Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Drone
As we begin the slow approach of the winter solstice and the Christmas holiday, the nights are getting longer and longer. But the good news? That just means more opportunity to get out and enjoy the many creative holiday light displays in the Lake Geneva area! Starting right around Thanksgiving and continuing throughout the month of December, enjoy everything from drive-through and walk-through holiday light experiences, to a winter cruise on the lake, to a time-honored, lighted Christmas parade. Don’t stay in the dark: if you’re looking for family fun this holiday season, here’s our At The Lake guide to everything sparkling and bright!
East Troy Lights
Dec. 7-31, downtown square, East Troy. Shows happen nightly on the hour from 5-7 p.m., East Troy Lights LIVE! takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8 p.m.
During the month of December, East Troy’s downtown square is transformed into East Troy Lights, a dazzling light show timed to music. On Fridays and Saturdays, the light show becomes an immersive experience, with light tunnels, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and holiday performances. Kids can hunt for the special “candy cane wands” in the Candy Cane Adventure — if they find one, they can control the lights.
This is a free event.
Farm of Lights
Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, 40700 119th St., Genoa City. Fridays-Sundays, 5-10 p.m.
If you’re looking for a fun, drive-through light experience, head to the Farm of Lights in Genoa City. This family holiday event features over 100,000 LED-controlled lights on a route of more than half a mile. Along the way, you’ll experience drive-through light tunnels and impressive Christmas trees. You’ll spot Rudolph and his reindeer pals, plus other beloved, holiday-favorite characters.
Entry is $25 per vehicle, and advanced online reservations are strongly recommended.
Grand Geneva Trolley Tour of Lights
Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 (no tours on Christmas Day), Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva. Daily, on the hour from 5-8 p.m.
This AAA four-diamond resort in Lake Geneva completely transforms its 1,300-acre property with holiday lights. What better way to enjoy them than on the Grand Geneva Trolley Tour of Lights? These 30-minute rides on a heated, enclosed trolley provide an up-close look at the resort’s extensive light displays and decorations. Passengers receive 3D glasses to enjoy the view, and sing along to the “12 Days of Christmas” while Santa’s elves entertain along the ride. (If you miss the trolley or prefer a self-guided tour, you can simply drive your own vehicle through the Grand Geneva property at no charge instead.)
Trolley tour tickets are free for resort guests. For non-resort guests, advanced reservations are required, and tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids ages 3-12.
Lake Geneva’s 49th annual Electric Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, beginning at 5 p.m., downtown Lake Geneva along Broad Street.
A town tradition for almost 50 years, the Electric Christmas Parade features performers, musicians and electric-lighted floats, plus plenty of volunteers who hand out candy. This free event is fun for the whole family.
Let It Glow Festival
Dec. 6-8, Uncle Hunk’s Junk building and park, 203 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday noon-8 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m.
Now in its fourth year, the Let It Glow Festival has a new location at Uncle Hunk’s Junk in Elkhorn. What was formerly a drive-through light display experience is now a fun holiday event with food trucks, outdoor entertainment, mulled wine, seasonal brews and the Santa Garage, a walk-through holiday experience.
Parade of Trees
Nov. 23 through Jan. 5, Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva. Open Fridays through Mondays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The elaborate and charming “old town street” of the Geneva Lake Museum (inspired by the Old Milwaukee exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum) is transformed into a Christmas wonderland for the holiday season. More than 30 individuals and local businesses decorate a tree for the space, and museum visitors can view the trees and then vote for their favorite. (The winner is announced in a ceremony on New Year’s Day.)
The Parade of Trees is included with your museum ticket, which gives you access to all of the local history exhibits on display, making for a fun and educational afternoon.
Santa Cruise
Nov. 29 through Dec. 29. Gage Marine Winter Harbor/Pier 290, 1 Leichty Drive, Williams Bay. Tuesdays through Sundays, multiple cruises per day (check the website for special hours during the week of Christmas).
A beloved local tradition, the family-friendly Santa Cruise takes passengers on a 40-minute Christmas cruise in a heated tour boat (either the Grand Belle of the Lake or the Lady of the Lake.) Along the way, you’ll spy several creative light displays on the shoreline, set up specifically for the cruise. You may (ahem: will) even see Santa at his lakeside hideaway, where he will read aloud the names of all of the children on the cruise who made it on to the “nice” list this year. Before boarding the cruise, you’ll walk through the Tree Festival and have an opportunity to visit Santa’s Bar for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic treats. Also before boarding, don’t forget to ogle the many incredible items available in the raffle to benefit the Santa Causes, a supercharity that benefits multiple local organizations.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $13 for kids ages 4-17.
World’s Tallest Glass Tree
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay (must park in the Williams Bay High School parking lot and take a shuttle to site.) Fridays 4-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays noon-7 p.m.
While not a traditional “holiday lights” experience, the World’s Tallest Glass Tree is set to return Yerkes Observatory this year. Rob Elliot and glassblowing artist Jason Mack build the large-scale work of art using recycled glass bottles donated by the community. Watch the glass artists at work as they create this one-of-a-kind piece, or upgrade your ticket to try your hand at glassblowing yourself!
General admission tickets are $5 per person; upgrades start at $10. Fridays 4-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12-7 p.m.
