Kick off the Holidays in Downtown Lake Geneva
Light Up Lake Geneva - Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 29 | 5:00PM-6:00PM | 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. 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 >
49th Annual Electric Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7 | Parade kicks off at 5PM | Broad Street, Downtown Lake Geneva
VISIT Lake Geneva is proud to present the 49th Annual Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7. 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 holiday splendor. For more details READ MORE>
Holiday Traditions and Activities to Get You in the Spirit
6th Annual Parade of Trees at Geneva Lakes Museum
Fri. – Mon. | 11AM-3PM | Nov. 23 thru Jan. 5 | 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 | Nov. 10 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. 24 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>
Experience a Holiday Show or Two!
Dancing Horses Holiday Show Extravaganza
Mid- November thru the New Year | 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! READ MORE>
Holiday Music at the Belfry Music Theater
Shows Dec. 4 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. Musical acts highlighting Carole King, country Christmas classics, and the magic of Christmas in New York are some of the holiday treats coming this way. From acapella Christmas classics to a holiday celebration with Top 40 hit makers The Buckinghams, you won’t be disappointed! READ MORE>
Holiday Music at Geneva Stage
Shows Dec. 1 thru Dec. 21 | Multiple Performances | Geneva Stage
The holidays come alive at this downtown music and performance venue! From a classic night of Christmas music with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute band, to a live radio play of It's a Wonderful Life, you'll find the Christmas spirit alive and well in downtown Lake Geneva. READ MORE>
Holiday Magic Shows at Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Special 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>
Miracle on 34th Street
Now thru Dec. 22 | Multiple Performances Times | The Fireside Dinner Theatre
Don’t miss this holiday classic, a big Broadway musical with heart based on the beloved movie, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade needs a new Santa. Enter Kris Kringle, who claims he IS Santa Claus. Thus begins this funny, warm, inspirational musical as Kris proves his claim in court and reminds us all to believe! READ MORE>
Be Enchanted by the Holiday Lights
Cruise the Lake on the Santa Cruise
Nov. 29 thru Dec. 29 | 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. 24 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>
World's Tallest Glass Christmas Tree at Yerkes Observatory
Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 | 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. See history in the making kicking off December 6! For all the details about the event, the art, and how to be a part of the magic READ MORE>
Light Up Lyons
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Downtown Lyons along the White River Bike Trail
Enjoy some holiday fun at Light Up Lyons! Santa and Mrs. Claus kickoff the event with their arrival at dusk.(4:45 - 5:00). Visit with Santa, decorate some cookies, enjoy S'Mores and cocoa by the fire and some festive live music. READ MORE >
Plan a Visit with Santa
Visit Santa's Workshop with the East Troy Railroad
Weekends Nov. 29 thru Dec. 21 | Multiple Dates | East Troy Railroad Museum
Our Santa's Special 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! In addition there will be activities for kids. The trains are 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. On the return trip each child will receive a special holiday book and stuffed animal as a memento of this memory-making event. 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>
Santa's Landing at the Abbey
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | The Abbey Resort & Spa
Everyone is invited to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season when Santa Claus lands at The Abbey Resort. Enjoy holiday music, fresh cookies, hot chocolate, and photos with the jolly old elf himself against a lakeside backdrop. READ MORE >
A Night with Santa
Friday, Dec. 6 | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Geneva Lakes Family YMCA
Get into the holiday spirit by spending the evening with Santa! Enjoy holiday crafts, hot chocolate bar and pictures with Santa! READ MORE>
Holiday Music & Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 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>
Holiday Party and Cookies with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 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>
Pizza with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Bigfoot High School
Build your own 7 inch pizza with Santa! Pizzas are cooked and delivered back to your table for you to enjoy with Santa and his Elves. There will also be games and cookie decorating. Don’t forget to take a photo with Santa! READ MORE>
Santa Visits Downtown Lake Geneva
Thursdays in December | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Various Locations
Santa is coming to Downtown Lake Geneva every Thursday in December from 5-7pm at various locations. Bring a camera, enjoy some hot cocoa, and stay downtown to dine and shop this holiday season! READ MORE>
- 12/5 – Lake Geneva Public Library
- 12/12 – O2 Lounge
- 12/19 – The Bottle Shop
Meet and Greet with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 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.
Hawks View Golf Club Annual Holiday Market
Saturday, Nov. 23 | 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>
Duesterbeck's Annual Christmas Market
Friday, Dec. 6 11am-4pm | Saturday, Dec. 7 10am-4pm | Duesterbeck's Brewing Company
Join us in celebrating the Holiday spirit! Explore a delightful selection of handcrafted gifts, local products, and seasonal home Décor. Savor sensational food and enjoy exceptional beer as you shop! READ MORE>
Badger DECA Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 9AM-2PM | Badger High School
Dozens of vendors will be set up at Badger again this year for the Annual Badger DECA Holiday Craft 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>
For more shopping events and open houses, check out the events calendar!