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
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 18th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area. Get deals on tasty food and additional tap specials afterwards, too!
Saturday, October 19th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
You can buy Combo Tickets which cover everything for $105 in VIP or $80 for General through October 14th.
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557 Event Website
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 78th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more. The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234 Website
The Fall Art Tour is perfect for State Trunk Tourers with a love of the Driftless Area and art. It’s a self-guided driving tour where you can meet up to 45 area artists and watch them at work as you make your way through Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point!
Potters, weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, painters, jewelers, quilters, photographers & sculptors are all part of it. Meet the artists, experience their work spaces, and witness as they create unique works of art. A wide variety of high-quality artwork is available for purchase in every price range. This is their 24th Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure big in this tour, as do many county and side roads. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftless Area and a great behind-the-scenes look at artists’ studios!
Fall Art Tour Details:
More details can be had by calling (608) 356-9048 or checking out their website, http://www.fallarttour.com/.
Also, check out this video for a sample of what you’re in for!
Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli hosts its 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Fest Wednesday, October 16th through Sunday, October 20th. It’s a five-day celebration of all things bourbon that highlights the country’s top distilleries and chefs. Imbibe in amazing meals and pair them with delicious food complements and beverages – including some amazing Bourbon and whiskey beverages. It features a welcome dinner with chef Joe Heppe and Driftless Glen Distillery, a signature dinner with nine-time James Beard Award nominee chef Edward Lee and Dancing Goat Distillery, a fish fry featuring Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits, and a special bourbon brunch with J. Henry.
Seven Acre Dairy in Paoli, host of the 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Festival. The Sugar River is right along the property.
These evenings lead up to the main event: the Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival on Saturday, October 19th. You can enjoy samplings and meet with over 25 distilleries and distillers, including award-winning local and national distilleries Heaven Hill, Bardstown 45th parallel, Green River, Old Forester, Dancing Goat, J. Henry, and more.
There will be live music, along with burgers, hot dogs and barbeque available for purchase from Seven Acre Dairy Company and Knoche’s Meats; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Belleville Food Pantry.
Here’s how the evenings work out on the weekends:
Friday, October 18th: Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirit’s Bourbon Lover’s Fish Fry
Join Seven Acre chefs and Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits for the last outdoor fish fry along the Sugar River of the season. Seven Acre chefs will cook up all-you-can-eat cod, perch and walleye, alongside seasonal sides, salads and desserts. Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits of Argyle will be crafting cocktails from their award-winning farmstead spirits. The fish fry will take place in a heated, open air tent. Fire pits will be lit and lawn games will be out.
Saturday, October 19th: The Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival
Regular admission is $55 per person from 1-4 p.m. This includes samplings and meet and greets with over 25 distilleries, live music, unique bourbon bottle sales and food for purchase.
VIP admission is $100 per person from noon to 4 p.m. This includes exclusive access to the Makers Mark/Jim Beam VIP Tasting Tent, VIP appetizers, a copy of Edward Lee’s best-selling book “Bourbon Land,” first access to unique bourbon bottle sales, plus access to all other areas of the festival.
Sunday, October 20th: J. Henry Maple Bourbon Brunch
Join Seven Acre chefs and J. Henry for a one-of-a-kind bourbon brunch. Seven acre chefs will be cooking up some of Edward Lee’s favorite brunch recipes alongside some of their favorite bourbon brunch cocktails. Don’t miss your chance to sample the infamous Maple Bourbon made by J. Henry and your chances to take a bottle home. The maple bourbon was only available on the farm this year and sold out in under an hour.
For more information and tickets, visit sevenacredairyco.com.
You’ll find the lovely little burg of Paoli along County PB, right near State Trunk Highway 69, less than 10 minutes south of Verona off U.S. 18/151.
Sugar River Bourbon Fest Address:
Seven Acre Dairy Company
6858 Paoli Road
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 416-4023 Website
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a weeklong celebration of science all across the state, with major events in Madison, Wausau, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, and more!
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration with activities for people throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more. The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people.
The official festival feature this year is AGRICULTURE! In 2024, the focus aims to showcase its profound impact on our world. Their mission is to illustrate the interconnectedness of agriculture within our state’s economy, society, well-being, and the overall future of humanity through the lens of science, art, and technology.
Wisconsin Science Festival features:
Explore the Fab Lab by taking a Fab Lab Tour Thursday or Friday in Madison.
