Ready for a picturesque Victorian winter full of bustling shops, scenic stops and endless good cheer? Experience it all at Home for the Holidays, where you’ll stroll through a charming 1800s village filled with crackling bonfires, festive greenery and fun-filled craft making. Create your very own take-home ornament and dash through the snow on a horse-drawn wagon complete with jingling bells. Visit Victorian Santa in his magical toy workshop, greet Jultomten and his giant goat companion, and—for those of you on the naughty list—watch out for an appearance from the winter trickster, Krampus! Before you go, don’t forget to pick up a present for loved ones: exclusive merchandise and custom souvenirs are available each day during Home for the Holidays.

Enhance your visit with Time Travel Token experiences available exclusively during Home for the Holidays. Tokens are $6 each. Each Token is redeemable for one experience. You do not have to select your experience at the time of token purchases. Available experiences vary depending on season, staffing and weather. Tokens are not redeemable for cash. Tokens cannot be used for purchases at the Creamery, Café or Museum Store.

Some examples of Time Travel Token uses include:

-Holiday shopping in the General Store

-Hand-forged gifts from the Blacksmith Shop

-Make and take leather ornaments in the Shoe Shop

-Find cozy tea accessories at Worthy’s Tea Room in Four Mile House

This event is sponsored by Old World Foundation.

Will there be a Gingerbread House Contest at Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin?

Yes!

Old World Wisconsin is calling all bakers, builders and history lovers to join the 2025 Gingerbread House Contest during their annual Home for the Holidays celebration this December.

Transform Wisconsin’s rich history into something sweet by creating a gingerbread house inspired by one of Old World Wisconsin’s 60 historic buildings. From charming log cabins to backyard barns, each creation will tell a story of the people who shaped our state—only this time in gingerbread and icing!

Community members of all ages are encouraged to apply now through Sunday, October 26.
Applicants must submit:

• Contestant information
• Reason for participating
• A concept drawing or model of your gingerbread design
• A signed acknowledgement of contest rules

Applicants can apply as an individual or as a team of up to six people. All applications will be reviewed and chosen applicants will be notified by October 31. The 20 entries selected for the contest will be assigned a category, based on age and group size. Guests attending Old World Wisconsin’s Home for the Holidays event will vote on their favorite gingerbread house, and the winning house in each age category will receive a free membership to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 2026!

Click on this form for a chance to enter the competition!

How much does Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin cost?

Adult (18-64): $22
Teen (13-17): $22
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $17
Child under 5: Free

Society members receive a 10% discount
Advanced registration is required

Purchase tickets

When is Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin?

Saturday, December 6
Sunday, December 7
Saturday, December 13
Sunday, December 14

What do I need to know before I go to Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin?

Know Before You Go & Accessibility:

Old World Wisconsin grounds remain open rain or shine. Programs are subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.

Old World Wisconsin is located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The site features gravel roads, rough and hilly terrain. Our staff recommends dressing in layers and choosing sturdy footwear.

Onsite vehicle parking is available for FREE at Old World Wisconsin. The parking lot can accommodate large vehicles, RVs, and buses.

Admission is valid for a single date, and guests may exit and re-enter during their visit.

Modern restrooms, changing rooms, and water fountains are available on site.

No pets are allowed.

Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. Guests using wheelchairs and electric scooters are eligible for complimentary admission. Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 262-594-6301 or oww@wisconsinhistory.org.