These locally recommended Lake Geneva Christmas events will make wonderful memories for you and your family!
Since my family has been in the area since the 1930s, I have curated a guide to the Best Lake Geneva Christmas Events, 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 Lake Geneva Christmas Events.
1. World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes Observatory
Yerkes Observatory, 2 Weekends in December: 12/6/24-12/8/24, 12/13/24-12/15/24 with final ceremony 12/15 at 4pm. Fridays 4-7pm, Sat 12-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm
Over two 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 15th at 4pm. 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, beer/wine, lively music, and more.
Cost: Tickets to the event are $5 per person which includes free parking at Williams Bay Highschool (a heated trolley ride will take you to Yerkes Observatory). 8 and under enter free. Tickets can be purchased in advance on this website or purchased on-site once you get off the trolley. I highly recommend booking the FREE mini Yerkes Observatory tour (it sells out quick). Purchase tickets here.
Insider Tip: You are able to help build a part of the giant tree! For only $10 one of the glassblowers will gather a hot glob of melted glass from the furnace with a steel gathering iron, then hand you the iron, and it will be up to you to drip and wrap the glass around the spinning tree. A super unique Christmas memory!
For more information click HERE.
2. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Lake Geneva Wisconsin
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. 49th Annual Electric Light Christmas Parade – Downtown Lake Geneva, WI
Broad Street in Downtown Lake Geneva, Wi, Saturday 12/7/24 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! Click HERE for parade route.
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), 11/29-12/29/24
Indulge in one of Lake Geneva’s winter wonders with the Santa Boat Cruise- 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.
Kick off your Christmas season with a stroll through the super festive Christmas Festival before you board the boat! Get ready to snap some magical photos, soak in all the beautiful holiday decorations, and let your kiddos send their wish lists straight to Santa. And don’t forget to grab a hot cocoa (or a spiked holiday drink for us grownups!) from Santa’s Bar to take along for the ride.
Once you’re all set, hop on the Christmas Cruise boat that’s decked out in the most gorgeous holiday lights and decor. Cozy up in the heated cabin and enjoy a peaceful tour of the sparkling shoreline, where Santa himself will make an appearance at his lakeside hideaway. To make it extra special, Santa will call out names from his “Nice List” — my 3 year old was so excited when he heard his name last year!
And if you’re looking for an adult holiday night out, check out our Adults-Only Santa Cruises! Every Saturday at 8:30 pm, take the lake by storm with a lively 1-hour cruise just for grownups. Get ready for some holiday karaoke, or if singing’s not your thing, grab a drink and enjoy the holiday light displays from the top deck. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends! Choose between a Christmas trivia tour or a Christmas karaoke tour geared towards adults.
Cost: $31/adult and $19 for kids ages 4-17
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! I recommend making a dinner reservation at Pier 290 after your cruise!
For more information click HERE.
5. An Unforgettable Christmas Evening at The Baker House
Baker House, Wednesday 12/18/24-9pm
Spend an unforgettable evening of musical splendor, featuring the extraordinary talents of Diva Montell and George 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, starting 11/24/24
Every year, the holidays come to life during the 6 Week Christmas Extravagana that transforms the Grand Geneva Resort into a Christmas paradise! 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, Christmas light trolley tours, igloo dining experiences, Christmas Eve Dinner, Letter Writing Stations, and famous Ginger Bread House Walk which shows off the amazing gingerbread houses made by professional and local residents. Plus the resort has it’s own skill hill where youc an take lessons and go skiing during your stay!
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! You can even have a fully decorated Christmas tree put up in your hotel room for $129
Insider Tip: The resort has normal hotel rooms but also multi bedroom villa options if you need more space. Plus there is a wonderful spa for mom or dad to relax and recharge at! As a guest you have access to the amenities at the spa (like steam room, sauna, and whirlpool) and access to the full indoor basketball court, rock climbing wall, pickle ball courts and fitness center (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
For more information on Christmas at the Grand Geneva Resort click HERE.
7. 6th Annual Parade of Trees at Geneva Lake Museum
Geneva Lake Museum, Friday-Sunday 11-3pm, 11/23/24-1/5/24
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 12 and under are FREE!
For more information click HERE.
8. Holiday Show at the Dancing Horses Theater
Dancing Horses Theater, starts mid November 2024
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 mid November to early January, 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), Weekend after Thanksgiving thur end of December
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. There are 2 options- a nighttime Christmas Train and Day time Christmas Train.
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 range from is $30- $39 for adults, $33 for ages 3-14, and $14 for 2 and under depending on which train option you take.
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 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, December 8th 9-12:30 Breakfast buffet offered. Click here for more details.
Grand Geneva Resort: Brunch with Santa, Every Saturday and Sunday, November 30 – December 22, 2024. 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 December 1 through December 22 and December 25 | 9:00am-1:00pm | $50 adults / $25 children (4-12). Click HERE for more info.
Timber Ridge Resort (with huge indoor waterpark!): Take the family on a fun little getaway at this resort with an indoor heated waterpark PLUS have breakfast with Santa! Fill your December Sunday mornings with laughter, joy, and wonderful memories at Breakfast with Santa. Santa will be spreading holiday cheer while you indulge in a delightful family breakfast on Sundays starting November 26 – Sunday, December 24, 2024. 8-11:30am Adults $25.99 Kids 12 and under$15.99. 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 Lake Geneva Christmas events around Lake Geneva Wisconsin.
