The Holiday Fun Guide is sponsored by the Ingleside Hotel presenting their Country Christmas Light Display.
Lake Country Family Fun has put together a one-stop guide that consolidates all your Holiday and Christmas events and fun into one place. First, read about our sponsor, the Ingleside Hotel’s County Christmas. Then use the guide to find great local Christmas and Holiday fun for you and your family. Please thank all of the local sponsors that make Holidays in Waukesha County a breeze to navigate:
- Holiday Fun Guide sponsored by Ingleside Hotel presenting Country Christmas 2020, the 25th anniversary of the event
- Photos with Santa Guide sponsored by Delafield Chamber of Commerce
- Christmas Parade Guide sponsored by the Delafield Brewhaus
- Christmas Tree Farm Guide sponsored by Wild Elegance Photography
- Christmas Tree Lighting Guide sponsored by Downtown Hartland
- Craft Fair Guide sponsored by Brown Street Emporium
- Holiday Light Displays that Amaze by Winter Wonders
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HOIDAY FUN GIVEAWAY 2020
This year, we have put together an awesome package thanks to local sponsors to kick off our Holiday Season. One lucky winner will win:
- Hot Chocolate Bomb Box from GlitteratiParty.com
- A Car-load Pass to the Country Christmas Drive through Light Display
- A $20 gift certificate to a Happy Thought Indeed
- 4 tickets to the Take Flight Theatre’s Polar Express Journey at the Wilderness Hotel
ENTER AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST.
Categories in this guide include:
Click a category below to jump to that category.
DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS...
(not that we are counting)
2020 HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE SPONSOR
A HUGE Holiday thank-you to our Holiday Fun Guide Sponsor, The Ingleside Hotel presenting the Country Christmas.
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at the Ingleside Hotel is Wisconsin’s Largest outdoor drive through light display and it begins soon for the 2020 season.
Celebrate the 25th Year of Country Christmas!
My kids always have a blast going through each year and they always seem to notice more and more details each year and squeal with delight as we make our way through! It runs from November 27th, 2020 – January 2nd, 2021. Sunday through Thursday hours are from 5-9 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays it runs from 5- 10 pm.
Country Christmas is celebrating its 25th year as Wisconsin’s largest and most spectacular drive-through holiday lights event! Country Christmas features over a million holiday lights festively displayed along a mile-long trail that winds through the woods. You’ll experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes – all from the comfort of your car. And when you’ve finished your trip through the trail, leave your vehicle behind and visit Christmas Village and The Streets of Bethlehem. Christmas Village is home to our spectacular, working model train display as well as a concession area to purchase refreshments. The Streets of Bethlehem is where you will be amazed by the near life-size Fontanini nativity display, an exact replica of the one found at the Vatican.
Illuminated Walks – Join them November 20, 21 or 22nd for an Illuminated Walk through Country Christmas. This three night only event will help benefit the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County. Enjoy the mile long Country Christmas trail like you never have before and receive discounted admission with the donation of a new book. Hours are 5pm – 9pm, last admission tickets sold at 8pm. Admission is $7 per person with $2 donated directly to the Christmas Clearing Council.
Wagon Rides – Wagon Rides through Country Christmas provide a unique and fun way to see the holiday lights.
- November 29th – December 3rd
- December 6th – 10th
- December 13th – 17th
Rides are at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Masks Required. (Based on availability) $15 per person – Includes hot chocolate and a cookie. Purchase tickets in Christmas Village. Carload admission not required for wagon ride. Wagon rides will leave promptly at your scheduled departure time. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
HANDY HOLIDAY GUIDES
(CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW)
2020 Holiday Guides
Slo Motion BBQ in 2020
Ingleside Hotel
Winter Wonders
CAN'T MISS LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS
Note: Due to COVID-19, there are changes and precautions for many events occuring in 2020.
