Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am.
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
The Torchlight Parade lights up the night during Hudson’s Hot Air Affair.
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775 Website
Lake Geneva celebrates winter like no other place. Winterfest is a brouhaha of shopping, dining, music, magic, refreshments, and activities including thrilling helicopter rides over the town and lake. It’s capped off, of course, by the amazing designs and creativity of the newly-christened America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, formerly the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Fifteen teams of the most talented snow sculptors and artists from around the country gather to compete for a national title. The entire competition is open to the public, so Winterfest attendees can actually watch the artists at work!
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 4th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, Fire & Ice Bar, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. It runs Wednesday through Sunday, January 29th through February 2nd, as part of Winterfest. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, January 31st and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
2025 ICE SCULPTURE LOCATIONS
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
A horse-drawn carriage ride through Lake Geneva is perfect on a winter day.
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416 Website
Lake Superior Ice Festival is a community-driven festival celebrating the coolest aspects of Superior, Douglas County, and the whole northwestern Wisconsin region. Events include fireworks, ice sculptures, bonfires, family activities, snow slide, snow shoe and fat tire bike demos, Kubb (which you can learn to play), 9-hole Disc Golf, ice racing, and more.
For 2025, the Lake Superior Ice Festival will feature 24 ice sculptures around Superior at various businesses and city landmarks, each resting on a blue base with an accompanying trivia question. Starting Friday, January 24th at 5:00 pm you can go on their website to answer the trivia questions and be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 in Superior Business Improvement District BID Bucks.
Events you can enjoy include:
Friday & Saturday, all day: Orb 365: A Community Collaborative. Ice orbs that will be arranged in the shape of Lake Superior are the heart of this community art project that also encourages good stewardship of the area’s water resources.
Snow Creations at theRichard I. Bong Veterans Historical CenterandFairlawn Mansion. Kids (and adults, too) can craft their own snow creations on the grounds of the Bong Veterans Historical Center (305 Harborview Parkway) or the Fairlawn Mansion (906 E. 2nd Street/U.S. 2/53) and even get spray bottles filled with approved color dye to make their snowy creations brilliant! This is available at the Bong Center from 9am – 5pm Friday or Saturday and at the Fairlawn Mansion on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Both venues will also offer half-price tours during this time.
Learn to Play Kubb. The sport of Kubb (pronounced “kooob”) is an old lawn game somewhat like bowling and horseshoes. The object is to knock over wooden blocks (the “kubbs”) with wooden batons you throw at them. Legend has it the Vikings (the ancient explorers, not the Minnesota football team) used to play the game using the skulls and bones of fallen enemies. Today, that’s frowned upon. You can learn how to play and/or watch the tournament!
Disc Golf. On Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the free 9-hole disc golf course will be open for you to play disc golf, see demonstrations, and even get instructions from local pros. It’s presented by the Lake Superior Disc Golf Community.
Midwest Ice Racing Association Races will feature Motorcycles and Quads racing on the ice next to the S.S. Meteor. The action happens Saturday, with gates opening at 7am, practices at 8:30, and racing from 10am – 3:30pm.
Fat Tire Bike Demos will take place Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Barkers Island. You can try out a bike, learn about programs from the College of St. Scholastica’s Outdoor PURSUIT! and Zeitgeist, and help them kick off their Winter Bike Week festivities, which runs through February 5th.
Bonfire Pits at Festival Park from 10am – 5pm Saturday.
The Passport Scavenger Hunt takes place Saturday from 10am to 4pm, where you can win prizes by picking up a passport, participating in activities, and checking them off in the passport.
The Superior Snow Slide offers a place to sled down on a large constructed hill designed specifically for sledding. It’s available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but only staffed with sled rentals available on Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Hay Bale Shuttle on the Island is a free service that will pick you up and drop you off at any of the four stops around the Island: parking area/sledding hill, Festival Park, beach area access and Barker’s Island Inn. Shuttles will be available from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival Canine King & Queen Contest happens Saturday, presented by the Humane Society of Douglas County. All entries will have been done by the weekend, but you can watch the competition and crowning ceremony, which happens at noon!
Ice Carving in Action happens several times on Saturday, with the creations of these artists from Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures from Appleton crafting amazing sculptures before your eyes! They’ll stay up around town for as long as Mother Nature will let them.
Saturday, January 25th, Noon to 4pm: Lake Superior Ice Racing Association Stock Car Races. Full-size stock cars will race on Allouez Bay, with rear-wheel and front-wheel cars and small pickup trucks in a series of races starting at noon on Saturday.
The Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest – formerly Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest – is back for year 15 in 2025, bringing a ton of brewers and cheesemakers from around Wisconsin and adjoining states to Madison, where you can meet and mingle with them while sampling hundreds of varieties. This is quite the warm, happy, and fun celebration right in the midst of winter.
The Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest welcomes more breweries and cheesemakers than ever, including some good NA options if you’re doing a “dry January”! Great samples, live entertainment, and plenty of camaraderie amongst all the fun at the Alliant Energy Center.
