These locally recommended events are the best things to do in Lake Geneva Wi during the holidays.
Since my family has been in the area since the 1930s, I have curated a guide to the Best Christmas things to do in Lake Geneva, ensuring your holiday season is sprinkled with enchantment and merriment. These events hold a special place in my family’s heart and I am excited to share them with you!
This post is all about the best Christmas Things To Do in Lake Geneva Wi.
1. World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes Observatory
Yerkes Observatory, 3 Weekends in December: 12/1-12/3, 12/8-12/10, & 12/15-17 Fridays 4-7pm, Sat 12-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm
Over three weekends in December, glass blowing master Jason Mack and the Elliot organization create a colossal glass Christmas tree in front of the beautiful Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wi. This unique holiday event is like nothing you have seen before. The tree is created from recycled, donated glass collected from the community and then blown onsite to create the World’s Tallest Glass Tree! Visitors can even participate buy adding a section of the tree themselves.
The pinnacle event is the festive tree-topping ceremony on December 17th at 2pm. A magnificent 4-foot hand-blown glass star is put on top of the tree, marking the completion of this stunning installation. The ceremony is a all ages affair featuring local vendors, delectable food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and more.
Insider Tip: You park at the Williams Bay High School and take a shuttle bus over to Yerkes, since they do not have parking onsite. While the parking is free there is a suggested donation of $10 per vehicle. I also suggest buying one of the mini glass tree ornaments- a perfect gift or memory to hang on your own tree!
For more information click HERE.
2. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Lake Geneva
Flatiron Park, Downtown Lake Geneva, Friday, November 24th, 5:00PM-5:30PM
Embrace a cherished yearly ritual with the lighting of the tree in Lake Geneva. In addition to the tree lighting the local business each decorate their store fronts with Christmas displays and you are able to walk around then vote on your favorite! There is even a special appearance from Santa himself! If you are looking to make a night of it, get dinner afterwards at one of the delicious downtown Lake Geneva restaurants, but since most do not take reservations be prepared there could be a wait.
For more information click HERE.
3. 48th Annual Electric Christmas Parade – Downtown Lake Geneva, WI
Broad Street in Downtown Lake Geneva, Wi, Saturday 12/2/23 5pm
Enjoying this light filled parade that will put you into the holiday spirit! Local business and groups design floats that light up with holiday Christmas lights to a different theme each year. This is an annual tradition that should not be missed!
For more information click HERE.
4. Santa Boat Cruise with Cruise Lake Geneva
Leaves from Gage Marine (in front of Pier 290 restaurant in Williams Bay, WI), 11/26-12/30/23
Indulge in one of Lake Geneva’s winter wonders with the Santa Boat Tour—an enchanting 40-minute journey departing from Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Delight in the magic of large Christmas light displays around the lake, culminating at Santa’s lake house, where the chance of a Santa sighting adds an extra touch of excitement. What makes it truly special is that every child on the boat finds their name on Santa’s nice list, as he personally reads each one aloud during the cruise.
But this festive adventure isn’t just for the little ones! Adults can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, relishing the dazzling light displays. Choose between a Christmas trivia tour or a Christmas karaoke tour geared towards adults.
Insider Tip: Before embarking on the boat tour, immerse yourself in the Christmas ambiance by strolling through the Festival of Christmas Trees in the Gage Marine boat garage (behind Pier 290). Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4:30-8ish on weekdays and 9 or 9:30 on weekends, starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the new year, this winter wonderland features Christmas displays created by local charities. Visitors can purchase $2.00 raffle tickets to vote for their favorite display or prize. As Christmas music sets the festive tone, Pier 290 offers a bar with delightful cocktails. It’s an experience for all ages at $30 for adults and $18 for kids. Don’t miss out on this magical Lake Geneva winter tradition!
For more information click HERE.
5.A Christmas Night to Remember at Baker House
Baker House, Wednesday 12/20 6-9pm
Spend an unforgettable evening of musical splendor, featuring the extraordinary talents of Diva Montell and Jeorge Holmes at the Baker House, in downtown Lake Geneva. Embrace the magic of Christmas with a musical performance that spans the spectrum, from classic Christmas tunes to heartwarming sing-alongs, powerful opera, and show-stopping Broadway hits. Dine on a 5-course dinner (with a complementary glass of champagne), while enjoying the concert and festive Christmas decorations around the hotel. Tickets are $100 per person.
For more information click HERE.