- MILWAUKEE LIGHT FESTIVAL – November 19,2020 – Jan 1, 2021 (changes in 2020)
- GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET cancelled in 2020
- Christmas in Okauchee – Thanksgiving Weekend
- DOUSMAN WINTERFEST 2020 – December 6, 2020 (Dousman Candy Cane Lane)
- COUNTRY CHRISTMAS DRIVE THROUGH LIGHT DISPLAY – Nov 27, 2020 – Jan 2nd, 2021
- Winter Wonders Drive Through Light Display – Nov 20 – Jan 3
- Jingle on Janesville in Muskego – December 5th
- Midnight Magic in Mukwonago – December 7th
- St. Matthews LIVE NATIVITY – Cancelled in 2020
- Outdoor Nativity Walk at Divine Redeemer in Hartland – Details here
- Dayspring’s annual Luminary Nativity Walk through event – Dec 18 – 20
- Canadian Pacific Holiday Train canclled in 2020 (Virtual Concert to take place on December 12th)
- All of the local CHRISTMAS PARADES
- Holidaze in the DEPOT (formerly Christmas in the Depot)- Big event not happening, some stores may still their own things.
- CHRISTMAS IN WALES –TBD 2020
- Waukesha SILVER BELLS FESTIVITIES – Parade is cancelled / Art Walk is on
- Local TREE LIGHTING Events
- EAST TROY SANTA TRAIN RIDE 2020 – SOLD OUT
- Polar Express Ride at the Wilderness – Take Flight
MUST SEE PERFORMANCES
MAINSTAGE ACADEMY OF DANCE PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
MainStage Academy of Dance Presents: The Nutcracker
Don’t Miss This Beloved Holiday Favorite!
DREAMS come alive in the MainStage Academy of Dance Youth Ballet’s enchanting production of ETA Hoffman’s The Nutcracker! Be delighted by the dazzling handmade embellished costumes, charming sets, falling snow and accomplished dancers as MSAD’s signature production unfolds before your eyes in this most beloved holiday favorite. We are in our seventh year and invite you to make it a family tradition!
This is the what true fairytales are made of!
The Nutcracker Ballet is performed entirely by the students of Mainstage Academy of Dance along with a few of their parents. The young cast of boys and girls, ages 8-18, will perform choreography by MainStage Artistic Director, Eddy Bray.
Showtimes:
- 2020 Show will be a Video on Demand Link
- All performances will be shown from the comfort of your home.
- Ticket prices are $16-18.
Help us feed families in need by bringing a donation of non-perishable food items. Thank you!
The 8th ANNUAL Production of the delightful musical rendition of the Charles Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be at the Lake Country Playhouse this Holiday season.
Music by ERNEST BRUSUBARDIS | Lyrics and Adaptation by MICHAEL KOSCINSKI
This year’s production promises audiences ‘a little something different’ to welcome the holiday season.
Appropriate audience: All ages
Purchase your tickets HERE.
MAKE THESE HOLIDAY TRIPS
Looking for some holiday fun to get you and your family in the holiday spirit? Enjoy this list and get in touch with your jolly side 🙂
Note: Information posted below taken from websites with permission.
COUNTRY SPRINGS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS DRIVE THROUGH LIGHTS
PEWAUKEE, WI
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at the Ingleside Hotel is Wisconsin’s Largest outdoor drive through light display and it begins soon for the 2020 season.
Celebrate the 25th Year of Country Christmas!
My kids always have a blast going through each year and they always seem to notice more and more details each year and squeal with delight as we make our way through! It runs from November 27th, 2020 – January 2nd, 2021. Sunday through Thursday hours are from 5-9 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays it runs from 5- 10 pm.
Illuminated Walks – Join them November 20, 21 or 22nd for an Illuminated Walk through Country Christmas. This three night only event will help benefit the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County. Enjoy the mile long Country Christmas trail like you never have before and receive discounted admission with the donation of a new book. Hours are 5pm – 9pm, last admission tickets sold at 8pm. Admission is $7 per person with $2 donated directly to the Christmas Clearing Council.
Wagon Rides – Wagon Rides through Country Christmas provide a unique and fun way to see the holiday lights.
- November 29th – December 3rd
- December 6th – 10th
- December 13th – 17th
Rides are at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Masks Required. (Based on availability) $15 per person – Includes hot chocolate and a cookie. Purchase tickets in Christmas Village. Carload admission not required for wagon ride. Wagon rides will leave promptly at your scheduled departure time. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS MARKET
ELKHART, WI
Cancelled in 2020 – join in 2021!
Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the 22nd annual Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort offers the warmth and merriment of this Old World tradition. The Osthoff Resort’s Old World Christmas Market was named one of the 2012 American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events in North America (CLICK HERE TO READ THE PRESS RELEASE)! For ten consecutive days, guests stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds and Nüremberg bratwurst as they browse for unique and specialty items among international and regional artisans.
The Old World Food Court offers shoppers space to relax and enjoy delectable German fare, such as, Nüremberg bratwurst, hot glühwein, sauerbraten, dumplings, wiener schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork and apple strudel. Father Christmas, the venerable old gentleman in his berry red, fur-trimmed suit, roams the market merrily greeting children of all ages. So be sure to bring along your camera for some memorable photo opportunities.
The 2019 Old World Christmas Market is open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, December 6 – 15, 2019. Admission is $7 per adult, children 14 and under are complimentary with an adult ticketholder. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 20 or more are available.
For more information, please call (877) 517-4596.
AN OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS
EAGLE, WI
Cancelled in 2020
Celebrate the season as you travel back in time to engage your sense with performances, music, food, and hands-on activities that highlight holiday traditions brought to Wisconsin by immigrants. Help prepare Vanocka (traditional braided bread), tour the Yuletide Village in a horse-drawn sleigh, have your picture taken with Victorian Santa Claus in his busy workshop, sip on hot cider and wassail, indulge in sweet treats, and more! Don’t forget to watch out for Krampus!
December 7-8, 14-15 from 10am to 4pm. / Advance reservations are not required for An Old World Christmas. Special Pricing: Adults $12; youth (5-17) $9; children 4 and under are free. WHS members receive Free Admission to An Old World Christmas.
GUIDED TROLLEY TOUR OF LIGHTS
LAKE GENEVA, WI
2020 Update – Event is only for Hotel Guests in 2020
Christmas in the Country 2020and the 27th Annual Illumination Ceremony – Join Grand Geneva on Sunday, November 22 2020 for the kickoff of the annual six-week long Christmas in the Country Celebration. They flip the switch on more than 2 million lights throughout the property, then follow it up with our dazzling grand fireworks display to kick off the holiday season. Discover even more holiday magic this season with the additional kids activities and live entertainment throughout the Grand Ballroom, Evergreen Ballroom and the Lobby. Enjoy holiday cookies and hot apple cider too. We ask that all guests bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to United Way of Walworth County.
CANDY CANE LANE
WEST ALLIS, WI
CANDY CANE LANE is in West Allis and is fundraising for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).
SHALOM HOLIDAY LIGHT DRIVE THROUGH
WEST BEND
The holiday drive-thru begins November 21st and runs through December 31st, 2020. Bring your family and friends. In the warmth of your own car, drive slow, relax and enjoy the wildlife, the unique Holiday displays and decorations. The entire zoo is lit up with special LED lighting for the night time drive-thru. Wildlife viewing is good day or night. The Drive-thru will take one hour.
Santa has prepared a treat bag for all the good boys and girls.
After the Holiday drive-thru enjoy entrance into the petting zoo and a crackling camp fire. Animal feed for the petting zoo is available for purchase in the gift shop.
Pricing: $10 per person (2 & under are free)
Pay at the drive up ticket booth window at the zoo entrance
No reservations needed
ENCHANTMENT IN THE PARK
WEST BEND
JOIN US FOR AN INTERACTIVE HOLIDAY LIGHTSHOW TO BENEFIT HUNGRY FAMILIES AND LOCAL
Details HERE.
BURLINGTON
The City is delighted to host the Wisconsin State Ice Carving Competition as part of the 2020 Ice Festival on Saturday, December 12th.
Over a dozen ice blocks will be placed throughout Wehmhoff Square Park. Each sculpture will be carved from a 300-pound block of ice that has been frozen in a special process to ensure that the blocks are crystal clear. The blocks are ten inches thick, twenty inches wide and stand forty inches tall on a wooden stand. The live sculpture carving, a favorite viewing attraction, showcases ice carvers using hand tools as they transform the massive blocks of ice into an array of giant masterpieces.