General admission tickets ($65) grant festival entry from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and include unlimited sampling and an Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest tasting glass. VID – Very Important Drinker – tickets ($95) allow for a more intimate atmosphere with early access to exclusive tappings & tastings from noon – 2 p.m. Premium Ticket purchases also include an official Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest t-shirt, a tasting glass, and a meal from their Food Court Cart inside the Alliant Energy Center. Either way, it’s a great afternoon experiencing some of Wisconsin’s best eats and drinks.
Tickets tend to sell out every year, so if you want to go, score them sooner rather than later. Of course, you must be 21 to attend. You can purchase tickets online here.
You’ll find the Alliant Energy Center on Madison’s south side, right off the Beltline (U.S. 12 & U.S. 18) near Rimrock Road and John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14, 51, and 151 and Highways 30 and 113 are all nearby.
Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-5627 Website
Waukesha JanBoree is called “Wisconsin’s Premier Winter Festival” and it runs for ten days in 2025. This year, it’s “Channel the Flannel” for the 39th annual JanBoree from Friday, January 17th through Sunday, January 26th.
JanBoree includes over 35 events throughout Waukesha, most of which are free. Events include disc golf, hockey, bocce ball, trivia and ComedySportz performances, a “Cosmic Colors” planetarium show, a variety of games, and more!
Opening Ceremonies are held Friday from 4-9pm at Waukesha’s Lowell Park, complete with fireworks. Details on this and other events below.
Events are held at various locations around the city, including Lowell Park, Minooka Park, the Waukesha Transit Center downtown, North High School, and more. See event pages here for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for specifics and maps.
Waukesha JanBoree Event Details:
Friday events on Opening Night include the Opening Ceremonies, an Ice Sculpting Demo, the Arctic Avalanche, the Carnival of Curiosities, a Fireworks Extravaganza, and the 350’ lighted toboggan run (reservations required.) NEW this year is the Glow Walk, a 1.7-mile walk around Frame Park – complete with a furnished glow stick!
The fireworks extravaganza tops it all off Friday night at 8pm at Lowell Park.
On Saturday, check out trolley rides, a pancake breakfast that you can burn off with the Frosty 5K Walk/Run at Frame Park, geocaching, ice sculpting, Frozen FootGolf & S’Moorball at Moor Downs, Ice Bocce Ball, a penguin egg hunt, and plenty more all day!
Sunday features the “Dinosaurs Alive” Planetarium Show, an ice fishing clinic, horse-drawn wagon rides, or the Alaskan Malamute Dog Pull at Minooka Park, and of course the Arctic Avalanche and family ice skating continues.
During the week, additional activities will include Frozen Footgolf, a snowman building contest, a goose chase scavenger hunt, airport tours, and special movie or planetarium shows.
Get all the details at the main JanBoree website. Waukesha can be a tricky city to navigate, but getting to it is easy. Follow U.S. 18, Highway 59, or Highway 164 to get there. I-94 and Highway 16 also bring you close to the city and all the fun JanBoree events.
Since 1964, Eagle River has hosted the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Hosting oval, snocross and vintage racing, the World Championship Snowmobile Derby is not only the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, it is one of the highest-ranking winter sports events in the Midwest and recognized around the world. It’s the Indy 500 of the snowmobiling world, attracting more than 40,000 spectators annually. Hundreds of snowmobilers from juniors in boys and girls categories to the best competitors in the world compete in snocross and ice oval racing, grabbing huge air and hitting speeds of 100 mph on the straightaways!
Fans travel from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to watch more than 500 international drivers race their high-tech snowmobiles at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on a solid ice oval, or marvel at the high-flying snocross pilots as they maneuver over the demanding snocross course.
Plenty of action takes place each day Thursday, January 16th through Sunday, January 19th, when the World Derby Championship starts at 3pm. Enjoy the action up close by the track or warm up in the Expo Hall, where you can shop for great stuff, imbibe on hot food and cold beer, or watch the action on TVs in the upstairs bar. You can reserve indoor Hot Seats by calling the Derby Office at 715-479-4424; there are also Motorhome Spots available trackside.
Tickets range from day passes for $37 to VIP Fan Passes for all days ($218), skyboxes and more. Get details here.
The Derby Complex is on the north side of Eagle River, right along U.S. 45 and Highways 17 and 32. Highway 70 is just to the south in the downtown area. It’s definitely one of the winter highlights of the year!
World Championship Snowmobile Derby Address:
1311 Railroad Street (along Hwy 17/Hwy 32/U.S. 45)
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-4424 Website
Delafield embraces the January cold with DelaFREEZE, their 7th annual season celebration with ice carvings in the streets along with shopping, activities, and more. Happening Saturday, January 11th, 2025 it’s family-friendly, free, and because it’s focused on the streets outside, it’s easy to enjoy some fresh air.
stroll along Delafield and view the amazing works of art put into Ice Carving. This event is family-friendly and free for all ages. About 20 blocks of ice will be placed throughout the city. Each sculpture will be carved from a block of ice during our 10am to 3pm event. Our walking map will walk visitors through the area to see all of the carvings.
