Photo Credit: National Railroad Museum
The holidays are right around the corner so it’s time to spread Wisconsin’s holiday cheer! Around the state, communities gather together and put on the most magical festivities and markets just for you to enjoy. Read along for the inside details on how to experience the magic in the air!
Festivities
Photo Credit: Santa Cycle Rampage MKE via Facebook
Let the fun begin at the many Wisconsin festivities! From boats, pedals, train tracks and hoofs, you are destined to have a merry time while taking part in these key Wisconsin activities.
Set sail on Geneva Lake for the Santa Cruise, one of Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s most festive cruises. Before you even depart, be sure to walk through the Santa Cause Charities of Christmas Tree Festival, an indoor idyllic winter wonderland. After you walk through the joyful atmosphere, embark on this remarkable cruise! From the ship you will see dazzling lights ashore, Santa’s hideaway, and even Santa himself! With Lake Geneva Cruise Line, memories of a lifetime are bound to be made.
Pedal your way through the festivities at the Santa Cycle Rampage in the heart of Milwaukee! On December 3, put on your best Santa costume and be a part of the world’s largest holiday themed costume group bicycle ride for charity! All the funds raised support programs throughout the state to make biking better for everyone. If you don’t want to bike, spectators are welcome to watch over 1000 Santa’s pedal their way to the finish line!
Choo choo! Hop aboard The Polar Express Train Ride, put on by the National Railroad Museum! During your mystical experience, you will be immersed in the story of the Polar Express from beginning to end. Board the Polar Express train to the North Pole! Along the way, you will get to interact with characters from the story while traveling through mysterious forests. And of course, Santa will greet you when you arrive at the North Pole.
But Santa couldn’t deliver gifts without his reindeer! Stop by the special appearances of reindeer from the North Pole traveling all over the state throughout this special season! Santa’s Crew travels throughout Wisconsin and showcases a live reindeer display to meet the fury friends that pull the sleigh. Click to see their schedule here.
Markets
Photo Credit: Holiday Market // Destination Kohler
Wisconsin knows just how to get you in the spirit of the season with their celebratory markets and fairs!
This week is Kohler’s 40th annual Holiday Market! From November 18th through the 20th, enjoy this incredible holiday tradition of shopping local vendors from Wisconsin and the midwest region! There’s an array of extraordinary gifts from holiday decorations to clothing, toys, and even sweets.
In the heart of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, The Osthoff Resort puts on the Old World Christmas Market, a one-of-a-kind venue that keeps the past alive and as magical as ever. From December 2nd through the 11th, you can stroll the endless isles of specialty items from around the globe from Czech blown-glass ornaments to German hand-carved nutcrackers. And while you’re there, try specialty German cuisine at the food court for some festive flavor!
Yet another special holiday fair is Lake Geneva’s very own 2022 Annual Arts and Crafts Fair! On December 3rd at Hawk’s View Golf Club, visit local vendors as they display their wide variety of arts and crafts that make for the perfect gift for your loved ones. You will even get the chance to meet the artists and hear the amazing stories behind their precious creations.
The community in Cedarburg also knows how to put on quite a fair for the holidays. Visit the Holiday Art Fair on December 2 through the 4th and find unique, hand-crafted gifts for your friends and family. Items include jewelry, paintings, ceramics, birdhouses and so much more! Add it to your list of must-visits.
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Wisconsin is filled with so much holiday cheer! Communities around the state surely know how to spread it as they hold some of the most fun festivities and magical markets just for you to experience and enjoy! The holidays are getting near so plan your holiday fun today!
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