Learn about the Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee at the Grohmann Museum in downtown Milwaukee (did you even KNOW the typewriter was invented in Milwaukee??) from the QWERTY keyboard to thermostats to motorcycles to outboard motors, Milwaukee’s inventive history with machines is nothing short of amazing. Check out exhibits Thursday-Sunday!
Meet a Wisconsin wooly mammoth, find out how to survive the Ice Age, touch real dinosaur bones and more at the Colossal Fossils Downtown Museum in Wausau Thursday-Saturday!
There are more than just events happening that are tied to the Wisconsin Science Festival! Check out their websitefor full schedules and details. It’s definitely a fun learning experience in locales across Wisconsin – road trip to a bunch of them!
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square happens semi-annually, in May and October. The October event takes place Saturday, October 5th from 9 am to 4 pm on the Sauk County Courthouse Square. Over 200 artists and crafters from all over the Midwest will be there, along with plenty of food, a farmer’s market, live music, family entertainment, and more.
The farmer’s market will begin at 7:30 am and run through 1 pm. Children’s activities include face painting, bounce houses, and more lasting for the duration of the Baraboo Fair on the Square.
Surrounding the square, you’ll find plenty of shops, the Al. Ringling Theater, and more. U.S. 12 skirts the west side of Baraboo, Highways 33 and 113 bring you right downtown.
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square Address:
Courthouse Square, Sauk County Courthouse
515 Oak Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 448-3490 Website
Wisconsin Fear Fest continues weekends through November 2nd this year at Road America with TONS of Halloween fun… and spooky stuff!
Explore the ultimate thrill at Wisconsin Fear Fest at Road America! Dare to explore three spine-tingling haunted houses (Carnival Chaos, Cellblock 13, and the Slaughter Shack) that promise to send shivers down your spine. Unleash your adventurous spirit with exhilarating activities like paintball, axe throwing, mini escape rooms, the Rage Experience, live music on Saturdays, food, drinks and beer! Parking is free. It runs the next few weekends and hours vary by day.
Buy your in tickets online in advance and you get a $5 discount!
For just $39.00, you can experience every attraction, including:
Three haunted houses
Escape Room
Axe Throwing
Haunted Hayride
Paintball Gallery
The Midway
and much more!
You can also get the Speed Pass Ticket for $54, which get you through the haunted houses faster.
The dates remaining are Friday-Sunday, October 18th-20th, Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th, and Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd.
Wisconsin Fear Fest is right between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Highway 67 brings you right there!
Wisconsin Fear Fest Address:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(904) 510-9873 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
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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October 18, 2024 – October 19, 2024
Dells On Tap
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 18th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area. Get deals on tasty food and additional tap specials afterwards, too!
Saturday, October 19th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
You can buy Combo Tickets which cover everything for $105 in VIP or $80 for General through October 14th.
Check out the Beards & Brews Competition on Saturday (or better yet, enter it!) and get involved in a hairy situation. You can find out more about Beards & Brews here.
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Event Website
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October 18, 2024 – October 20, 2024
Sister Bay Fall Fest
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 78th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more. The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Website
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October 18, 2024 – October 20, 2024
Fall Art Tour in the Driftless
The Fall Art Tour is perfect for State Trunk Tourers with a love of the Driftless Area and art. It’s a self-guided driving tour where you can meet up to 45 area artists and watch them at work as you make your way through Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point!
Potters, weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, painters, jewelers, quilters, photographers & sculptors are all part of it. Meet the artists, experience their work spaces, and witness as they create unique works of art. A wide variety of high-quality artwork is available for purchase in every price range. This is their 24th Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure big in this tour, as do many county and side roads. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftless Area and a great behind-the-scenes look at artists’ studios!
Fall Art Tour Details:
More details can be had by calling (608) 356-9048 or checking out their website, http://www.fallarttour.com/.
Also, check out this video for a sample of what you’re in for!
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October 17, 2024
Sugar River Bourbon Fest
Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli hosts its 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Fest Wednesday, October 16th through Sunday, October 20th. It’s a five-day celebration of all things bourbon that highlights the country’s top distilleries and chefs. Imbibe in amazing meals and pair them with delicious food complements and beverages – including some amazing Bourbon and whiskey beverages. It features a welcome dinner with chef Joe Heppe and Driftless Glen Distillery, a signature dinner with nine-time James Beard Award nominee chef Edward Lee and Dancing Goat Distillery, a fish fry featuring Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits, and a special bourbon brunch with J. Henry.
These evenings lead up to the main event: the Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival on Saturday, October 19th. You can enjoy samplings and meet with over 25 distilleries and distillers, including award-winning local and national distilleries Heaven Hill, Bardstown 45th parallel, Green River, Old Forester, Dancing Goat, J. Henry, and more.