Each sculpture will be carved from a 300-pound block of ice that has been frozen in a special process to ensure the blocks are crystal clear. The blocks are ten inches thick, twenty inches wide, and stand forty inches tall on a wooden stand. The live sculpture carving grabs many visitors’ attention! Visitors will be able to see the carver’s tools and watch them work as they transform the massive blocks of ice into an array of masterpieces.
DelaFREEZE activities include:
Interactive Ice Carvings at ClockTower Square to include:
Tic Tac Toe,Ring Toss, Bean Bag Toss, AND Mini Golf.
Free Hot Chocolate at Brunch Delafield
Enjoy Award-Winning Bloody Mary’s at the Revere’s Wells Street Station Ice Bar.
Snow Day at Delafield Public Library
Downtown Delafield also offers a nice variety of boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and a beautiful walking and hiking area along its boardwalk on the Bark River, which winds through the northern edge of the downtown streets. Check out the old Fish Hatchery building while you’re there, too!
DelaFREEZE Schedule of Events:
10:00-3:00: Follow the walking map to enjoy the Ice Sculptures.
10:00-3:00: Ice Skate at the Delafield Sports Complex Ice Skating Rink.(WEATHER PERMITTING)
10:00-1:00: Meet and Greet with H2M2-WI Husky Huddle and Malamute Snow Dogs at Chase Bank parking lot. Come visit the H2M2-WI Snow Dogs and their owners!
3:00 Ice Carving Prizes will be announced at ID Restaurant.
10:00-3:00: Dousman Transportation bus will have hot chocolate and a kids activity.
Delafield is easily accessible just north of I-94 at County C (Exit #285) in the heart of Waukesha County’s Lake Country. Highway 83 is just to the east; Highway 16 runs north of the town and U.S. 18 is a few miles to the south, just past Lapham Peak State Park.
DelaFREEZE Address:
Downtown Delafield
412 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 370-3861 Website
Whether you’re planning to build your dream home from the ground up or turn your current house into the home of your dreams, the 2025 MBA Home Building & Remodeling Show, presented by Nonn’s, is the premier destination for people who are looking to build or remodel their home.
Held January 10-12, 2025 at the conveniently located Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the MBA Home Show will allow you to connect with the area’s top building, remodeling and design professionals. Stop by and meet the experts, and turn your dream into a reality!
Join MBA experts on the Callen Construction Culinary & Seminar Stage for a variety of free seminars on trends in building and remodeling, innovations in appliances, how to improve residential energy efficiency, trends in interior design and décor, landscaping ideas, entertainment inspirations and more!
“The MBA Home Show is really the one-stop shop for people who are looking to build or update their home,” says Kristine Hillmer, MBA executive director. “We want to provide information in a relaxing, fun environment and help consumers build their lifestyle.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors (65 and up.) Check their website for all the exhibitors and other details!
The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center is at corner of Highways 59 and 181 (84th & Greenfield) in West Allis, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18. I-41/I-894/U.S. 45 & Highway 100 are also just to the west and bring you close!
MBA Home & Remodeling Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 436-1122 Website
Eagle River lays claim to “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” and with good reason! The Derby Complex there hosts of the biggest snowmobile races on the planet, including the World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Derby! It hits Eagle River’s world-famous Derby Track January 9-12, 2025 for some great action on classic snowmobiles. This takes place the weekend before the World Championships at the track.
Check out the list of races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – it’s huge. Enjoy the action right by the track or warm up in the Expo Hall, where there’s plenty to shop for, eat, and drink – including at the upper level bar, which shows the track’s live action on TV.
All the details and events are on their website. U.S. 45 and Highways 17, 32, and 70 bring you to Eagle River – it’s the perfect time of year for the winter drive there!
World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Derby Address:
1311 Railroad Street (along Hwy 17/Hwy 32/U.S. 45)
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-4424 Website
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 Saturday, December 7th through Monday, December 9th!
