The holidays aren’t complete without a little downtown charm, dazzling lights and festive spirit. And Walworth County, Wisconsin — just a bit northwest of Chicago — you’ll find a wealth of festive fun perfect for families.
“There’s something about Christmas and that small-town vibe that’s just so special,” says Katy Wimer, Director of Content and Communications at Discover Whitewater. “Everybody is so warm and kind around the holidays.” Plus, she adds, “Our cities are so close together, families can do a lot of holiday events in a span of a couple of weeks.”
From train rides and parades to light shows and Santa encounters, here are 10 ways to make family memories in Walworth County this holiday season.
1. Illumination Ceremony & Christmas in the Country, Lake Geneva
- Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2024
- Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
Kick off the season with over 2 million holiday lights at Christmas in the Country, a stunning drive-through light show inspired by “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
“Seeing that story unfold is really cool,” Wimer says. “And it’s six weeks long, so you can experience it all the way until New Year’s.”
You’ll also find breakfasts with Santa and trolley tours.
Tip: Catch the opening-day Illumination Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 24.
2. Santa Cruise, Williams Bay
- Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 29, 2024
- Location: Pier 290, Williams Bay
Set sail on a Christmas-themed cruise where kids can send wishlists to Santa in advance, and he’ll read their names from his “Nice List.”
“Geneva Lake is beautiful, and all the views are super incredible,” Wimer says. “It’s so well worth a ticket.” Those are $25 for adults, $23 for kids and free for infants.
Tip: “Get tickets as early as possible,” Wimer advises. “This popular cruise sells out fast.”
3. Christmas Trains, East Troy
- Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2024
- Location: East Troy Electric Railroad
Hop on the East Troy Christmas Train to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer for Santa photos and treats. Popular picks include the Daytime Christmas Trains and Santa’s Special Evening Christmas Train, which includes cookies, hot chocolate and a holiday gift for kids.
“At the Elegant Farmer, grab their legendary apple pie baked in a paper bag,” Wimer adds. “It’s a must-have.”
Tip: Trains are heated, but bundle up for the outdoor portions of this adventure.
4. East Troy Lights, East Troy
- Date: Dec. 2-31, 2024
- Location: Downtown East Troy
Explore interactive lights, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and live performances all December long. “The town square is so charming,” Wimer says.
Fridays and Saturdays also feature the Candy Cane Adventure, where kids use wands to turn display lights on and off at different stations. “It’s unbelievably magical.”
Tip: Grown-ups are welcome to join in the light play, too!
5. Christmas at Cravath, Whitewater
- Date: Dec. 6, 2024
- Location: Cravath Lakefront Park, Whitewater
The Parade of Lights lets families see floats up close — plus a unique walkthrough light display. Over 20 creatively decorated pallet trees, decorated by local businesses and community members, add even more holiday charm.
Tip: Stroll downtown for shop window displays and warm up at Sweet Spot Café’s hot cocoa bar.
6. Sharon’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, Sharon
- Date: Dec. 6, 2024
- Location: Downtown Sharon
Sharon hosts the area’s only horse-drawn Christmas parade. “It’s like an evening out of a Norman Rockwell painting,” Wimer says. Families can also enjoy Santa’s Village, local shopping, raffles, entertainment and a tree lighting.
Tip: Explore local shops for unique holiday finds.
7. Let It Glow, Elkhorn
- Date: Dec. 6-8, 2024
- Location: Uncle Hunk’s Junk Building & Park, Elkhorn
This three-day block party begins with the annual tree lighting, followed by Santa’s arrival and holiday activities.
“Elkhorn is our county seat,” Wimer shares. “It has more of that small-town feel. Everything is walkable.” Look for food trucks, the North Pole Pop N Shop and seasonal sips at the Tinsel Tavern.
Tip: Check out community-decorated trees for a touch of local flair.
8. World’s Tallest Glass Tree, Williams Bay
- Dates: Dec. 6-9 and 13-15, 2024
- Location: Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay
Towering at 31 feet, this glass tree is a seasonal spectacle that families help construct. “The best part is, people can feel included by donating glass,” Wimer says.
Parking is at Williams Bay High School, with shuttle service to the observatory.
Tip: Bring some old green or clear glass to make your family part of this festive project.
9. One Day, Three Parades
- Date: Dec. 7, 2024
- Events, cities and times:
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- Christmas Card Town Parade: Elkhorn, 1:30 p.m.
- Electric Christmas Parade: Lake Geneva, 5 p.m.
- Welcome Santa Parade Train: East Troy, 5 p.m.
“If you love parades, go ‘parade hopping,’” says Wimer. Elkhorn hosts an afternoon parade, while Lake Geneva’s is at night, and East Troy’s features a train-themed parade.
Tip: Arrive early to grab a prime viewing spot, as some roads close for parade routes.
10. Delavan Dasher Days, Delavan
- Dates: Dec. 14 and 21, 2024
- Location: Downtown Delavan
This festive gathering offers stocking-stuffer deals, caroling and window decorating. “It’s perfect for last-minute shopping,” Wimer adds. Families can also enjoy the holiday windows downtown.
Tip: Stop by the cozy Boxed & Burlap for warm sandwiches and beverages.
Start planning your holiday family fun in Walworth County
Walworth County is packed with ways to make holiday memories together. “There’s just so much variety,” Wimer says. “Not only things that create awe — but also things that are fun and interactive for kids. These events are great for families.”
Plan your festive trip and enjoy creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
For more information about family-friendly holiday fun in Walworth County, Wisconsin, visit the Walworth County Visitors Bureau holiday fun events page.
