A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 30th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Road geeks (like us on the State Trunk Tour) love the old Mobilgas pumps along the Country Christmas Tour!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Also, back by popular demand for the 3rd year, wagon rides will be available on the dates of November 30th-December 2nd & December 4th, December 7th – 11th, and December 14th – 18th. Rides start at 5:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, and 8:15pm and are $20 per person. Wagon rides include hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie; they can be purchased online. Carload admission is not required for wagon rides.
Country Christmas 2025 runs November 14, 2025 through January 3, 2026. Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays. Admission is $30 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and other peak times. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $60. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $40.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201 Website
Chandelier lights over Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street in downtown Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 26th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
An earlier podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Pere Marquette Park, one of several decorated parks during downtown Milwaukee’s Holiday Lights Festival. Photo credit: Alan Herzberg Jr. via Milwaukee Downtown.
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
It all kicks off Thursday, November 20th at 6:30pm, where Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate, WISN 12, will feature holiday acts on stage in a televised performance.
The lights and decorations downtown continue all the way through New Year’s Day 2026, because we’re all ready for a new year.
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
The 82nd annual Holiday Folk Fair International is “America’s Premier Cultural Festival,” exploring the customs and traditions of the world’s diverse cultures. They all come together at the Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. Check out regional cuisine, enjoy lively music and dance and purchase beautifully handcrafted goods. Experience the sights sounds and tastes of the world during this 3-day event from Friday, November 21st through Sunday the 23rd!
The 2025 Folk Fair theme – “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music” – highlights the melodies, lyrics, and instruments used to tell stories of the people within the world’s cultures. It is vital in preserving cultural identity, celebrating life’s moments, and educating others.
Check out their All Nations Theater, which features traditional music and dance from around the world. Enjoy traditional dishes at the World Cafe. Talented world musicians play at the Coffee House, where you can enjoy a beverage while listening to these different genres. Explore Heritage Lane, filled with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits. Shop the International Bazaar, where cultural artifacts are on display and on sale. And the Chef Stage features local chefs preparing traditional cuisines from around the world right before your eyes.
See their website for the full lineup on food, music, and more. Watch for additional specials, too!
You can easily get to the Expo Center at State Fair Park (the Zoo Interchange construction is getting closer to done!) via I-94 and Highways 59 and 181, with U.S. 18/Bluemound Road, Highway 100, and I-41/U.S. 45 close by. To reach State Fair Park from I-94 eastbound – the 84th Street/Highway 181 exit is now right in the midst of the newly reconstructed Zoo Interchange, just follow the signs. Easy peasy.
Holiday Folk Fair Hours:
Friday, November 21st: 2pm – 9pm
Saturday, November 22nd: 10am – 9pm
Sunday, November 23rd: 10am – 6pm
Holiday Folk Fair Admission:
$13 in advance, $16 at the gate for people ages 8-61
Children 7 and under are admitted FREE
Senior Citizens (62+): $14 at the gate
Military Personnel with a Military ID card get FREE admission
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 22nd, 2025 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 70will 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
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 THREE 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 22nd-December 24th):
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-10:30 pm
GRAND OPENING November 22nd, then closed Thanksgiving (the 27th) and Friday the 28th 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, January 1st-31st 5pm-9pm Fridays and Saturdays only
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.
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show at Lakeside Park! Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show at Lakeside Park is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Website
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 28th-30th, December 5th-7th, December 12th-14th) in 2025.
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.
Peach Barn Farmhouse Brewery is the event’s exclusive beer vendor, serving an array of fine beers from the Music & Beer Hall tent just behind the event’s Drinks Hut. Peach Barn is also once again brewing a special Winter Ale for Christkindlmarkt. In its first appearance at Christkindlmarkt, Island Orchard Cider of Ellison Bay is supplying one of its award-winning hard apple ciders to Christkindlmarkt, available for purchase in the Drinks Hut.
Anderson House, the refurbished late 1800’s home on the museum property, will again feature the popular pop-up bakery that debuted at the first annual event, and will offer a wide selection of decorated cookies, cardamom coffeecake, pecan rolls, pies, and other baked goods. A unique selection of new and gently used Christmas ornaments and decorations, plus vintage-style toys, will also be on display and for sale in Anderson House.
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!