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 are the scheduled stops and duration for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 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
12-07-24
7:00pm
7:15 – 7:45 pm
7:50 pm
Caledonia
11402 County G (near 5 1/2 Mile Road)
12-07-24
8:15pm
8:30 – 9:00 pm
9:05 pm
Wauwatosa
Harwood Ave Crossing
12-08-24
4:15 pm
4:30 – 5:00 pm
5:05 pm
Hartland
Level crossing at Cottonwood Avenue
12-08-24
5:45 pm
6:00 – 6:30 pm
6:35 pm
Oconomowoc
Silver Lake Street Railway Crossing, north side
12-08-24
6:45 pm
7:00 – 7:30 pm
7:35 pm
Watertown
Brandt Quirt Park parking lot, adjacent to track
12-08-24
8:00 pm
8:15 – 8:45 pm
8:50 pm
Columbus
Amtrak Depot
12-08-24
9:15 pm
9:30 – 10:00pm
10:05 pm
Portage
CP Yard adjacent to Averbeck Street
12-09-24
1:15 pm
1:15 – 1:45 pm
1:50 pm
Wisconsin Dells
100 West La Crosse Street, Amtrak Depot
12-09-24
2:45 pm
3:00 – 3:30 pm
3:35 pm
Mauston
Division Street railway crossing
12-09-24
4:15 pm
4:30 – 5:00 pm
5:05 pm
Tomah
205 North Superior Avenue, Amtrak Depot
12-09-24
5:30 pm
5:45 – 6:15 pm
6:20 pm
Sparta
Corner of South Water Street and Milwaukee Street
12-09-24
6:50 pm
7:05 – 7:35 pm
7:40 pm
La Crosse
Amtrak Station, 601 Saint Andrew Street
12-09-24
8:30 pm
8:45 – 9:15 pm
9:20 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 23rd year! Once again this lively event is taking place at the EAA Grounds at Wittman Regional Airport, where the EAA AirVenture takes place. That puts it along I-41 between the Highway 26 & 44/91 interchanges for easy access – and it’s just as much fun! This year, it runs from Friday, November 29th through Tuesday, December 31st every evening from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
Peruse a beautiful 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 Monday and Wednesday evenings of December 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th. Reservations are required. Horse-pulled wagon rides hold up to 16 people and run $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-18, kids under 4 are free provided they sit on a lap. The ticket also includes the drive through the park.
Santa will also be in his Workshop November 29th through December 23rd 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! You can also enter the Beck’s Meats $50 gift card weekly drawing.
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 287th 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
Sheboygan hosts the 13th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 29th 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 29th 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
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 29th through December 7th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 12th through the 29th, 2024.
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 12th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 donation 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 29th – December 7th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 12th – December 29th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: November 29th and December 6th, 13th, and 20th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walks are Tuesday, November 26th, Wednesday, December 4th, and Monday, December 30th, 2024 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
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is a HUGE show that claims over 16 MILLION LIGHTS – so it’s probably visible from space. It runs November 29th, 2024 – January 1st, 2025. 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 $22 for the walk-thru. Kids ages 4-10 are $19; it’s free for kids 3 and younger. Military IDs get your 50% off admission as well. Parking is $10 cash on walk-through nights. You can also buy multi-day passes and there are special evening promotions on occasion, get more details here.
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.
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 1.6 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 29-December 1, 2024
December 5-8, 2024
December 12-23, 2024
December 26-30, 2024
January 2-4, 2025
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 3 to 12, and kids 2 and under are free. You can also purchase the Holiday Lights & Summer Sights Ticket Option, which is $20 for people 13 and up but also provides you a return ticket for use at Rotary Botanical Gardens anytime from April 1 – October 31 in 2025.
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 proper crowd flow.
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
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 29th-December 1st, December 6th-8th, December 13th-15th) in 2024.
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 the former Shopko Hometown or Stella Maris parking lots – both along Highway 42 – 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. 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th) Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 13th) Shuttle Hours: 10am – 8pm (7pm on the 13th)
Saturdays (Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th) Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 14th) Shuttle Hours: 10am – 11pm (10pm on the 14th)
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
10310 Fieldcrest Road (at Highway 57)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-7680 Website
Caledonia in northern Racine County features the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights, hosted Saturday, November 23rd through December 31st 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. Opening weekend special is $20/vehicle! 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 (November 23rd-December 24th):
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-10:30 pm
GRAND OPENING November 23rd, then closed Thanksgiving (the 28th) and Friday the 29th for the 5K on-site. In December, 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.
The Wi-Does Wine Walk in Eagle River invites you, the shopping enthusiast, to an enjoyable afternoon of shopping and wine sampling in downtown Eagle River at the “Widow’s Wine Walk” Friday, November 23rd, 2024 from Noon – 4:00pm. This is run in conjunction with the Eagle River Downtown Committee and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.
Grab your friends and spend some time exploring what Eagle River shops have to offer while enjoying a sampling of hand-picked red and white wines. Each participant will receive a wine tasting glass, the opportunity to sample up to 20 of more than 30 options and a map of participating businesses. Many businesses will be having special sales as well.
The Wi-Does Wine Walk runs during the afternoon, and of course you can stay for the evening and enjoy great restaurants, Mary Kate’s Wine Bar on Wall Street, the new Riverstone Brewing Company on Railroad Street, and plenty of lodging from hotels to Airbnbs all over the area. A road trip along U.S. 45, Highway 17, Highway 32, or Highway 70 will bring you to Eagle River!
Tickets for the “Wi-Does Wine Walk” – $40 for all the fun – can be purchased at the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at 201 N. Railroad St. (right along U.S 45/Highway 17/Highway 32) or online here.
