The holiday season shines a little brighter in Lake Geneva. With its festive charm, cozy gathering spots, and joyful spirit, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season with the people who matter most. From twinkling lights to cozy corners perfect for catching up with friends, the season is made for laughter, celebration, and a little extra magic. Here’s how to make this holiday one to remember.
Sharing Some Holiday Spirits
What’s a holiday get-together without a little cheer? Lake Geneva is brimming with spots where you can raise a glass, share a laugh, and toast to the season. From festive wineries to laid-back breweries and craft distilleries, these local gems serve up the flavors (and the fun) that make any gathering feel special. Be sure to stop by some of our favorites and raise a glass to the season!
Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery | W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn | 262-728-3266
The Apple Barn Winery specializes in fruit wines made from fresh, non-grape fruits and berries. They are fermented in small batches to ensure their richness and quality. They offer delicious fruit wines using the fruit they grow. Their wine tasting is always complimentary because they want to make sure you are able to find the variety you enjoy most.
Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company | N5543 County Road O, Elkhorn | 262-729-9771
This 5th generation family farm produces hand crafted beers and seltzers year-round. You'll find 20 different styles of beer pouring in their tap room where you can gather with friends while playing a little trivia or bingo, listening to music, and celebrating the season. Join them early in December and you'll find a holiday market perfect for a little early seasonal shopping.
Mashtun Social Brewery & Taproom | 700 Veterans Parkway #203, Lake Geneva | 262-999-4677
Swing by Lake Geneva's newest local brewery for seasonal brews and the best grilled cheese around! This cozy little brewery offers a rotating selection of beers and hard seltzers in a friendly and casual atmosphere. Grab your besties and spend an afternoon planning the rest of your holiday festivities.
Topsy Turvy Brewery | 727 Geneva Street, Lake Geneva | 262-812-8323
Situated in an old church, with tall ceilings and original stained glass windows, this local brewery and tap room takes going to church to a new level. They offer an ever-rotating selection of seasonal brews and hard seltzers crafted on-premise, as well as some selections from other locally breweries. There's always music playing and you'll even find Santa making an appearance in early December.
Geneva Lake Distilling & Winery | 401 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva | 262348-9100
This local favorite is a wine studio, art studio, and a music studio all in one. They offer a wide selection of wines made on premise, and they recently started distilling spirits too. Most weekends you'll find music playing and while you and your friends are celebrating the season you can do a little shopping in their art gallery.
Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery | W8896 County Highway A, Delavan | 608-883-2100
Grab your friends and family and head out to this rural winery, the drive is definitely worth it. With beautiful views of the countryside, unique regional wines and distilled spirits, and a menu of fabulous tasting boards this is the perfect place for an afternoon of holiday celebrating.
Rush Creek Distilling | 1501 West Diggins Street, Harvard, IL | 815-943-7874
Our neighbors to the south in the dairy capital of Illinois also have a wonderfully cozy distillery that is worth the drive. These distillers take their craft seriously, and your group will surely enjoy an evening tasting their lovingly crafted spirits while playing some trivia, listening to music, or catching a game. They've got snacks to keep your crew happy too.
Tasting Rooms
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main St., Lake Geneva | 262-348-9463
Offering a selection of 800+ wines, craft spirits, craft soda, and craft beer, the Bottle Shop is a place where people can gather with friends at their European wine bar or in their cozy lounge. Enjoy live music, a full library of games, and a little comedy while celebrating the season with friends.
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva | 262-248-1948
You'll find unobstructed views of Geneva Lake from any seat in the house along with friendly, knowledgeable service and occasional live acoustic music. This cozy spot is perfect for enjoying your favorite cocktails and wine, or signature specialties and seasonal offerings with loved ones.
Geneva Tap House | 252 Broad St., Lake Geneva | 262-812-8099
This local favorite offers a special experience for any group. You'll find a fun and exciting way to try something new and may find your new favorite drink! Pour a small sample, half a glass, or a full pint. It's all up to you! With live music and fun game nights it's the perfect place for a holiday gathering.
Niche Café & Wine Bar | 715 Hunt Club Dr., Lake Geneva | 262-581-6800
Niche is an excellent gathering place for your wine connoisseur friends. Taste your way through a variety of fine wines from whites to reds, dry to full bodied, small batch to popular, local to international. You'll find music playing, small plate snacks, and a neighborhood feel in this local establishment.
Igloo Experiences
Looking for a holiday experience that’s both cozy and unforgettable? For a cozy holiday adventure that feels straight out of a snow globe, gather your friends and family for an igloo experience. Picture this: you and your favorite people tucked inside a glowing igloo, laughter echoing as snowflakes fall outside. Several Lake Geneva resorts and restaurants offer these one-of-a-kind winter hideaways, complete with festive lights, warm drinks, and all the holiday charm you could wish for.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva | Igloo details HERE
Maxwell Mansion | 304 S, Wells St., Lake Geneva | Igloo details HERE
Lake Lawn Resort | 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan | Igloo details HERE
Magpie's Den & Pen Frosted Barrels | 642 Main St., Lake Geneva | Booking details HERE
PIER 290 | 1 Liechty Dr., Williams Bay | Igloo details HERE
Mars Resort | W4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva | Igloo details HERE
Holiday Markets and Shopping Adventures
A stroll through downtown Lake Geneva is a holiday tradition all on its own. Twinkling lights, festive décor, and the cheerful buzz of the season create a magical backdrop as you wander from shop to shop. Quaint boutiques and specialty stores offer everything from artisan crafts and locally made goodies to unique holiday treasures, far from the usual big-box experience. Take your time exploring the eclectic mix of shops with friends, enjoy seasonal discounts, and warm up with a festive latte or hot chocolate from a nearby café.
The holiday magic doesn’t stop there, Lake Geneva is home to charming holiday events and artisan markets where local bakers, crafters, and artists showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and festive treats. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses, find thoughtful gifts for loved ones, and gather some sweet surprises for yourself along the way!
Festive Events and Activities
Keep an eye out for the many special holiday events and activities happening around Lake Geneva during the holidays. From sparkling tree lighting ceremonies and festive holiday parades to concerts, craft fairs, and seasonal workshops, there’s always something to bring the community together. Ice skating rinks, Santa meet-and-greets, and holiday-themed activities add even more fun for families and friends. Joining in these local festivities is the perfect way to soak up the holiday spirit, make memories, and truly feel the magic of the season.