There will be live music, along with burgers, hot dogs and barbeque available for purchase from Seven Acre Dairy Company and Knoche’s Meats; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Belleville Food Pantry.
Here’s how the evenings work out on the weekends:
Friday, October 18th: Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirit’s Bourbon Lover’s Fish Fry
Join Seven Acre chefs and Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits for the last outdoor fish fry along the Sugar River of the season. Seven Acre chefs will cook up all-you-can-eat cod, perch and walleye, alongside seasonal sides, salads and desserts. Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits of Argyle will be crafting cocktails from their award-winning farmstead spirits. The fish fry will take place in a heated, open air tent. Fire pits will be lit and lawn games will be out.
Saturday, October 19th: The Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival
Regular admission is $55 per person from 1-4 p.m. This includes samplings and meet and greets with over 25 distilleries, live music, unique bourbon bottle sales and food for purchase.
VIP admission is $100 per person from noon to 4 p.m. This includes exclusive access to the Makers Mark/Jim Beam VIP Tasting Tent, VIP appetizers, a copy of Edward Lee’s best-selling book “Bourbon Land,” first access to unique bourbon bottle sales, plus access to all other areas of the festival.
Sunday, October 20th: J. Henry Maple Bourbon Brunch
Join Seven Acre chefs and J. Henry for a one-of-a-kind bourbon brunch. Seven acre chefs will be cooking up some of Edward Lee’s favorite brunch recipes alongside some of their favorite bourbon brunch cocktails. Don’t miss your chance to sample the infamous Maple Bourbon made by J. Henry and your chances to take a bottle home. The maple bourbon was only available on the farm this year and sold out in under an hour.
For more information and tickets, visit sevenacredairyco.com.
You’ll find the lovely little burg of Paoli along County PB, right near State Trunk Highway 69, less than 10 minutes south of Verona off U.S. 18/151.
Sugar River Bourbon Fest Address:
Seven Acre Dairy Company
6858 Paoli Road
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 416-4023
Website
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October 14, 2024 – October 20, 2024
Wisconsin Science Festival
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration with activities for people throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more. The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people.
The official festival feature this year is AGRICULTURE! In 2024, the focus aims to showcase its profound impact on our world. Their mission is to illustrate the interconnectedness of agriculture within our state’s economy, society, well-being, and the overall future of humanity through the lens of science, art, and technology.
Wisconsin Science Festival features:
There are more than just events happening that are tied to the Wisconsin Science Festival! Check out their website for full schedules and details. It’s definitely a fun learning experience in locales across Wisconsin – road trip to a bunch of them!
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October 5, 2024
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square happens semi-annually, in May and October. The October event takes place Saturday, October 5th from 9 am to 4 pm on the Sauk County Courthouse Square. Over 200 artists and crafters from all over the Midwest will be there, along with plenty of food, a farmer’s market, live music, family entertainment, and more.
The farmer’s market will begin at 7:30 am and run through 1 pm. Children’s activities include face painting, bounce houses, and more lasting for the duration of the Baraboo Fair on the Square.
Surrounding the square, you’ll find plenty of shops, the Al. Ringling Theater, and more. U.S. 12 skirts the west side of Baraboo, Highways 33 and 113 bring you right downtown.
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square Address:
Courthouse Square, Sauk County Courthouse
515 Oak Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 448-3490
Website
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October 4, 2024 – November 2, 2024
Wisconsin Fear Fest
Wisconsin Fear Fest continues weekends through November 2nd this year at Road America with TONS of Halloween fun… and spooky stuff!
Explore the ultimate thrill at Wisconsin Fear Fest at Road America! Dare to explore three spine-tingling haunted houses (Carnival Chaos, Cellblock 13, and the Slaughter Shack) that promise to send shivers down your spine. Unleash your adventurous spirit with exhilarating activities like paintball, axe throwing, mini escape rooms, the Rage Experience, live music on Saturdays, food, drinks and beer! Parking is free. It runs the next few weekends and hours vary by day.
Buy your in tickets online in advance and you get a $5 discount!
For just $39.00, you can experience every attraction, including:
You can also get the Speed Pass Ticket for $54, which get you through the haunted houses faster.
The dates remaining are Friday-Sunday, October 18th-20th, Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th, and Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd.
Wisconsin Fear Fest is right between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Highway 67 brings you right there!
Wisconsin Fear Fest Address:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(904) 510-9873
Website
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