Wi-Does Wine Walk Address:
Downtown Eagle River, starting near the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce
201 N. Railroad Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-6400 Website
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its 5th annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $40 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include:
Bacon Mac N Cheese
Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Weenies in ‘Secrect Stadium Sauce’
Bruschetta With Bacon
Smashers Pork Patties
Bacon Chicken Bombs
Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini
Bacon Crack
Porchetta Bacon
Bacon Cheese Bites
Bacon Potato Skins
Cheesy Bacon Flatbread
Bacon Cheddar Corn bread
Bacon BBQ Meatballs
Candied Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
—just a sneak peek of the scrumptious lineup.
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 2nd. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
February 7, 2025 – February 9, 2025
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am.
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from Noon to 3pm is the Bean Bag Tournament at Hop & Barrel Brewing Company on 310 2nd Street, which also happens to be Highway 35.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775
Website
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January 29, 2025 – February 2, 2025
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational
L
ake Geneva celebrates winter like no other place. Winterfest is a brouhaha of shopping, dining, music, magic, refreshments, and activities including thrilling helicopter rides over the town and lake. It’s capped off, of course, by the amazing designs and creativity of the newly-christened America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, formerly the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Fifteen teams of the most talented snow sculptors and artists from around the country gather to compete for a national title. The entire competition is open to the public, so Winterfest attendees can actually watch the artists at work!
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
2025 TEAMS
• Block #1: Team Minnesota 2: House of Thune
• Block #2: Team Illinois: The Band of Misfit Boys
• Block #3: Team Florida: Flozen
• Block #4: Team Vermont 1
• Block #5: Team Wisconsin 1: Snowblind
• Block #6: Team Washington: WA Awesome
• Block #7: Team Wisconsin 3: Sculptora Borealis
• Block #8: Team Vermont 2: The Pour Saps
• Block #9: Team Colorado: The Enchanted Forest
• Block #10: Team Minnesota 1: The KWE
• Block #11: Team New Hampshire: Granite State Snow Carvers
• Block #12: Team North Dakota: North Dakota Sculpting Team
• Block #13: Team Alaska: AK Department of Snow
• Block #14: Team Wisconsin 2: Team USA
• Block #15: Team Michigan: The Three Amigos
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 4th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, Fire & Ice Bar, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. It runs Wednesday through Sunday, January 29th through February 2nd, as part of Winterfest. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, January 31st and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
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January 24, 2025 – January 25, 2025
Lake Superior Ice Festival
For 2025, the Lake Superior Ice Festival will feature 24 ice sculptures around Superior at various businesses and city landmarks, each resting on a blue base with an accompanying trivia question. Starting Friday, January 24th at 5:00 pm you can go on their website to answer the trivia questions and be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 in Superior Business Improvement District BID Bucks.
Events you can enjoy include:
Friday & Saturday, all day: Orb 365: A Community Collaborative. Ice orbs that will be arranged in the shape of Lake Superior are the heart of this community art project that also encourages good stewardship of the area’s water resources.
Snow Creations at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and Fairlawn Mansion. Kids (and adults, too) can craft their own snow creations on the grounds of the Bong Veterans Historical Center (305 Harborview Parkway) or the Fairlawn Mansion (906 E. 2nd Street/U.S. 2/53) and even get spray bottles filled with approved color dye to make their snowy creations brilliant! This is available at the Bong Center from 9am – 5pm Friday or Saturday and at the Fairlawn Mansion on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Both venues will also offer half-price tours during this time.
Learn to Play Kubb. The sport of Kubb (pronounced “kooob”) is an old lawn game somewhat like bowling and horseshoes. The object is to knock over wooden blocks (the “kubbs”) with wooden batons you throw at them. Legend has it the Vikings (the ancient explorers, not the Minnesota football team) used to play the game using the skulls and bones of fallen enemies. Today, that’s frowned upon. You can learn how to play and/or watch the tournament!
Disc Golf. On Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the free 9-hole disc golf course will be open for you to play disc golf, see demonstrations, and even get instructions from local pros. It’s presented by the Lake Superior Disc Golf Community.
Midwest Ice Ra
Fat Tire Bike Demos will take place Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Barkers Island. You can try out a bike, learn about programs from the College of St. Scholastica’s Outdoor PURSUIT! and Zeitgeist, and help them kick off their Winter Bike Week festivities, which runs through February 5th.
Bonfire Pits at Festival Park from 10am – 5pm Saturday.
The Passport Scavenger Hunt takes place Saturday from 10am to 4pm, where you can win prizes by picking up a passport, participating in activities, and checking them off in the passport.
The Superior Snow Slide offers a place to sled down on a large constructed hill designed specifically for sledding. It’s available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but only staffed with sled rentals available on Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Hay Bale Shuttle on the Island is a free service that will pick you up and drop you off at any of the four stops around the Island: parking area/sledding hill, Festival Park, beach area access and Barker’s Island Inn. Shuttles will be available from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival Canine King & Queen Contest happens Saturday, presented by the Humane Society of Douglas County. All entries will have been done by the weekend, but you can watch the competition and crowning ceremony, which happens at noon!
Ice Carving in Action happens several times on Saturday, with the creations of these artists from Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures from Appleton crafting amazing sculptures before your eyes! They’ll stay up around town for as long as Mother Nature will let them.
