Experience the 12 Days of Christmas in Downtown Lake Geneva
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 2nd | 5:00PM-5:30PM | Flatiron Park
Join the community for an annual tradition as the City of Lake Geneva and the Streets of Lake Geneva Business Improvement District light up the Christmas tree to kick off the holidays in Lake Geneva. Enjoy a visit from the jolly man himself for picture perfect moments. Then walk around downtown to see the Holiday Window Displays and vote for your favorite by visiting their website here.
47th Annual Electric Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3rd | 5PM | Broad Street, Downtown Lake Geneva
VISIT Lake Geneva is proud to present the 47th Annual Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3. 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, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". For more details Read More>
Take in Holiday Art
Parade of Trees at Geneva Lakes Museum
Fridays - Mondays Now thru Jan 2nd | 11AM-3PM | genevalakemuseum.org/
Join the Geneva Lake Museum for their fourth annual Parade of Trees exhibit along "Main Street." Over 35 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 a rich history of the area.
Gallery 223 Winter Art Exhibit and Artsy Holiday Market
Thursday-Mondays Now thru January 8th |10AM-5PM | genevalakeartsfoundation.org/
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. And save the date for Friday December 2nd for their Open House Reception, from 6-8pm enjoy live music, holiday treats and shopping throughout the evening.
World's Tallest Class Christmas Tree at Yerkes Observatory
Weekends in December | Hours Vary | yerkesobservatory.org/
This is going to be a spectacular event for the season! 3 weekends of artistic demonstrations, a holiday market, and tours of Yerkes Observatory as the world's largest tree comes to life. Free to the public and fun for the whole family. See history in the making kicking off December 2nd! For all the details about the event, the art, and how to be a part of the magic READ MORE>
Be Dazzled with Holiday Shows
The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 17th | 1PM | Young Auditorium at UW Whitewater
If looking for a show to get in the Christmas spirit, this is it! The Dance Factory with the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra is proud to present the classical rendition of The Nutcracker. This matinee performance is perfect for families and promises to deliver remarkable artistry.
White Christmas
Now thru December 23rd | Multiple Performances Times | The Fireside Dinner Theatre
Christmas time is really an incredible season to experience The Fireside Dinner Theatre. Enjoy a gourmet meal, shop their adorable boutiques, and marvel at this traditional show produced in their theatre in the round. Based on the beloved film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, this heartwarming stage adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs. With a series of romantic mix-ups and a dazzling score including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical any time of year but especially loved at Christmas!
Dancing Horses Holiday Spectacular
Now thru January 15th | Multiple Performance Times | The Dancing Horses
Looking for family-friendly activities all in one location? Look no further! The Dancing Horses Theatre is the home of the most amazing Vegas-style show in the area – a horse show in Lake Geneva! Our show was created from one vision, and infinite love for horses. With a variety of show times and experiences we love to recommend booking your holiday performance with a backstage tour to really dazzle the little ones in your life.
Where to See the Lights
Cruise the Lake with Santa Cruise
Nov 25 thru December 30th | 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. From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway with a Santa spotting as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his “Nice List.”
Stroll the Grand Geneva Gingerbread Walk and their 12 Days of Christmas
Now through December 31st | Open Daily | The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
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 where you can enjoy from the comfort or your car or along a holiday trolley ride trolley. The six-week-long picture-perfect holiday celebration welcomes resort guests and the community to share in the festive holiday spirit. Area residents, in both amateur and professional or adult or child categories, display their masterpieces beginning November 20th through the holidays, during a Gingerbread House Walk. View these fabulous creations daily from 8am-8pm
Visit with Santa
Santa & His Reindeer in the Park
Saturday, December 10th | 1-4PM | Flatiron Park
Looking for an opportunity to take family photos with Santa and his reindeer? Meet them at Brunk Pavilion in downtown Lake Geneva for a family fun day! Bring a camera and capture those great holiday memories!
Visit Santa's Workshop with the East Troy Railroad
Weekends November 26th thru December 18th | Multiple Train Schedules | East Troy Railroad Museum
This is a magical experience! Ride a historic rail from 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! Shop for delicious treats, enjoy fun activities, and sing Christmas carols on the ride.
Have Breakfast with Santa
Local Hotels & Resorts | Various Dates | 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! MORE HERE>
