Combine your holiday shopping with holiday events for a truly remarkable experience in Walworth County, Wisconsin. Your family will create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime with activities to which you’ll return year after year from one generation to the next.
Illumination Ceremony, Christmas in the Country, Nov 24, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
So much to experience with more than two million Christmas lights, indoors and out, including the family-favorite 12 days of Christmas drive-through light show. Enjoy a variety of activities, from Breakfast with Santa, trolley tours and more. The six-week-long picture-perfect holiday celebration welcomes resort guests and the community to share in the festive holiday spirit.
Santa Cruise; Nov 29-Dec 29, Pier 290, Williams Bay
Begin a magical journey with a walk through the Christmas Tree Festival where kids get to send their wish list directly to Santa. Then, ship off on the Christmas cruise boat, decked out in holiday lights and decorations, for an enchanting tour of holiday lights on the lake. Sneak a peek at the shoreline for Santa Claus himself and hear your child’s name read from his “Nice List!”
Christmas Trains; East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
Daytime Trains– The magical ride will take guests from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s workshop located at the Elegant Farmer. Here children can visit Santa and take a photo with the jolly elf himself! The trolleys will be heated, and bathrooms are available at the East Troy Depot. Sat and Sun, Nov 30-Dec 21, morning and afternoon departure times. Presale tickets begin Oct 7.
Santa’s Special Evening Trains– Enjoy a magical upgraded experience on Santa’s Special Evening Trains riding the First Class Dining Cars. This adventure is complete with cookies, hot chocolate, adult (spiked) hot chocolate or a beer. Fri and Sat Nov 29-Dec 21. 5 pm Departure.
East Troy Lights; Dec 2-31, East Troy
The light show adventure includes dazzling interactive light tunnels, hot chocolate, cookie decorating & holiday performances! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Watch the lights come to life with the new immersive “East Troy Lights Live!” every Friday & Saturday or grab a wand, a comic, and start The Candy Cane Adventure! Take control the lights and help make the magic!
Christmas at Cravath; Dec 6, Whitewater
The Whitewater Parade of Lights in combination with an incredible walk-through light display at the Cravath Lakefront Park is a holiday extravaganze. Enjoy the holiday market at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, photos with Santa, hot cocoa bar at The Sweet Spot Café and magical moments at businesses and more throughout the City.
Sharon’s Old-Fashioned Christmas; Sharon, Dec 6
The only horse-drawn Christmas Parade in the area takes place in downtown Sharon. The evening event also includes shopping, Santa and Santa’s Village, entertainment, raffles and the tree lighting.
Let It Glow; Elkhorn, Dec 6-8
Let It Glow is a Santa wonderland at the Uncle Hunk’s Junk Building & Park! Bring the family for pictures with Santa, fun games & a take-home goodie bag with holiday treats and surprises.
World’s Tallest Glass Tree; Dec 6-8 and Dec 13-15, Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay
Participants and locals help grow the tree by donating clear or green glass for the event that promotes lifelong family memories, inspiring children and adults alike. The final day, the tree is topped with a four-and-a-half-foot tall blown glass star to complete the installation. Some proceeds from the event go to arts and science programming at Yerkes Observatory.
One Day, Three Parades Sat, Dec 7
—Annual Christmas Card Town Parade, Elkhorn
Celebrate the Christmas Card Town when families, local organizations and business groups bring their festive gear and floats to caravan through town and welcome Santa Claus to Elkhorn, WI.
—Annual Electric Christmas Parade, Lake Geneva
Its a joyful celebration of the season as this colorful, evening, light-filled parade moves down Broad and Main Streets in Downtown Lake Geneva!
—Santa Parade Train, East Troy
View the parade train at five (5) specific stops with arrival in East Troy at East Troy Village Park Square via an East Troy Fire Department fire truck to light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree and the debut of East Troy Lights.
Delavan Dasher Days; Dec 14 and 21
Explore local Delavan businesses with stocking stuffer deals, enjoy joyful caroling, meet Santa Claus, and witness the creativity of the community in the window decorating contest. Don’t miss out on this double dose of holiday cheer!
Walworth County, Wisconsin is packed with ways to make holiday memories. Plan your trip and enjoy creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
CHECK OUT even more holiday activities and events in the WalCo Wisconsin Events Facebook Group.