LIVE MUSIC at this year’s market will be performed on the stage inside the Music & Beer Hall:
Sat., Nov. 29, 2:00-3:00 pm – Carolers from Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay
Sat., Dec. 6, 1:00-2:00 pm – joint performance by Gibraltar Middle School & High School Bands
Sat., Dec. 6, 2:00-3:00 pm – Gibraltar High School Jazz Combo
Sat., Dec. 6, 3:30-4:30 pm – The Zelnio Family and Friends Carolers
Fri., Dec. 12, 1:00-3:00 pm – Singer-Guitarist Billy Dave Sherman
SHUTTLE SERVICES
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. Shuttle buses are also serving the High Point Inn in Ephraim and the Birchwood Lodge, Coachlite Inn, Country House Resort, Dörr Hotel, Open Hearth Lodge, Pheasant Park Resort, and Scandinavian Lodge in Sister Bay.
Christkindlmarkt Door County Hours:
Fridays (Nov. 28th, Dec. 5th, Dec. 12th) Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 12th) Shuttle Hours: 10am – 8pm (7pm on the 12th)
Saturdays (Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th) Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 13th) Shuttle Hours: 10am – 11pm (10pm on the 13th)
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
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 2 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.
NEW in 2025, you are invited to linger and celebrate in their indoor Christmas Market from December 13-23, featuring Artisan vendors with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, a limited-edition 2025 holiday ornament, and holiday food & drink!
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm from November 28th, 2025 through January 3rd, 2026.
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up online, $18 at the gate. Children 3-12 are $5, kids 2 and under are free. Get Tickets Here!
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 WPS Garden of Lights brings the magic to the Green Bay Botanical Garden for the 29th year on Thursdays through Sundays November 20th-23rd, November 27th-30th, December 4th-7th, 11th-14th, 18th-21st, 26th-29th.
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
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 28th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 28th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 23rd (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, December 1st. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2026.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Entertainment Schedule of Events here!
La Crosse Rotary Lights Address:
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993 Website
Sheboygan hosts the 14th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 28th 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 28th through New Year’s Eve, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Across the street you can visit the Quarryview Center for entertainment, wreath raffles, concessions, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to board a trolley to take you through the park. The fun at Quarryview Center is available Fridays & Saturdays from 5-9pm through December 23rd.
Admission to Making Spirits Bright is FREE! However, food pantry donations are requested. Items will be delivered to the Sheboygan County Food Bank each night and their volunteers disburse to food pantries throughout the county. With the significant increase in people needing help with basic necessities, the event has historically brought in thousands of pounds of donated items each year.
Evergreen Park is just off Highway 42 in Sheboygan, just southeast of its interchange with I-43 and a few miles north of the junctions with Highways 23 and 28. Here’s a map of the driving path, right off Highway 42 at Evergreen Park on the north side of Sheboygan (.pdf).
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show Address:
Evergreen Park/Quarryview Center
3100 Calumet Drive (Highway 42)
Sheboygan, WI 53083 Website Facebook Page
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland celebrates its 20th year in 2025! Since 2006, Rotary Winter Wonderland has grown to reach over 2,000,000 lights along with dozens of additional displays. It takes place in Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Park & Zoo, were you can enjoy the drive-thru route and/or the walking route. Doing both is recommended to fully enjoy all of the lights and displays.
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website Facebook Page
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” November 28th-29th, December 4th-6th, and then EVERY evening from December 11th through the 29th, 2025!
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 14th 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 28th – December 6th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 11th – December 29th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: November 28th and December 5th, 12th, and 19th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walks are Tuesday, November 25th, Wednesday, December 3rd, and Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 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.
MPU Light Exchange Program
They also teamed up with MPU for the Light Exchange Program again, where you can bring your old strings of incandescent lights and MPU will provide you with up to three 13-foot strings of LED lights per household free of charge. Your old lights will be recycled. (Only available to MPU customers.) That takes place Friday, December 5th from 5-8PM.
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 28th, 2025 – January 1st, 2026. 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 Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is back for its 24th 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 28th through Wednesday, 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 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, and 17th. 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 December 3rd – 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 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 Tuesday, December 9th through Thursday, December 11th!
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 American Authors and Pynk Beard. Enjoy!