Along with watching the carving competition, visitors can spend the day in downtown Burlington taking a horse-drawn wagon ride, seeing live reindeer, visiting Santa Clause, exploring our downtown and much more! There is no cost to visitors attending this festival. This is event is only made possible with the support of our community sponsors.
Schedule of Events
Wehmhoff Square Park
355 N. Pine Street, Burlington, WI
LCFF HOLIDAY ARTICLES
Ice Castles is coming to Lake Geneva
LAKE COUNTRY FAMILY FUN Year in Review: 2020
Lake Country and Waukesha Country Winter Fun Guide
9 Snowshoe Trails to Stride this Winter
Unique Vacation Spots in Wisconsin
Slice of Ice-Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee
30 Things to do Over Christmas Break
Kick Your Christmas Movie Night Up A Notch
Country Christmas Drive Through Light Display
Holiday Fun Guide
Holiday Light Displays that Amaze
30 Best Christmas Movies Guide!
South East Wisconsin Christmas Tree Farms Guide
Lake Country Family Fun’s Shop Small Guide
Santa Train Ride, East Troy Electric Railroad
Fall and Holiday Craft Fair Guide
Visit The Domes!
Don’t Miss Christmas Event List
Our Family Experience at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee
Food Pantry Guide of Waukesha County
Ho Ho Humbug? Holiday Confessions About the Not-So-Easy Stuff
Wisconsin Christmas Carnival Of Lights **Giveaway**
5 Ways to Stay Sane During Christmas Week
![Ten Ways To Do Christmas [Right] This Year](https://lakecountryfamilyfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Untitled-design-1-450x253.jpg)
Ten Ways To Do Christmas [Right] This Year
Hot Cocoa in a Jar!
LIGHT DISPLAYS THAT AMAZE
Cookie Walks
Most cancelled in 2020
We recommend popping over to our SHOP SMALL GUIDE and hitting up these local YUMMY EATS retailers:
Sweet P’s Pantry
E and S Sweets
All the Crumbs Cookies
The Naked Lemon Bakery
LAKE COUNTRY FAMILY FUN HAS ALL YOUR HOLIDAY NEEDS. CHECK OUT OUR HOLIDAY SHOP SMALL GUIDE, PHOTOS WITH SANTA GUIDE, CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING GUIDE, CHRISTMAS TREE FARM GUIDE, HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR GUIDE, AND CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE GUIDE. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LAKE COUNTRY FAMILY FUN!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LAKE COUNTRY FAMILY FUN!
ADD SOME HOLIDAY FUN
Enter to win the HOliday FUn Giveaway here:
One winner will receive:
- 1 Hot Chocolate Bomb Box from Glitterati Party.com
- Set valued at $49.99 and includes items listed here. Box will be shipped to winner directly.
- A Car-load Pass to the Country Christmas Drive through Light Display
- Event runs through Jan 2 and tickets cannot be redeemed for cash)
- A $20 gift certificate to a Happy Thought Indeed
- Winner will receive coupon code via email to use by end of December 2021.
- 4 tickets to the Take Flight Theatre’s Polar Express Journey at the Wilderness Hotel
- Does not include hotel stay. Other exclusions and limitations apply. Physical tickets will be mailed to the winner.
The contest runs Monday, November 3th through December 11th at 11:59PM CST. Winner announced on December 12th. One entry per person. Duplicates will be deleted. To be entered to win, comment on the Facebook post from 11/30 at 8:00pm CST and enter the form below. Some product exclusions apply.
This giveaway has ended.
Thank you to everyone for entering! Congratulations to Krista B. for winning!!
GIVEAWAY DISCLOSURE:
Other: Entrants must be 18 years or older at the time of entering the giveaway. Entrants must be located in the U.S. The winner will be selected at random and notified via the email that was submitted. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Only one entry person. Duplicates will be deleted.
Disclosure: Many thanks to the many local sponsors for providing the giveaways (see individual giveaway for sponsorship details). See DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY POLICY here. The winner may be congratulated on Facebook (with the official prize notification going through email). For giveaways that are announced or promoted on Facebook, please note that these promotions are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
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