The holidays are a magical time of year, and Walworth County hosts three of the grandest holiday experiences around. Gaze at the World’s Largest Glass Tree, explore the iconic Ice Castles, or go on a Santa Cruise to Santa’s hideaway on Geneva Lake…all in Walworth County!
World’s Largest Glass Tree
A team led by glass artist Jason Mack is assembling a 31-foot-tall glass tree for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. The tree, which will be made from recycled and donated glass bottles, will eventually be topped with a 4.5-foot glass star that will make the total height of the beautiful holiday display 35.5 feet. While the tree is being built, there will be live glassblowing, steel sculpting, and woodworking demonstrations. The event is free to the public and will be one where lifelong holiday memories are created. A trolly will take event visitors from the Williams Bay High School to Yerkes Observatory during festival hours.
Explore Lake Geneva’s Ice Castles
We’ve all seen those beautiful pictures of the expansive, colorful, and crystalized Ice Castles, but if you haven’t experienced them in person you’re missing out! The Lake Geneva Ice Castles feature several exhilarating ice slides for visitors of all ages, plus ice caverns throughout the entire maze of ice where there’s something to see around every corner. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, squeeze through one of the passageways throughout the Ice Castles that bring you a new perspective of the beautiful structures. Keep an eye out for the whimsical winter fairy or the enchanting snow queen who greet visitors every day and book a sleigh ride along a scenic and illuminated trail before exploring the castles.
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Santa & a Cruise!
Did you know Santa has a home on Geneva Lake? Well, he does, and he makes special visits to his home every night before Christmas to visit the kids on the Santa Cruise. After boarding a Lake Geneva Cruise Line boat decked out for the holidays, you will take a 40-minute lake tour along lighted displays that unfold the story of your journey. From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway and Santa himself as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his “Nice List”. Before boarding the boat, walk through the Santa Cause Charities of Christmas Tree Festival, which features individually decorated trees with a festival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. After the cruise, head to Pier 290 to warm up with drinks and dinner from their Fireside Menu or enjoy a favorite from their full menu.
BONUS: Holiday Stops
For some extra holiday spirit, check out the East Troy Lights, or the Gingerbread House Walk and Trolley Tour of Lights Grand Geneva. Check out other local events on our website.