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Schedule:
Station
Address
Date
Arrival
Event Times
Departure
Sturtevant
9900 East Exploration Ct., Amtrak Depot
Tues 12-09
6:45 pm
7:00 – 7:30 pm
7:35 pm
Caledonia
11402 County G (the 5 1/2 Mile Road crossing)
Tues 12-09
8:00 pm
8:15 – 8:45 pm
8:50 pm
Wauwatosa
Harwood Ave Crossing
Wed 12-10
4:00 pm
4:15 – 4:45 pm
4:50 pm
Hartland
Level crossing at Cottonwood Avenue
Wed 12-10
5:30 pm
5:45 – 6:15 pm
6:20 pm
Oconomowoc
Silver Lake Street Railway Crossing, north side
Wed 12-10
6:30 pm
6:45 – 7:15 pm
7:20 pm
Watertown
Brandt Quirt Park parking lot, adjacent to track
Wed 12-10
7:45 pm
8:00 – 8:30 pm
8:35 pm
Columbus
Amtrak Depot
Wed 12-10
9:00 pm
9:15 – 9:45 pm
9:50 pm
Portage
CP Yard adjacent to Averbeck Street
Thurs 12-11
1:00 pm
1:15 – 1:45 pm
1:50 pm
Wisconsin Dells
100 West La Crosse Street, Amtrak Depot
Thurs 12-11
2:30 pm
2:45 – 3:15 pm
3:20 pm
Mauston
Division Street railway crossing
Thurs 12-11
4:00 pm
4:15 – 4:40 pm
4:45 pm
Tomah
205 North Superior Avenue, Amtrak Depot
Thurs 12-11
5:15 pm
5:30 – 6:00 pm
6:05 pm
Sparta
Corner of South Water Street and Milwaukee Street
Thurs 12-11
6:35 pm
6:50 – 7:20 pm
7:25 pm
La Crosse
Amtrak Station, 601 Saint Andrew Street
Thurs 12-11
8:15 pm
8:30 – 9:00 pm
9:05 pm
Closest State Trunk Tour Highways to each stop (hint: Highway 16 hits basically all of them from Hartland on west!):
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Ashland to Washburn 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
The Penguin Fun Race starts at 11:00AM for children under 8 years old
The Fox Fun Race starts at 11:15AM for children 8 to 10 years old. Each participant in the Penguin and Fox races will receive an award, hot chocolate and cookies
The Polar Bear Race starts at 11:30AM for children 11 to 14 years of age. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; cookie and hot chocolate
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 15th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-2500 Website
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 20th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256 Website
Festa Italiana is “your ticket to Italy” once again when it hits Milwaukee’s lakefront July 10th-12th, 2026! Amazing Italian food, great entertainment, and the loudest fireworks around. This year, Festa Italiana celebrates 48 years along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.
Check out Flag-Throwers of the Florentine, direct from Italy. For music, check out great acts across six stages, including the Children’s Stage. Headliners include Anthony Crivello, George Busateri’s Spider George and the Web, Louis Vanaria, The Sicilian Tenors featuring Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale, and Vincent Riccardi, Agne, Tre Bella, Cory Pesaturo, Graziana Maria Lazzaro, and FLEMT – straight from Italy. Longtime favorite Rick D’Amore makes his return, too!
Magic tricks, food demonstrations, comedians Vince Carone and Carmen Vallone, singers from the Florentine Opera, and more are all performing each day. The UW Marching Band will perform on Sunday, and the Children’s Stage will have all kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
You can also enjoy a romantic gondola ride on the cove, play bocce ball, watch the Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament, or compete in Italian Idol. Classic Italian fare and wine tastings, Kids Pizza Making Contest and annual Cannoli Eating Contest. There’s also a traditional Sunday Mass at 11am.
The fireworks go off every Festa evening around 10pm, and they’re a blast! (No pun intended. Okay, fine, pun intended.)
Admission tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children 12 and under are admitted free all three days when accompanied by an adult. Festa Italiana is a cashless festival – no cash will be accepted at the box office, ticket windows, or on the grounds.
You can find the grounds under (literally, under) I-794 along Milwaukee’s lakefront. U.S. 18 ends right by the North Gate, and swinging nearby are I-43, I-94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, and 145.
Festa Italiana Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-223-2808 Website
Start:
July 10, 2026 5:00 pm
End:
July 12, 2026 9:00 pm
Venue:
Henry Maier Festival Park
Phone:
414-223-2808
Address:
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Country Christmas at the Ingleside, Pewaukee
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 30th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Country Christmas 2025 runs November 14, 2025 through January 3, 2026.
Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays.
