Explore the captivating winter landscape of Wisconsin with our Ultimate Guide to Winter Attractions and Activities. From snow-covered scenery to charming holiday festivals, this guide will lead you through a wealth of winter experiences in the Badger State. Whether you're a fan of outdoor adventures like skiing and ice skating, prefer the cozy warmth of a cabin retreat, or love to explore holiday markets, Wisconsin has something to offer everyone during the snowy season. Join us as we delve into the best ways to embrace the enchantment of winter in this vibrant and diverse state.
Holiday Events In Wisconsin
Wisconsin truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering festive events and attractions that capture the magic and spirit of the holidays. From the dazzling spectacle of the Christmas Carnival of Lights to the enchanting WPS Garden of Lights, the grandeur of the Milwaukee City Christmas Tree lighting, and the heartwarming Rotary Winter Wonderland, the state offers a delightful assortment of winter festivals for residents and visitors alike. Join us as we embark on a journey through some of the best holiday events in Wisconsin, where traditions, lights, and festive cheer await around every corner.
1. Christmas Carnival of Lights
Location: Caledonia, WI
Popularity: Very popular and family-friendly.
Price: $30-$110/vehicle (based on vehicle size). Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Experience the Midwest's most dazzling drive-through holiday light show in Caledonia, Wisconsin. Cruise in your own vehicle or ride Santa's GIANT Sleigh and the Golf Cart Holiday Train. Enjoy the festive lights and one-of-a-kind displays, and meet Santa and his friends during select weekends. Don't miss Santa's Workshop for photos until December 23rd, and join in for the 'Oh What Fun it is to Run' 5K on Black Friday through the Christmas Carnival of Lights.
2. WPS Garden of Lights
Location: Green Bay, WI
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: $5-$13/children ages 3-12 (2 and under are free), $12–$20/adults. Limited capacity, so get your dated and timed entry tickets early to secure your preferred date.
WPS Garden of Lights is all about bright lights and festive nights. Enjoy 350,000 lights in 40 nature-themed displays, including favorites like the caterpillar and butterfly house, plus new surprises. Savor cookies and hot beverages, shop for unique gifts, send a letter to Santa, and even snap a memorable photo with him on select nights.
3. Milwaukee City Christmas Tree
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Popularity: Popular beloved tradition.
Price: Free.
Join in on the fun for the annual City Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the vibrant Cheer District, situated on the Plaza at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The City Christmas Tree will grace Deer District, adorned with countless magical ornaments, featuring pre-lighting entertainment with music and family activities. Don't miss this cherished tradition!
4. Rotary Winter Wonderland
Location: Marshfield, WI
Popularity: Popular family-friendly event.
Price: There is no admission charge to Rotary Winter Wonderland, however donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep the project running.
Rotary Winter Wonderland at Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield continues to be a cherished holiday lights display. Over the years, they've partnered with community organizations to support local food pantries and provide a festive experience for all.
Enjoy twinkling light displays, animated features, holiday music by Gingerbread Jamz, and on select Saturdays, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. Winter Wonderland is open every day from the day after Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, 5-9 p.m.
Christmas Towns In Wisconsin
Wisconsin's holiday season is nothing short of amazing, with a handful of towns that transform into festive fantasylands during Christmas. Cedarburg dazzles with its shimmering lights and quaint charm, while Ripon brings the pages of Dickens to life. Hudson, with its cinematic allure, offers a warm holiday welcome, and Lake Geneva's magical atmosphere captivates all who visit. These Wisconsin Christmas towns each have a distinct way of celebrating the season, making them wonderful destinations for those seeking unique holiday experiences.
5. Cedarburg
Location: Cedarburg, WI
Popularity: Hidden gem. Loved amongst the locals and surrounding areas.
Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Cedarburg is a charming year-round destination, but it truly shines during Christmas. Honored by Forbes Magazine, MSN, and Reader's Digest as one of the prettiest towns in America, Cedarburg is renowned for its festive holiday spirit.
In Cedarburg's downtown, historic limestone buildings house enticing shops, galleries, coffee houses, and cozy pubs and restaurants, all beautifully decorated for the season. Thousands of sparkling lights brighten the Historic District, and two historic inns offer a warm welcome.
The town hosts traditional holiday events like Festive Friday Eves, the Rivoli Theater's Holiday Film Series, the Cedarburg Artist's Guild's Holiday Art Fair, and A Cedarburg Christmas' Santa's Workshop. With daily festive activities from mid-November to Christmas Day, Cedarburg is the perfect holiday destination.
6. Ripon
Location: Ripon, WI
Popularity: Hidden gem and loved by locals.