Saturday, January 25th, Noon to 4pm: Lake Superior Ice Racing Association Stock Car Races. Full-size stock cars will race on Allouez Bay, with rear-wheel and front-wheel cars and small pickup trucks in a series of races starting at noon on Saturday.
Snowshoeing at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is available on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, where the staff has a trail and obstacle course you can try out with your snowshoes. Timed races at 2:30!
Sterling Silver Fire Twirlers will perform Saturday from 3 to 4pm. They’re a local group performing in Superior since 1991. They’ll light the Fire & Ice Sculpture at the end of their performance!
Enjoy Fireworks Saturday at 6:15pm to celebrate the entire festival.
Lake Superior Ice Festival Sculpture Locations:
The grounds for the festival are located on the shores of Lake Superior, right off U.S. 2/53, just north of Highway 13 and east of Highway 35.
Lake Superior Ice Festival Address:
14 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 395-7270
Website
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January 18, 2025
Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest
The Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest – formerly Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest – is back for year 15 in 2025, bringing a ton of brewers and cheesemakers from around Wisconsin and adjoining states to Madison, where you can meet and mingle with them while sampling hundreds of varieties. This is quite the warm, happy, and fun celebration right in the midst of winter.
The Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest welcomes more breweries and cheesemakers than ever, including some good NA options if you’re doing a “dry January”! Great samples, live entertainment, and plenty of camaraderie amongst all the fun at the Alliant Energy Center.
General admission tickets ($65) grant festival entry from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and include unlimited sampling and an Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest tasting glass. VID – Very Important Drinker – tickets ($95) allow for a more intimate atmosphere with early access to exclusive tappings & tastings from noon – 2 p.m. Premium Ticket purchases also include an official Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest t-shirt, a tasting glass, and a meal from their Food Court Cart inside the Alliant Energy Center. Either way, it’s a great afternoon experiencing some of Wisconsin’s best eats and drinks.
Tickets tend to sell out every year, so if you want to go, score them sooner rather than later. Of course, you must be 21 to attend. You can purchase tickets online here.
You’ll find the Alliant Energy Center on Madison’s south side, right off the Beltline (U.S. 12 & U.S. 18) near Rimrock Road and John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14, 51, and 151 and Highways 30 and 113 are all nearby.
Beer, Cheese, and Beyond Fest Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-5627
Website
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January 17, 2025 – January 26, 2025
Waukesha JanBoree
Waukesha JanBoree is called “Wisconsin’s Premier Winter Festival” and it runs for ten days in 2025. This year, it’s “Channel the Flannel” for the 39th annual JanBoree from Friday, January 17th through Sunday, January 26th.
JanBoree includes over 35 events throughout Waukesha, most of which are free. Events include disc golf, hockey, bocce ball, trivia and ComedySportz performances, a “Cosmic Colors” planetarium show, a variety of games, and more!
Opening Ceremonies are held Friday from 4-9pm at Waukesha’s Lowell Park, complete with fireworks. Details on this and other events below.
Events are held at various locations around the city, including Lowell Park, Minooka Park, the Waukesha Transit Center downtown, North High School, and more. See event pages here for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for specifics and maps.
Friday events on Opening Night include the Opening Ceremonies, an Ice Sculpting Demo, the Arctic Avalanche, the Carnival of Curiosities, a Fireworks Extravaganza, and the 350’ lighted toboggan run (reservations required.) NEW this year is the Glow Walk, a 1.7-mile walk around Frame Park – complete with a furnished glow stick!
The fireworks extravaganza tops it all off Friday night at 8pm at Lowell Park.
On Saturday, check out trolley rides, a pancake breakfast that you can burn off with the Frosty 5K Walk/Run at Frame Park, geocaching, ice sculpting, Frozen FootGolf & S’Moorball at Moor Downs, Ice Bocce Ball, a penguin egg hunt, and plenty more all day!
Sunday features the “Dinosaurs Alive” Planetarium Show, an ice fishing clinic, horse-drawn wagon rides, or the Alaskan Malamute Dog Pull at Minooka Park, and of course the Arctic Avalanche and family ice skating continues.
During the week, additional activities will include Frozen Footgolf, a snowman building contest, a goose chase scavenger hunt, airport tours, and special movie or planetarium shows.
Weekday Activities:
Monday, January 20, 2025
Snow Snake Workshop
“The Sum and Su Familia” Planetarium Show
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Winter Tyke Hike
Snow Snake Workshop
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
LumberJackie & Jilly Time
All Out Flannel Community Workout!
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Upcycle Your Flannel
Friday, January 24, 2025
Lumberjack Jaunt – Glow Walk
The second weekend (January 21-22) will feature the Frosty 5K, an Ice-Sculpting Competition, and a Candlelight Hike in Minooka Park at sunset.
Get all the details at the main JanBoree website. Waukesha can be a tricky city to navigate, but getting to it is easy. Follow U.S. 18, Highway 59, or Highway 164 to get there. I-94 and Highway 16 also bring you close to the city and all the fun JanBoree events.