Admission is $30 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and other peak times. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $60. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $40.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201
Website
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November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 26th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
An earlier podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Episode 1: Community Spirit Park at Cathedral Square Park:
Episode 2: HiBEARnation Station at Pere Marquette Park:
Episode 3: Red Arrow Park:
Episode 4: Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies at Zeidler Union Square:
Episode 5: Wisconsin Avenue – Vel R. Phillips Avenue to Prospect Avenue:
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
It all kicks off Thursday, November 20th at 6:30pm, where Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate, WISN 12, will feature holiday acts on stage in a televised performance.
The lights and decorations downtown continue all the way through New Year’s Day 2026, because we’re all ready for a new year.
Download their full guide (.pdf) or keep up on their website for more as we go through the holiday!
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
November 21, 2025 – November 23, 2025
Holiday Folk Fair International
The 82nd annual Holiday Folk Fair International is “America’s Premier Cultural Festival,” exploring the customs and traditions of the world’s diverse cultures. They all come together at the Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. Check out regional cuisine, enjoy lively music and dance and purchase beautifully handcrafted goods. Experience the sights sounds and tastes of the world during this 3-day event from Friday, November 21st through Sunday the 23rd!
The 2025 Folk Fair theme – “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music” – highlights the melodies, lyrics, and instruments used to tell stories of the people within the world’s cultures. It is vital in preserving cultural identity, celebrating life’s moments, and educating others.
See their website for the full lineup on food, music, and more. Watch for additional specials, too!
You can easily get to the Expo Center at State Fair Park (the Zoo Interchange construction is getting closer to done!) via I-94 and Highways 59 and 181, with U.S. 18/Bluemound Road, Highway 100, and I-41/U.S. 45 close by. To reach State Fair Park from I-94 eastbound – the 84th Street/Highway 181 exit is now right in the midst of the newly reconstructed Zoo Interchange, just follow the signs. Easy peasy.
Holiday Folk Fair Hours:
Friday, November 21st: 2pm – 9pm
Saturday, November 22nd: 10am – 9pm
Sunday, November 23rd: 10am – 6pm
Holiday Folk Fair Admission:
$13 in advance, $16 at the gate for people ages 8-61
Children 7 and under are admitted FREE
Senior Citizens (62+): $14 at the gate
Military Personnel with a Military ID card get FREE admission
You can buy tickets online here.
Holiday Folk Fair International Address:
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59 at Highway 181)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 225-6225
Website
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November 22, 2025
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 22nd, 2025 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 available HERE!
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 22, 2025 – January 31, 2026
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 THREE 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 22nd-December 24th):
Sunday – Thursday: 5-9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5-10:30 pm
GRAND OPENING November 22nd, then closed Thanksgiving (the 27th) and Friday the 28th 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, January 1st-31st 5pm-9pm Fridays and Saturdays only
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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November 27, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show at Lakeside Park! Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show at Lakeside Park is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Website
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November 28, 2025 – December 14, 2025
Christkindlmarkt Door County
The spirit of the holidays are alive when you explore the Christkindlmarkt Door County, running three weekends (November 28th-30th, December 5th-7th, December 12th-14th) in 2025.
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.
Peach Barn Farmhouse Brewery is the event’s exclusive beer vendor, serving an array of fine beers from the Music & Beer Hall tent just behind the event’s Drinks Hut. Peach Barn is also once again brewing a special Winter Ale for Christkindlmarkt. In its first appearance at Christkindlmarkt, Island Orchard Cider of Ellison Bay is supplying one of its award-winning hard apple ciders to Christkindlmarkt, available for purchase in the Drinks Hut.
Anderson House, the refurbished late 1800’s home on the museum property, will again feature the popular pop-up bakery that debuted at the first annual event, and will offer a wide selection of decorated cookies, cardamom coffeecake, pecan rolls, pies, and other baked goods. A unique selection of new and gently used Christmas ornaments and decorations, plus vintage-style toys, will also be on display and for sale in Anderson House.
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!
LIVE MUSIC at this year’s market will be performed on the stage inside the Music & Beer Hall:
Sat., Nov. 29, 2:00-3:00 pm – Carolers from Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay
Sat., Dec. 6, 1:00-2:00 pm – joint performance by Gibraltar Middle School & High School Bands
Sat., Dec. 6, 2:00-3:00 pm – Gibraltar High School Jazz Combo
Sat., Dec. 6, 3:30-4:30 pm – The Zelnio Family and Friends Carolers
Fri., Dec. 12, 1:00-3:00 pm – Singer-Guitarist Billy Dave Sherman
Sat., Dec. 13, 1:00-2:00 pm – Gibraltar Elementary & Middle School Choirs
SHUTTLE SERVICES
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. Shuttle buses are also serving the High Point Inn in Ephraim and the Birchwood Lodge, Coachlite Inn, Country House Resort, Dörr Hotel, Open Hearth Lodge, Pheasant Park Resort, and Scandinavian Lodge in Sister Bay.