Price: Free. Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Ripon embraces the enchanting spirit of the holiday season with two festive events that transport you back in time. First, there's Dickens of a Christmas, where the streets come alive with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and living window displays featuring beloved characters like Ebenezer Scrooge.
Then there's Ripon's Christmas in the Village, offering a truly magical experience reminiscent of a classic holiday movie. The town's stores are adorned with holiday decor, and the air is filled with the sounds of festive live music. Local businesses extend their hours, providing a great opportunity for holiday shopping with a wide selection of unique products. Most importantly, Santa makes two appearances during this event, arriving in style on a fire truck on Friday evening and returning with a live reindeer display on Saturday morning at the Village Green. This creates the perfect backdrop for selfies and family holiday photos, making it an ideal outdoor celebration for the whole family to enjoy.
7. Hudson
Location: Hudson, WI
Popularity: Hidden gem.
Price: Free. Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Hudson, only a short half-hour jaunt from the Twin Cities, had its moment in the spotlight as the backdrop for a heartwarming holiday movie in 2021. And a walk down downtown 2nd Street is all it takes to see why. The place transforms into a winter wonderland with the city's brick buildings dressed in twinkling lights and jolly seasonal decor. Plus, they've got trolley tours and more to add to the festive charm. Take a leisurely stroll along the serene St. Croix River or, if you're up for it, go on a winter hiking adventure and check out some hiking trails in Willow River State Park. And if you time your visit right, you might even catch a live holiday theater production at the Phipps Center for the Arts, adding an extra dash of seasonal fun to your Hudson getaway.
8. Lake Geneva
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Popularity: Popular, lots of events throughout the season.
Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Lake Geneva is the place to be during the holiday season, offering delightful attractions and festive events for everyone to enjoy. The town comes alive with Christmas lights, charming storefronts, and a chance to create your very own holiday movie moments in its picturesque downtown or amidst the snowy countryside. Experience the joy of the season with events like the 12 Days of Christmas in Downtown Lake Geneva and the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Flatiron Park, complete with a visit from Santa. Don't miss the colorful spectacle of the 47th Annual Electric Christmas Parade, and immerse yourself in holiday art at the Parade of Trees at Geneva Lakes Museum or Gallery 223's Winter Art Exhibit. Explore the World's Tallest Cut Christmas Tree at Yerkes Observatory and enjoy heartwarming holiday shows like The Nutcracker and White Christmas. For family-friendly fun, catch the Dancing Horses Holiday Spectacular or embark on a magical Santa Cruise. Lake Geneva's holiday spirit is sure to fill your heart with festive cheer.
Outdoor Activities
Wisconsin offers awesome adventures year-round, but nothing beats Wisconsin during the winter season. Whether you’re craving the thrills of Granite Peak Ski Area or Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, want to ice skate at Mill Pond in Plymouth, or fancy some tubing hills at Green Bay’s Titletown District, the state’s outdoor scene has you covered. Whether you’re into snow or just looking for some fun things to do, these Wisconsin spots have your adventure fix ready and waiting.
9. Granite Peak Ski Area
Location: Wausau, WI
Popularity: Very popular for seasonal activities.
Price: There are a multitude of ski passes, lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski lessons, and lodging packages to choose from. Please see the Granite Peak Ski Area website for more info.
Granite Peak rises 700 feet, receiving abundant natural snow, ensuring a lengthy ski season from November through April, making it a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With 55 runs, it offers diverse terrain, including terrain parks on the Eastern Slopes, a mix of advanced to intermediate slopes in the center, and enjoyable blue cruisers on the West Side. Despite being one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, Granite Peak boasts a modern lift system with three high-speed lifts, including Wisconsin's only high-speed six-pack, minimizing wait times and maximizing time on the ski hills.
10. Whitetail Ridge Ski Area
Location: Sparta, WI
Popularity: Very popular for seasonal activities.
Price: Daily Ski + Snow Tubing Passes: $23-$40, Daily Snow Tubing Passes: $12-$20, Daily Equipment Rental: $0-$20, Season Passes: $100-$300
Nestled near scenic Fort McCoy, Whitetail Ridge Ski Area offers winter activities for all ages. Skiers and snowboarders can tackle slopes with a 185-foot vertical drop, while the snow tubing area boasts five thrilling runs, including an 800-foot slope and a convenient Magic Carpet lift. Cross-country skiing lovers can explore over five miles of groomed cross-country ski trails with the chance to spot local wildlife. After outdoor adventures, the Chalet provides a cozy retreat to warm up, relax, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Whether you're a novice or an experienced winter sports enthusiast, Whitetail Ridge promises fantastic winter fun for everyone.
11. Mill Pond Ice Skating Rink
Location: Plymouth, WI
Popularity: Hidden gem.
Price: Free.
