The BIG party for Carp Fest is the New Year’s Eve party that takes place on the west edge of downtown Prairie du Chien on St. Feriole Island Park by the Mississippi River. It starts at 9pm and culminates with the “Droppin’ of the Carp” a little before midnight to ring in 2020!
A earlier version of the carp drop for children and families – featuring “Lucky Carp Jr.” – takes place indoors at Hoffman Hall (1600 Wacouta Street.) The Family “Droppin of the Carp” takes place New Year’s Eve from 5pm – 6:30pm at Hoffman Hall featuring Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Miniature Dairy Goats, and Carnival Games. You can also meet the Carp King & Queen, meet Master Gardeners & Bixby The Rabbit, and Exotic Animals from Ridgetop Rescue. Of course they’ll have noisemakers and hats, plus Carp Corn, Pizza, and Hot Carp Chocolate (yes, we’re curious too…) for $1 each. This event is sponsored by Valley Fish & Cheese, a State Trunk Tour favorite located just east of the Mississippi River bridge where eastbound Highway 27 begins. Check out the shop, owned by “Sturgeon General” Mike Valley, and its incredible selection of fresh fish, meats, cheeses, uniquely Wisconsin items, and more!
Hit U.S. 18 or Highways 27, 35, or 60 and check this out!
Carp Fest Address:
St. Feriole Island
900 W. Blackhawk Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8602
Website
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December 3, 2022
Jingle & Mingle, Sheboygan
The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060
Website
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November 27, 2022 – December 29, 2022
Lights in Lincoln Park, Manitowoc
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night
You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Website
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December 31, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Door County Cherry Drop & In With A Bang! New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Forget the “Big Apple” – go “Big Cherry”! The 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop takes place this New Year’s Eve in Sister Bay to ring in 2022. This takes place after the 8th annual “In With a Bang!” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, the only major fireworks show on the Door Peninsula. And really, what better way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in Door County than by dropping a giant cherry up to the stroke of midnight?
Begin with the fireworks, scheduled for 8:00 pm on Friday, December 31, at the Sister Bay Marina along Highway 42. They’re promising the biggest finale ever for the fireworks this year – even though they say that every year. Before and after the fireworks show, check out the village restaurants and bars for their celebration menus and specials. The fireworks are sponsored by the Village of Sister Bay.
Top off your evening with the 5th Annual Door County Cherry Drop, presented by one of our favorite Wisconsin radio stations, FM 106.9 The Lodge. Enjoy live music and libations at both Husby’s & Sister Bay Bowl, and then The Lodge will warm up the event with the biggest party tunes of all time starting at 10:30pm, broadcasting live from both Husby’s and The Sister Bay Bowl. Shortly before midnight, the giant sparkling cherry will drop in Sister Bay and welcome in 2022. You should too! The party continues for a while because, as you know, you have to keep it going for a while once a new year begins.
Find out more about the event in my State Trunk Tour podcast discussion with Jaime Forest from the Door County Radio Group! Listen on your free iHeartRadio app here or right on this page via Spreaker below:
You’ll find the festivities for the 8th annual In With A Bang! Fireworks show and the 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop along Highway 42 in Sister Bay, where Highway 57 ends. You’ll probably want to stay overnight, so find lodging and other resources at ComeToSisterBay.com.
Door County Cherry Drop & In With a Bang! Fireworks Show Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812
Website
December 22, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Wonderland of Lights, Racine Zoo
The Wonderland of Lights creates holiday magic at Racine Zoo, now through January 2, 2022. Enjoy dazzling illuminations from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle! This is a drive-thru this year, filled with enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, characters, a 96-foot “drive-thru” tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs, and more. It’s perfect for any age, but children ages 15 and younger also get a FREE piece of Yowie Candy during their visit, while supplies last!
Admission is $5/person, kids 2 years old and younger are admitted free. Cash or credit cards are accepted at the gate. The Wonderland of Lights is open from 6pm to 9pm Wednesdays – Sundays, and will be open on ALL holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The drive-thru works by having drivers enter at the 200 Goold Street gate entrance on the corner of Goold and Michigan Boulevard, just a few blocks east of Highway 32. People MUST queue on Michigan Boulevard along the lakefront; no left turns from Goold Street are allowed. Cars, minivans, and pickup trucks are welcome, please note that the height limit is 9 feet, 4 inches. Oversize vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, and recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. are not permitted. No honking is allowed (this is a zoo, please be respectful of the nearby animals) and the maximum speed allowed is 3mph.
Since it is a drive-thru only experience, masks are not required, but they do ask that you remain in your vehicle at all times.