6. Experience the 6 Week Christmas Extravaganza at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, 11/19/23-12/25/23
Every year, the holidays come to life during our annual Christmas in the Country celebration. Gaze at 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, igloo dining experiences, and Ginger Bread House Walk which shows off the amazing gingerbread houses made by professional and local residents.
The six-week-long picture-perfect holiday celebration welcomes resort guests and the community to share in the festive holiday spirit. The trolley tour of lights is complementary for resort guests, but non guests can also enjoy for $20/person. This has always been a really fun thing for our family to do at Christmas. We make a weekend of it and enjoy the beautifully decorated Grand Geneva….they really know how to do Christmas!
Insider Tip: The resort has normal hotel rooms but also multi bedroom villa options and a wonderful spa for mom or dad to relax and recharge at! They also have an indoor basketball hoop (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
For more information click HERE.
7. Parade of Trees at Geneva Lake Museum
Geneva Lake Museum, Friday-Sunday 11-3pm, 11/18-1/1/23
Over 40 Christmas trees are decorated by local business and organizations and placed along the old timey “Main Street” at the Geneva Lakes Museum. This is a great holiday event because it is INDOORS and warm 🙂 The interactive museum is fun for the whole family and has “homes” from different eras that you can walk into. My sons loved it, and my husband and I enjoyed learning even more about the area. Fun fact- most of the items were donated by local families. Price of admission is $12 for adults and $5 dollars for kids.
For more information click HERE.
8. Holiday Show at the Dancing Horses Theater
Dancing Horses Theater, 11/15/23-1/14/24
Looking for family-friendly activities all in one location? The Dancing Horses Theatre is the home of the most amazing Vegas-style show in the area – a family friendly horse show in Lake Geneva!
This holiday 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. Children under 2 free. Ages 3 & up $40. General Admission includes Horse Show with optional backstage tour.
For more information click HERE.
9. East Troy Railroad Museum Christmas Train
East Troy Railroad Museum (in East Troy, WI), Nov 25-26, Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
If your son or daughter loves trains this is an event that should not be missed! Every year the magical ride will take you from our 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 in our East Troy Depot.
The total experience is two hours in duration, consisting of 30 minutes on the train to the Elegant Farmer, 1 hour at the Elegant Farmer, and a 30 minute train ride back to the East Troy Depot.
Insider tip: Tickets normally go on sale early October and they sell out fast! So if you are interested mark your calendars and check the website early. Cost is $39 for adults, $33 for ages 3-14, and $14 for 2 and under
For more information click HERE.
10. See a Holiday Show
There are several great places if you are in the mood for a holiday show! I recommend the Belfry Music Theater– each year they have multiple Christmas shows like a Trans Siberian Orchestra tribute band or a Buddy Holly Christmas special. Other great option is the Fireside Dinner Theater if you are looking for a holiday play.
Click HERE for more info on the Belfry Music Theater and HERE for more info on the Fireside Dinner Theater.
11. Have Breakfast (or Lunch) with Santa
Various Locations and Dates
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without visit with Santa! Here are some places offering breakfast or lunch with the big guy:
Lake Lawn Resort: Breakfast with Santa, Sunday Nov 25, Dec 3, Dec 16. Breakfast buffet offered from 9-noon. Click here for more details.
Grand Geneva Resort: Brunch with Santa, Monday, November 20 then every Saturday and Sunday, November 21 – December 23. Adults $55, Children 3-12 $25 and Complimentary for Kids 2 and under, 8am-1pm. Click HERE for more info.
The Abbey Resort: Brunch with Santa, Sundays November 26 through December 24 | 9:00am-1:00pm | $34.95 adults / $16.95 children (4-12). Click HERE for more info.
Maxwell Mansion: Lunch with Santa Sunday 12/3/23 featuring a boxed lunch of gourmet sandwiches, chips, freshly baked cookies & sweet treats, signature cocktails, Nestle hot cocoa & freshly brewed coffee, raffle prizes, 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! Kids $25, Adults $35. Click HERE for more info.
The enchanting holiday season in Lake Geneva offers a plethora of festive activities, embodying the true essence of Christmas magic. Whether it’s admiring dazzling light displays, taking memorable boat tours to Santa’s abode, or exploring the Festival of Christmas Trees, each experience promises joy and wonder. The community’s warmth and the delightful traditions make Lake Geneva an idyllic destination for families and friends to create everlasting memories.
This post was all about the best Christmas things to do in Lake Geneva Wi.