When the weather's just right - and the pond is safely frozen, the City of Plymouth extends a warm invitation to residents and visitors to enjoy the charm of the Mill Pond Ice Skating Rink for ice skating. The best part? Skating is entirely complimentary, complete with free skate rentals. The pond even lights up for night skating, adding a touch of magic to the experience. And when you need a break, a heated shelter with benches and restrooms is ready to keep you warm and comfy. So, lace up your skates and go have a great time!
12. Titletown District
Location: Green Bay, WI
Popularity: Popular amongst residents that live in the area.
Price: Daily Rates - Single: $3, Unlimited: $10. Must complete a waiver prior to visiting Titletown for your one-time visit for Ice Skating and/or Tubing.
Located just west of Lambeau Field, Titletown is a vibrant 45-acre mixed-use community. Its central attraction is a public park and playground that offers year-round fun, including activities like ice skating and tubing in the winter. At Titletown in Green Bay, you can enjoy winter thrills without leaving the city. They offer snow tubing down a 46-foot hill, and you can use their rental tubes for free. Just grab a tubing ticket at the admissions building on the south side of Titletown. They also have ice skating available at Hy-Vee Plaza, weather permitting. You can rent skates or bring your own, but remember to pay the admission fee for rink access as well. Whether it's tubing, sledding, or skating, Titletown has your winter fun sorted right in town.
Winter Getaways
Escape from the Wisconsin snow and discover the ultimate retreats that offer a cozy experience. From the charming Hidden Bear Cabin nestled in Door County's woods to the rustic lure of the Lake Superior Barn on the sandy shores of Lake Superior and the cool collection of cabins at Anaway Place in the Driftless region, these Wisconsin winter getaways promise the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
13. Hidden Bear Cabin
Location: Egg Harbor, WI
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: $217/night
Discover Hidden Bear Cabin, a captivating retreat in scenic Door County. Tucked away in Egg Harbor's serene woods, this cabin offers year-round delight. Egg Harbor, celebrated as one of America's coolest small towns, boasts top-notch shopping and a vibrant arts scene. Handcrafted by woodworking artisans Jeff and Sheila Prust, the cabin features two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a sunroom with a 4K TV, and a gas fireplace. The finished basement, known as The Bears' Den, offers entertainment with a futon and foosball table. Free Wi-Fi, rustic charm, and a five-acre wooded setting make this cabin a peaceful escape. Enjoy the great outdoors or relax by the fire pit under the night sky. Your perfect getaway awaits.
14. Lake Superior Barn
Location: Maple, WI
Popularity: Remote hidden gem.
Price: Rates vary depending on the time of year and holidays - please click the link in the 'Lake Superior Barn' title above for more info.
Lake Superior Barn is a unique retreat designed for multiple families. It's located just 30 minutes east of Duluth on the south shore of Lake Superior, set on 320 acres of remote wilderness with a sandy beach. The property is also surrounded by the Brule River State Forest - a bonus! Enjoy the sandy beach, swim in the pristine Lake Superior waters, or relax by a driftwood fire. The barn features six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a game room, and a 1600 sq ft deck. Radiant concrete heat warms the game room, and the property offers trails through the woods and along Haukkula Creek. It's a rustic experience intentionally designed without satellite or cable TV, but there are plenty of books, cards, and board games for entertainment. Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Superior, with incredible sunsets over Duluth's hills in the evenings.
15. Anaway Place
Location: Richland Center, WI
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: $167-$1,300/night
Check out Anaway Place cabin rentals, a unique collection of cabins thoughtfully situated on 80 acres in the scenic Driftless region of Southwest Wisconsin. These upscale cabins are surrounded by woodlands and hiking trails and are just six miles from downtown Richland Center and 29 miles from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. Each rustic-chic cabin has distinctive features, including glass walls and sleeping lofts with soaking tubs. There's also a bi-level cabin with a spiral staircase, two decks, and panoramic forest views. For added convenience, snowshoe rentals and firewood are available on-site.
Looking for more fun things to do in Wisconsin in winter? How about dog sledding at Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing or snow tubing at Cascade Mountain or Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort? What about some ice fishing over the frozen lake of Lake Winnebago or exploring the ice caves at Apostle Islands in Bayfield? There's so much fun to be had during the winter in Wisconsin it's hard to choose!
Maybe you prefer to seek shelter in the cold months and are looking for family things to do in Wisconsin in winter, so check out some indoor water parks like Mt. Olympus Parks in Wisconsin Dells.
Can't help but look towards the summer months and are itching to do some planning? Then you have to check out Boundless Adventures - Kenosha Zipline & Aerial Park - it's a blast. Let us know your favorite things to do in Wisconsin - we'd love to hear from you!
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