Kick off the Holidays in Downtown Lake Geneva
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 24 | 5:00PM-5:30PM | Flatiron Park
Join the community for an annual tradition as the City of Lake Geneva and the Downtown Lake Geneva Business Improvement District light up the Christmas tree to kick off the holidays in Lake Geneva. Start off your day at Harbor Shores with crafts and treats to make your own ornament to adorn our trees in Brunk Pavilion. Open from 3-5pm. Then head to the park for caroling, a holiday story time and to be dazzled by the big park lighting (with a visit from the Jolly man himself!). Following the tree lighting, head downtown to vote for your favorite holiday window display, shop local with stores offering late night hours and exciting deals, then stay to dine at one of the many local restaurants for a total family fun experience. READ MORE >
48th Annual Electric Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2 | 5PM | Broad Street, Downtown Lake Geneva
VISIT Lake Geneva is proud to present the 48th Annual Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2. Join in the fun for a joyful celebration of the season as this colorful, light-filled parade moves down Broad and Main Streets in Downtown Lake Geneva. Spectators of all ages will enjoy magical floats and more creative displays decked out in this year's theme, "A Storybook Christmas". For more details READ MORE>
Enjoy Some Holiday Art and Crafts
Parade of Trees at Geneva Lakes Museum
Fri. – Mon. | 11AM-3PM | Nov. 18 thru Jan. 1 | Geneva Lakes Museum
Join the Geneva Lake Museum for their fifth annual Parade of Trees exhibit along "Main Street." Over 40 trees from local businesses and non-profit organizations are decorated and on display throughout the holiday season. Enjoy the spectacular craftsmanship and historic nods to the community as they adorn the museum in their Main Street exhibit. Come see the creativity, vote for your favorite, and check out the local exhibits detailing the rich history of the area. READ MORE>
Gallery 223 Winter Art Exhibit and Artsy Holiday Market
Thur.-Mon. | 10AM-5PM | Now thru Jan. 7 | Geneva Lake Arts Foundation-Gallery 223
Gallery 223 is a creative space downtown that houses local artist's work. Their Winter Art Exhibit is such a festive experience and fun for the whole family. See stunning watercolor & oil paintings, photography, pottery, and more as you browse their collections. Enjoy their holiday market for unique artisan gifts and even sign up for a class or two to become an artist yourself.
Gingerbread House Walk at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Daily | 8AM-8PM | Nov. 19 thru Dec. 31 | Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
A Christmas in the Country tradition, the Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition showcases the gingerbread house building talent of area residents, both amateur and professional. Judges from United Way of Walworth County and Grand Geneva will award cash prizes for the top three overall winners and prizes in five different age groups. READ MORE>
Get Creative with Holiday Crafts
Various Local Businesses | Multiple Dates and Times | Lake Geneva Region
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by crafting your own holiday decorations and gifts with family and friends. Many of our local businesses and organizations are offering special crafting events designed to spread some holiday joy! Check out our event calendar for the latest and greatest choices for you and your family to enjoy! READ MORE>
World's Tallest Glass Christmas Tree at Yerkes Observatory
Weekends in December | Hours Vary | Yerkes Observatory
Witness the building of the World’s Tallest Glass Tree, live glassblowing, steel sculpting and wood working, alongside a Winter Maker Market comprised of local artisans, craftspeople, and custom handmade glassware. Yerkes Observatory will conduct its Space and Spaces Tours inside the Observatory at set times throughout the event. Special guest Rae Ripple will collaborate with the Mack Glass team to create custom handblown glass and steel art pieces. Free to the public and fun for the whole family. See history in the making kicking off December 1st! For all the details about the event, the art, and how to be a part of the magic READ MORE>
Experience a Holiday Show or Two!
Holiday Magic Shows at Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Special Holiday Performances Dec. 23 thru Dec. 31 | Times vary | Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Experience the magic of the holidays at Lake Geneva's magic attraction! Illusionist Tristan Crist presents 90 minutes of incredible entertainment this December 23rd through 31st. Become a kid again as the show takes you on a journey into the unknown with new tricks and surprises every year. Join others who have made the show a yearly family holiday tradition and don't forget to pick up a magic kit to put under the tree for hours of fun come Christmas Day. READ MORE>
Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 9 | 7:30PM | Young Auditorium at UW Whitewater
It is 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse, up in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goody bags and putting final touches on the Nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon, once again, to step in and save the day! The Church Basement Ladies is a musical comedy that was inspired by the book Growing Up Lutheran, written by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson in 1997. It’s a fun look at what life was like growing up Lutheran in the Midwest in the 1960s. READ MORE>
Lauren Jelencovich: Very Merry and Bright
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 7PM | Young Auditorium at UW Whitewater
Join Yanni’s featured vocalist, Lauren Jelencovich, for an evening of Christmas and more! From Broadway classics and pop crossover hits to the holiday favorites we all adore and love – this concert is sure to bring you joy and inspiration for the season! Featuring O Holy Night, Winter Wonderland, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Lauren’s powerhouse voice, this will be an unforgettable night of entertainment and holiday cheer! READ MORE>
Dancing Horses Holiday Show Extravaganza
Nov. 15 thru Jan. 14 | Multiple Performance Times | The Dancing Horses
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Enjoy a brand-new show that celebrates the magic of Christmas with all-new music, effects, horse tricks, acrobatics, and more. Treat yourself and your families to a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience, only at The Dancing Horses Theatre! The holiday themed show will run November 15th, 2023-January 14th, 2024. READ MORE>
Scrooge the Musical
Now thru Dec. 23 | Multiple Performances Times | The Fireside Dinner Theatre