Christkindlmarkt Door County Hours:
Fridays (Nov. 28th, Dec. 5th, Dec. 12th)
Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 12th)
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 8pm (7pm on the 12th)
Saturdays (Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th)
Event Hours: 11am – 7pm (6pm on the 13th)
Shuttle Hours: 10am – 11pm (10pm on the 13th)
Sundays (Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th)
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 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
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 2 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.
NEW in 2025, you are invited to linger and celebrate in their indoor Christmas Market from December 13-23, featuring Artisan vendors with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, a limited-edition 2025 holiday ornament, and holiday food & drink!
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm from November 28th, 2025 through January 3rd, 2026.
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up online, $18 at the gate. Children 3-12 are $5, kids 2 and under are free. Get Tickets Here!
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 28, 2025 – December 30, 2025
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 29th year on Thursdays through Sundays November 20th-23rd, November 27th-30th, December 4th-7th, 11th-14th, 18th-21st, 26th-29th.
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 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
La Crosse Rotary Lights
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 28th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 28th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 23rd (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, December 1st. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2026.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Entertainment Schedule of Events here!
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993
Website
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November 28, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show, Sheboygan
Sheboygan hosts the 14th annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Light Show from Friday, November 28th 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 28, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website
Facebook Page
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November 28, 2025 – December 30, 2025
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” November 28th-29th, December 4th-6th, and then EVERY evening from December 11th through the 29th, 2025!
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 14th 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 28th – December 6th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 11th – December 29th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night
You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: November 28th and December 5th, 12th, and 19th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walks are Tuesday, November 25th, Wednesday, December 3rd, and Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 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.
MPU Light Exchange Program
They also teamed up with MPU for the Light Exchange Program again, where you can bring your old strings of incandescent lights and MPU will provide you with up to three 13-foot strings of LED lights per household free of charge. Your old lights will be recycled. (Only available to MPU customers.) That takes place Friday, December 5th from 5-8PM.
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 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
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 28th, 2025 – January 1st, 2026. 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 28, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is back for its 24th 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 28th through Wednesday, 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 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, and 17th. 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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December 9, 2025 – December 11, 2025
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Schedule:
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February 14, 2026
Ashland Book Across the Bay
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Ashland to Washburn 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 15th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-2500
Website
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March 20, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Beloit International Film Festival
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 20th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Get the Beloit International Film Festival Film Lineup here
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256
Website
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July 10, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Festa Italiana
Check out Flag-Throwers of the Florentine, direct from Italy. For music, check out great acts across six stages, including the Children’s Stage. Headliners include Anthony Crivello, George Busateri’s Spider George and the Web, Louis Vanaria, The Sicilian Tenors featuring Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale, and Vincent Riccardi, Agne, Tre Bella, Cory Pesaturo, Graziana Maria Lazzaro, and FLEMT – straight from Italy. Longtime favorite Rick D’Amore makes his return, too!
Magic tricks, food demonstrations, comedians Vince Carone and Carmen Vallone, singers from the Florentine Opera, and more are all performing each day. The UW Marching Band will perform on Sunday, and the Children’s Stage will have all kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
You can also enjoy a romantic gondola ride on the cove, play bocce ball, watch the Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament, or compete in Italian Idol. Classic Italian fare and wine tastings, Kids Pizza Making Contest and annual Cannoli Eating Contest. There’s also a traditional Sunday Mass at 11am.
The fireworks go off every Festa evening around 10pm, and they’re a blast! (No pun intended. Okay, fine, pun intended.)
Admission tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children 12 and under are admitted free all three days when accompanied by an adult. Festa Italiana is a cashless festival – no cash will be accepted at the box office, ticket windows, or on the grounds.
You can find the grounds under (literally, under) I-794 along Milwaukee’s lakefront. U.S. 18 ends right by the North Gate, and swinging nearby are I-43, I-94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, and 145.
Festa Italiana Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-223-2808
Website