The Racine Zoo is just north of downtown Racine along Lake Michigan, about 8 miles east of I-41/94. Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you into town; Highway 32 comes closest to the zoo. Map and queue directions can be found here. And ENJOY!
Wonderland of Lights Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189
Website
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December 3, 2021 – December 12, 2021
Christkindlmarkt Door County
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 26th-28th, December 3rd-5th, December 10th-12th) in 2021.
This is the first-ever European style Christmas Market, and it’s put on by the Sister Bay Historical Society. Come shop local artisans and vendors and enjoy warm drinks and food. The Christkindlmarkt Door County is being held at the Society’s site, known as “Corner Of The Past” at Highway 57 and Fieldcrest Road. The beautiful tree-filled grounds and historic buildings will be filled with artists selling their handmade art, crafts and Christmas ornaments under a myriad of twinkling lights. Imagine the air filled with the fragrance of sizzling bratwurst, roasted nuts, pastries and hot-spiced gluhwein.
Children can enjoy Kinder Punch or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Santa Claus will be waiting in the cozy Anderson House to hear the children’s Christmas wishes while llama’s are grazing outside under the lit Christmas trees. Christmas music fills the air as you stroll through the booths or warm yourself by the fire pit. This is a great way to begin the Christmas holidays, definitely plan on making a stop here if your road trip plans include Door County in the coming weeks!
All parking is off-site, but you can park at Dovetail Acres along Highway 57 or the former Shopko parking lot along Highway 42 in Sister Bay and a shuttle service will bring you to the Christkindlmarkt Door County event. Buses should show up every 10 minutes, with enclosed tents to keep you warm if you have to wait.
Christkindlmarkt Door County Hours:
Fridays (Nov. 26th, Dec. 3rd, Dec. 10th)
Event Hours: 11am – 9pm
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 10pm
Saturdays (Nov. 27th, Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th)
Event Hours: 11am – 10pm
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 11pm
Sundays (Nov. 28th, Dec. 5th, Dec. 12th)
Event Hours: 11am – 3pm
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 4pm
You’ll find the Corner of the Past Museum, site of the Christkindlmarkt Door County, along Highway 57 at Fieldcrest Road, just south of Sister Bay. Highway 42 is nearby and easy, quick access is provided via Country Lane or Fieldcrest Road just southwest of Sister Bay.
Christkindlmarkt Door County Address:
Corner of the Past Museum
Highway 57 & Fieldcrest Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-7680
Website
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December 2, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show ushers in holiday cheer with brilliant light displays, inflatable Santas, and massive, color-changing trees as part of an international-themed drive-thru experience with OVER ONE MILLION LIGHTS! From Friday, November 19th all the way through Sunday, January 2nd in 2022 (including all holidays), you and your family and friends can enjoy holiday displays from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States on a 1.4-mile route winding through Whitnall Park and the grounds of the Gardens themselves. Theatrical and concert lighting effects change the colors of giant trees and bushes on the route in spectacular fashion. From 20-foot tall inflatable Santas to neon palm trees, there are unique holiday displays around every corner. There’s even a mini drive-in theater!
Admission is $25 per carload, defined as any car, van, mini-van, pick-up truck, or SUV. You need to purchase your tickets online in advance. “Skip the Line” tickets gain early access between 4:30pm and 5:00pm for $35. Planning on showing up in a limo? They have a price for that, too: $51.50 (yes, just like the Van Halen album.) $51.50 also nets you a Season Pass for a car, good for up to four visits from November 19th up through January 2nd.
You can get to Boerner Botanical Gardens just off U.S. 45/Highway 100 and Highway 24 via Whitnall Park in Hales Corners. I-41/894 & I-43 are also close by! The entrance for this route is just off S. 92nd Street between College and Rawson Avenues; the address is 6751 S. 92nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132 for your GPS. It’s the same entrance as Whitnall Park Golf Course.
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show Address:
Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Drive
Hales Corners, WI 53130
(414) 525-5600
Website
Facebook Page
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November 27, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s first Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, running from November 27th, 2021 through January 2nd, 2002! It happens at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center. Experience the awe and wonder of over one million glimmering Christmas lights, complemented by a unique artisan market, festive food & drink, daily live entertainment, locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers, and much more… Noel is truly a fairytale world come to life.
Here are 10 reasons to attend Noel:
Tickets are best purchased in advance and you can book your date and time to ensure easy entry and a fun time with some elbow room. Right now, take advantage of a 20% discount when you purchase tickets to attend Noel between Nov. 27 – Dec. 5th. Use promo code AGIFTFORYOU20.
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59 & Highway 181)
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
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