Don’t miss this sparkling, boisterous Broadway musical of the world’s most beloved Christmas story – Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Based on the popular movie starring Albert Finney, SCROOGE THE MUSICAL tells this time-honored tale as only The Fireside can! READ MORE>
Holiday Music at the Belfry Music Theater
Shows Nov. 29 thru Dec. 21 | Multiple Performances | The Belfry Music Theater
You’ll find great holiday musical shows happening at this historic renovated music and performance theater. Tribute bands highlighting Chicago, Buddy Holly, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra are some of the holiday treats coming this way. From traditional holiday carols and classics to a 50’s rock take on the holidays, you won’t be disappointed! READ MORE>
Be Enchanted by the Holiday Lights
Cruise the Lake on the Santa Cruise
Nov. 24 thru Dec. 30 | Multiple Days & Times | Lake Geneva Cruise Lines
Embark on a magical Christmas boat cruise to Santa’s Hideaway! This 40 minute lake tour cruises by lighted displays, has coloring activities for the children, and concession area to enjoy a hot cocoa and delicious cookies. Begin your 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 our 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!” READ MORE>
Delight in the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Christmas in the Country Light Display
Nov. 19 thru Dec. 31 | Open Daily | The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Every year, the holidays come to life during the annual Christmas in the Country celebration at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Gaze at more than two million Christmas lights, indoors and out, including the family-favorite 12 days of Christmas drive-through light show you can enjoy from the comfort or your car or on a holiday trolley ride tour. The six-week-long picture-perfect holiday celebration welcomes resort guests and the community to share in the festive holiday spirit. READ MORE>
Plan a Visit with Santa
Visit Santa's Workshop with the East Troy Railroad
Weekends Nov. 25 thru Dec. 17 | Multiple Dates | East Troy Railroad Museum
Take your family on a magical ride from the East Troy Depot to Santa's Workshop at the Elegant Farmer, where children visit Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and take home a small gift. This 10-mile round-trip takes just under 2 hours and the cars are heated. Trains depart at 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, reservations are required. READ MORE>
Have Brunch with Santa
Various Dates in Nov. and Dec. | Local Hotels & Resorts | Lake Geneva Region
What better way to enjoy the holiday than with a memorable meal with family and friends in a beautiful location as you wait to see the jolly man himself? With a plethora of hotels, restaurants, and venues offering these special dates, check out our event calendar for the latest and greatest choices for you to make a reservation! READ MORE>
Holiday Music & Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Badger High School
An early sighting of Santa Claus is happening at Badger High School. This Music Department fundraiser is the perfect way to kick off a festive weekend in Lake Geneva. Plenty of music and youth activities along with a family breakfast. Come to see Santa but stay for the holiday music and the annual Badger DECA festive Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair that follows! READ MORE>
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Topsy Turvy Brewery
Stop by for Milk and Cookies with Santa at Topsy Turvy Brewery. For the adults, there will be craft beer, wine and even Irish Coffee! Stay for chili, pizza or a Milwaukee Pretzel and then stroll right out their door to watch the Annual Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade! READ MORE>
Lunch with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 3 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Maxwell Mansion
Join Lakes Area LifeWay for a day to remember with your little ones! This annual fundraising event, supporting The Sunshine Project, is the perfect kickoff to the Holiday Season. The afternoon will feature a boxed lunch of gourmet sandwiches, chips, freshly baked cookies & sweet treats, signature cocktails, Nestle hot cocoa & freshly brewed coffee, raffle prizes, and face painting, as well as a giant outdoor igloo full of Christmas themed games, activities, and crafts, and a photo op with none other than - Santa Claus - and his Elves from the North Pole! READ MORE>
Santa Comes to Downtown Lake Geneva
Thursdays in December | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Various Locations
New this year, Santa is coming to Downtown Lake Geneva every Thursday in December from 5-7pm at various locations. Come with your list and bring your own camera to snap a family pic for the season! READ MORE>
12/7 – Gallery 223
12/14 – Lake Geneva Public Library
12/21 – Magpie’s Den & Pen
Meet and Greet with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Healing Grounds Center Café
Catch one of the last Santa sightings before he heads back to the North Pole! Stop by for a free meet and greet with Santa at the Healing Grounds Center Café & Juicery. After you meet Santa enjoy a coffee, hot cocoa, or breakfast at the café. READ MORE>
Holiday Shopping at Its Finest
Lake Geneva is the perfect place to spend a day or even a weekend checking off all of your holiday gift lists! You can find fashion forward clothing, festive home décor, and a treasure trove of unique gifts for all of your loved ones in our downtown shopping district. We'll have a couple favorite holiday craft and vendor fairs this time of year too! From bling and bobbles to bottles filled with holiday spirits Lake Geneva really shines during the holiday season! So, grab your favorite shopping buddies and make a fun holiday trip you won't soon forget.
Badger DECA Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9AM-2PM | Badger High School
Dozens of vendors will be set up at Badger again this year for the Annual Badger DECA Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair. This annual fundraising event boasts FREE Admission, over 50 unique vendors and crafters, raffles, and more! Santa Breakfast attendees get a FREE raffle ticket for prizes. Come find that perfect present this holiday season while supporting local students. READ MORE>
Hawks View Golf Club Annual Holiday Market
Sunday, Dec. 3 | 9AM-2PM | Hawk's View Golf Club
Immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity and discover a diverse selection of handmade treasures at a spectacular holiday craft fair showcasing local arts and crafts vendors. Explore the unique jewelry, captivating paintings, and exquisite ceramics on display. Indulge in a day filled with artistic holiday inspiration and delightful finds, and take in the festive atmosphere of Hawk's View Golf Club. Treat yourself to delectable bites and refreshing drinks from Tail Feathers, the on-site restaurant, making this craft fair experience even more enjoyable. READ MORE>