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January 16, 2025 – January 19, 2025
World Championship Snowmobile Derby
Since 1964, Eagle River has hosted the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Hosting oval, snocross and vintage racing, the World Championship Snowmobile Derby is not only the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, it is one of the highest-ranking winter sports events in the Midwest and recognized around the world. It’s the Indy 500 of the snowmobiling world, attracting more than 40,000 spectators annually. Hundreds of snowmobilers from juniors in boys and girls categories to the best competitors in the world compete in snocross and ice oval racing, grabbing huge air and hitting speeds of 100 mph on the straightaways!
Fans travel from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to watch more than 500 international drivers race their high-tech snowmobiles at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on a solid ice oval, or marvel at the high-flying snocross pilots as they maneuver over the demanding snocross course.
Plenty of action takes place each day Thursday, January 16th through Sunday, January 19th, when the World Derby Championship starts at 3pm. Enjoy the action up close by the track or warm up in the Expo Hall, where you can shop for great stuff, imbibe on hot food and cold beer, or watch the action on TVs in the upstairs bar. You can reserve indoor Hot Seats by calling the Derby Office at 715-479-4424; there are also Motorhome Spots available trackside.
Tickets range from day passes for $37 to VIP Fan Passes for all days ($218), skyboxes and more. Get details here.
The Derby Complex is on the north side of Eagle River, right along U.S. 45 and Highways 17 and 32. Highway 70 is just to the south in the downtown area. It’s definitely one of the winter highlights of the year!
World Championship Snowmobile Derby Address:
1311 Railroad Street (along Hwy 17/Hwy 32/U.S. 45)
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-4424
Website
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January 11, 2025
DelaFREEZE
stroll along Delafield and view the amazing works of art put into Ice Carving. This event is family-friendly and free for all ages. About 20 blocks of ice will be placed throughout the city. Each sculpture will be carved from a block of ice during our 10am to 3pm event. Our walking map will walk visitors through the area to see all of the carvings.
Each sculpture will be carved from a 300-pound block of ice that has been frozen in a special process to ensure the blocks are crystal clear. The blocks are ten inches thick, twenty inches wide, and stand forty inches tall on a wooden stand. The live sculpture carving grabs many visitors’ attention! Visitors will be able to see the carver’s tools and watch them work as they transform the massive blocks of ice into an array of masterpieces.
DelaFREEZE activities include:
Downtown Delafield also offers a nice variety of boutique shops, restaurants, bars, and a beautiful walking and hiking area along its boardwalk on the Bark River, which winds through the northern edge of the downtown streets. Check out the old Fish Hatchery building while you’re there, too!
DelaFREEZE Schedule of Events:
10:00-3:00: Follow the walking map to enjoy the Ice Sculptures.
10:00-3:00: Ice Skate at the Delafield Sports Complex Ice Skating Rink.(WEATHER PERMITTING)
10:00-1:00: Meet and Greet with H2M2-WI Husky Huddle and Malamute Snow Dogs at Chase Bank parking lot. Come visit the H2M2-WI Snow Dogs and their owners!
3:00 Ice Carving Prizes will be announced at ID Restaurant.
10:00-3:00: Dousman Transportation bus will have hot chocolate and a kids activity.
Delafield is easily accessible just north of I-94 at County C (Exit #285) in the heart of Waukesha County’s Lake Country. Highway 83 is just to the east; Highway 16 runs north of the town and U.S. 18 is a few miles to the south, just past Lapham Peak State Park.
DelaFREEZE Address:
Downtown Delafield
412 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 370-3861
Website
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January 10, 2025 – January 12, 2025
MBA Home & Remodeling Show at State Fair Park
Held January 10-12, 2025 at the conveniently located Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the MBA Home Show will allow you to connect with the area’s top building, remodeling and design professionals. Stop by and meet the experts, and turn your dream into a reality!
Join MBA experts on the Callen Construction Culinary & Seminar Stage for a variety of free seminars on trends in building and remodeling, innovations in appliances, how to improve residential energy efficiency, trends in interior design and décor, landscaping ideas, entertainment inspirations and more!
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors (65 and up.) Check their website for all the exhibitors and other details!
The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center is at corner of Highways 59 and 181 (84th & Greenfield) in West Allis, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18. I-41/I-894/U.S. 45 & Highway 100 are also just to the west and bring you close!
MBA Home & Remodeling Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 436-1122
Website
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January 9, 2025 – January 12, 2025
World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Derby
Eagle River lays claim to “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” and with good reason! The Derby Complex there hosts of the biggest snowmobile races on the planet, including the World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Derby! It hits Eagle River’s world-famous Derby Track January 9-12, 2025 for some great action on classic snowmobiles. This takes place the weekend before the World Championships at the track.
Check out the list of races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – it’s huge. Enjoy the action right by the track or warm up in the Expo Hall, where there’s plenty to shop for, eat, and drink – including at the upper level bar, which shows the track’s live action on TV.
