It’s National Christmas Lights Day! There’s nothing quite like the magic of a holiday light display or a community holiday celebration, and the Geneva Lake is a great place to enjoy these seasonal traditions. We’re celebrating today by rounding up a few of our favorite holiday events and light display viewing opportunities in the area. Whether you’re looking for a classic small-town parade or an over-the-top light display synchronized with music, the Geneva Lake area has plenty of options for light lovers! Here are a few suggestions:
- Trolley Tour of Lights. Daily through Dec. 30, 5-8 p.m. on the hour; Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva. Hop aboard the Grand Geneva trolley for a tour around the resort to see the resort’s extensive decorations. Admission for non-resort guests is $10.
- Santa Cruise. Daily through Dec. 31, Gage Marine Winter Harbor, Williams Bay. Embark on a magical Christmas cruise to Santa’s North Pole Hideaway. Along your lake tour, enjoy the twinkling lights and displays along the shoreline of Geneva Lake. Cruises run every evening with the exception of Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
- Parade of Trees. Through Jan. 2, during museum hours; Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva. Admire Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and individuals while touring the museum.
- Burlington Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.; downtown Burlington and Wehmhoff Square. Parade viewing from historic downtown Burlington and a tree lighting ceremony afterward. Santa and Mrs. Claus, Door County Sled Dogs, caroling and music will accompany the tree lighting.
- 3rd Annual Let It Glow Festival. Dec. 2-4, , Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 5-9 p.m. and Sunday 5-8 p.m.; Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn. Free holiday festival, featuring Walworth County Lights, Balsam Boulevard and Santa viewings. Fundraiser for the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce.
- East Troy Railroad Christmas Train. Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-16; East Troy Depot, East Troy. Trips leave from the East Troy Railroad Depot, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online advanced reservations required.
- World’s Tallest Glass Christmas Tree. Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-17; Yerkes Observatory. Rob Elliot and glass artist Jason Mack are set to build the World’s Tallest Glass Tree using recycled glass bottles donated by the community.
- Elkhorn Annual Christmas Card Town Parade. Saturday, Dec. 3, 1:30 p.m; downtown Elkhorn. Christmas decorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- 47th Annual Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade. Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m., downtown Lake Geneva. A local classic!
- East Troy Lights. Dec. 3-31, 5-9 p.m. nightly; East Troy square. A holiday light show attraction timed to music to broadcast on 90.9FM.
- Walworth County Lights. Dec. 5-31, 5-9 p.m. nightly; Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn. An impressive drive-through light display timed to music.
