A Guide To Spending The Holiday Season in Sheboygan County

Hailey Rose

November 21, 2022

Photo Credit: Destination Kohler

Sheboygan County is one of Wisconsin’s most exceptional destinations, especially during the holiday season. Spend this spectacular time of year in Sheboygan County shopping the many merry markets, joining in on the festive fun, and enjoying the various outdoor activities the winter brings to the county. Read this ultimate guide to hear what Sheboygan County has in store for the joyous holiday season!

Shop Away At The Merry Markets

Photo Credit: Hansen Holiday Market via Facebook

Begin your jolly journey through Sheboygan County at The Osthoff Resort, home of the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake! From December 2nd-11th, immerse yourself in the historic traditions of the holidays from across the globe. As you walk through the dozens of isles, you will notice numerous specialty items such as Czech blown-glass ornaments, handmade German nutcrackers, and Estonia’s finest chocolates. You won’t want to miss out on these unique gifts and amazing experiences celebrating the holidays from across the world! Come quick during these 10 short days.

Stop by 3 Sheeps Brewing Company in Sheboygan to visit the Hansen Holiday Market running from November 25th-27th and from December 2nd-4th! This open-air holiday market not only has an array of vendors to buy this year’s holiday gifts, but has an entire tree lot to pick out which tree will fit perfectly in your home for the season. Make it a bundle with decorative wreaths, swags, and your very own planters. Get first pick of this year’s trees and bundle up for some Wisconsin winter fun this holiday season! And when you’re done shopping don’t forget to hop inside to enjoy a handcrafted Sheboygan brew.

In Kohler, Wisconsin, the 40th annual Holiday Market ran from November 18th-20th! Local vendors throughout the Midwest region come together each year and offer precious gifts everyone will love. They offer wide selections of holiday decorations, clothing, toys, and sweet treats you can’t resist. This is a must-add to next year’s calendar.

Fun Festivities Across Sheboygan County

Photo Credit: Making Spirits Bright

As the snow falls, Elkhart Lake puts on quite a festival, Schnee Days Winter Festival! From January 27th-29th, plan a weekend of frolicking fun! There are many festivities to participate in like dashing through the snow in the SchneeLauf Run/Walk, cooking up your secret chili concoctions in the Chili Cook-Off Competition, and so much more! The fun is truly endless at Schnee Days Winter Festival, click here and learn more about it!

Ready to make spirits bright? Sheboygan County has the perfect event for you… the Making Spirits Bright Drive-Through Lights Show right in Sheboygan’s Evergreen Park! Starting on November 25th through December 31st, tour through the 1.1-mile route of magical light displays while listening to holiday music. The best part? It’s free! Donations are accepted to support the local food pantries and to grow the event’s displays to be even bigger and better.

If you’re ready to hit the road and explore with a holiday lights tour, hop aboard Shoreline Metro’s Jingle Bus through downtown Sheboygan! The Shoreline Metro’s Jingle Bus takes you to places including Making Spirits Bright, Mead Public Library, and City Green! For just 4 days in December, take this authentic festive trolley ride, touring the lights, seeing the sights, and spreading the holiday spirit! Get more insider details here!

Jingle your way to Sheboygan’s very own Jingle & Mingle Holiday Event happening on December 3rd! This year is the second annual event and it’s quite a hit for families and friends. At City Green, there will be amazing entertainment, a marketplace, trolley rides, and Santa himself!

Get Outdoors for Winter Activities

Photo Credit: Destination Kohler

Wisconsin winters are truly a special time of year, offering outdoor fun for everyone, especially in the beautiful Sheboygan County. At Destination Kohler, it’s a one-stop shop with all the winter activities you can dream of! Starting on December 2nd, join the fun from Friday through Sunday and play on their curling lanes. To keep you out of the colder weather, the lanes are tucked inside a non-heated barn so you can fully enjoy the game!

For a staple wintery outdoor activity, lace up your skates and slide along their ice-skating rink! This isn’t just a small rink… it’s 5,400 square feet! Whether you’re looking for a leisure skate or to play competitive hockey, their rink is the perfect place to go. Have a blast and make memories of a lifetime this winter at Destination Kohler. 

While you’re in the area, stop by the beautiful Kohler-Andrae State Park for a candlelight ski, snowshoe, or even hike through the scenic winter wonderland. This pristine two-mile cross-country ski trail slides you along gradual slopes and snowy tree tops. For snowshoeing, there’s a one-mile moderate trail through Wisconsin’s wilderness. If you can’t get enough, check out the Black River Trail with 2.5 miles of snowshoe fun! For the map of skiing and snowshoeing trails, click here.

Now that you’ve taken the ultimate guide through Sheboygan County during the holiday season, it’s time to plan your visit! Shop the county’s merry markets, join in on the festive fun, and enjoy the many wintery activities in Wisconsin’s great outdoors. Plan your visit to Sheboygan County soon, the holidays are coming!

That’s not even close to all the holiday fun offered in Sheboygan and Sheboygan County! For more holiday happenings in Sheboygan, click here. And for Sheboygan County’s full list of holiday events, click here!

Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.

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