TICKETS range from $32 to $175. Get more info here.
All the details and events are on their website. U.S. 45 and Highways 17, 32, and 70 bring you to Eagle River – it’s the perfect time of year for the winter drive there!
World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Derby Address:
1311 Railroad Street (along Hwy 17/Hwy 32/U.S. 45)
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-4424
Website
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December 7, 2024 – December 9, 2024
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 Saturday, December 7th through Monday, December 9th!
Here are the scheduled stops and duration for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 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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November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is back for its 23rd year! Once again this lively event is taking place at the EAA Grounds at Wittman Regional Airport, where the EAA AirVenture takes place. That puts it along I-41 between the Highway 26 & 44/91 interchanges for easy access – and it’s just as much fun! This year, it runs from Friday, November 29th through Tuesday, December 31st every evening from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
Peruse a beautiful 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 Monday and Wednesday evenings of December 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, and 18th. Reservations are required. Horse-pulled wagon rides hold up to 16 people and run $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-18, kids under 4 are free provided they sit on a lap. The ticket also includes the drive through the park.
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! You can also enter the Beck’s Meats $50 gift card weekly drawing.
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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November 29, 2024 – December 30, 2024
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 287th 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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November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show, Sheboygan
Sheboygan hosts the 13th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 29th 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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November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
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 29th through December 7th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 12th through the 29th, 2024.
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 12th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 donation 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 29th – December 7th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 12th – December 29th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night
You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: November 29th and December 6th, 13th, and 20th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walks are Tuesday, November 26th, Wednesday, December 4th, and Monday, December 30th, 2024 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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November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour, Somerset
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is a HUGE show that claims over 16 MILLION LIGHTS – so it’s probably visible from space. It runs November 29th, 2024 – January 1st, 2025. 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 $22 for the walk-thru. Kids ages 4-10 are $19; it’s free for kids 3 and younger. Military IDs get your 50% off admission as well. Parking is $10 cash on walk-through nights. You can also buy multi-day passes and there are special evening promotions on occasion, get more details here.
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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November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
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 1.6 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 29-December 1, 2024
December 5-8, 2024
December 12-23, 2024
December 26-30, 2024
January 2-4, 2025
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 3 to 12, and kids 2 and under are free. You can also purchase the Holiday Lights & Summer Sights Ticket Option, which is $20 for people 13 and up but also provides you a return ticket for use at Rotary Botanical Gardens anytime from April 1 – October 31 in 2025.
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 proper crowd flow.
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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November 29, 2024 – December 15, 2024
Christkindlmarkt Door County
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 29th-December 1st, December 6th-8th, December 13th-15th) in 2024.
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 the former Shopko Hometown or Stella Maris parking lots – both along Highway 42 – 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. 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th)
Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 13th)
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 8pm (7pm on the 13th)
Saturdays (Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th)
Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 14th)
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 11pm (10pm on the 14th)
Sundays (Dec. 1st, Dec. 8th, Dec. 15th)
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
10310 Fieldcrest Road (at Highway 57)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-7680
Website
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November 23, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Caledonia in northern Racine County features the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights, hosted Saturday, November 23rd through December 31st 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. Opening weekend special is $20/vehicle!
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 (November 23rd-December 24th):
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-10:30 pm
GRAND OPENING November 23rd, then closed Thanksgiving (the 28th) and Friday the 29th for the 5K on-site. In December, it’s open every day except December 25, Christmas Day
Hours (December 26th-31st): 5pm-9pm every 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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Eagle River Wi-Does Wine Walk
The Wi-Does Wine Walk in Eagle River invites you, the shopping enthusiast, to an enjoyable afternoon of shopping and wine sampling in downtown Eagle River at the “Widow’s Wine Walk” Friday, November 23rd, 2024 from Noon – 4:00pm. This is run in conjunction with the Eagle River Downtown Committee and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.
Grab your friends and spend some time exploring what Eagle River shops have to offer while enjoying a sampling of hand-picked red and white wines. Each participant will receive a wine tasting glass, the opportunity to sample up to 20 of more than 30 options and a map of participating businesses. Many businesses will be having special sales as well.
The Wi-Does Wine Walk runs during the afternoon, and of course you can stay for the evening and enjoy great restaurants, Mary Kate’s Wine Bar on Wall Street, the new Riverstone Brewing Company on Railroad Street, and plenty of lodging from hotels to Airbnbs all over the area. A road trip along U.S. 45, Highway 17, Highway 32, or Highway 70 will bring you to Eagle River!
Tickets for the “Wi-Does Wine Walk” – $40 for all the fun – can be purchased at the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at 201 N. Railroad St. (right along U.S 45/Highway 17/Highway 32) or online here.
Wi-Does Wine Walk Address:
Downtown Eagle River, starting near the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce
201 N. Railroad Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-6400
Website
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November 2, 2024
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its 5th annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $40 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include:
—just a sneak peek of the scrumptious lineup.
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 2nd. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002
Website
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