The holidays shine brightest in Walworth County — where charming downtowns glow with lights, carols fill the air, and every weekend brings a new reason to bundle up and celebrate. From sparkling parades and Santa sightings to magical light shows and festive markets, WalCo invites families to make memories that feel straight out of a Christmas movie.
Here’s our featured guide to this season’s most magical events in WalCo: Lights, Santa, and Shopping!
LIGHTS
When it comes to dazzling displays, Walworth County shines like no other. From grand resorts and glowing observatories to downtown parks twinkling with thousands of lights, there’s holiday sparkle around every corner. Gather the family, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the glow of the season guide you through these can’t-miss displays.
Saturday, November 23, 2025 4:00 p.m.| Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
Kick off the season in grand style at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s Christmas in the Country celebration! Watch as more than two million twinkling lights transform the resort inside and out, including the dazzling “12 Days of Christmas” drive-through display. Enjoy six weeks of festive fun with trolley tours, Breakfast with Santa, and magical moments for the whole family.
December 5, 2025 – January 5, 2026 | Cravath Lakefront Park, Whitewater
Experience the magic of the season at Christmas at Cravath! Enjoy a month-long celebration filled with festive fun, from the Parade of Lights and holiday market to the chili cook-off and Breakfast-for-Dinner with Santa. Don’t miss your chance to meet real reindeer on December 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.! Cozy up with cocoa, music, and sparkling lights throughout the park.
December 6–31, 2025 Every Friday & Saturday 7 pm | East Troy Village Square
Step into a dazzling holiday wonderland with East Troy Lights — a one-of-a-kind interactive light show experience! Stroll through colorful tunnels, sip hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and enjoy live holiday performances. Don’t miss East Troy Lights Live! Every Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, or grab a wand to join The Candy Cane Adventure and control the lights yourself!
December 5–7 & December 12–14, 2025 | Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay
Watch holiday magic take shape at Yerkes Observatory during the creation of the World’s Tallest Glass Tree! Guests and locals help “grow” the tree by donating clear or green glass, symbolizing community and creativity. The installation is crowned with a breathtaking 4½-foot blown-glass star, with proceeds supporting arts and science programming at Yerkes. Fridays 4-7 pm Saturdays & Sundays 12-7 pm
PARADES
There’s something magical about a WalCo parade — twinkling floats, waving Santas, and cheerful crowds bundled up beneath the lights. Each community adds its own twist to this treasured holiday tradition. From horse-drawn carriages in Sharon to glowing downtown streets in Lake Geneva, these parades fill the season with heartwarming hometown pride.
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. | Downtown Whitewater
Kick off the holiday season with the Whitewater Parade of Lights! Watch the streets sparkle as beautifully lit floats, community groups, and cheerful music fill the night with Christmas magic. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and gather downtown to see Santa and his helpers usher in the start of the season!
Friday, December 5, 2025 |5:00-7:00 p.m. | Downtown Delavan
Delavan kicks off the holiday season with an evening full of sparkle and song! The celebration begins with a Christmas Tree Lighting at Tower Park at 6:00 p.m., followed by Comet Caroling down Second Street and a festive Parade around Phoenix Park at 6:30 p.m. Businesses and local organizations are invited to join in the fun with lighted floats — creating a community night that truly shines!
Friday, December 5, 2025 5-8pm| Downtown Sharon
Step back in time at Sharon’s Victorian Christmas Evening, home to the area’s only horse-drawn Christmas parade! This enchanting evening celebration features festive shopping, Santa’s Village, live entertainment, raffles, and the town’s sparkling tree lighting. Gather with family and friends for an evening small-town holiday experience straight out of a storybook.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 1:30 p.m. | Downtown Elkhorn
Celebrate the Christmas Card Town as families, local organizations, and businesses caravan through Elkhorn in festive floats to welcome Santa. This beloved annual tradition includes an afternoon community parade, whimsical décor, and a cozy small-town holiday vibe.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | East Troy Depot
All aboard for holiday magic! Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus roll into town on the East Troy Electric Railroad’s vintage Santa Parade Train. Families can enjoy treats, photos, and holiday fun at each stop — a beloved tradition that brings small-town warmth to the season. Santa departs Elegant Farmer at 5:00 p.m. with stops along the way and arrives at East Troy Village Square Park at 6:30 p.m. via firetruck.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Downtown Lake Geneva
Celebrate the season as downtown Lake Geneva sparkles with the 50th Annual Electric Christmas Parade! Families will love the evening twinkling lights, festive floats, and holiday music as they stroll Broad and Main Streets. Arrive early to explore local shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants before the magic begins.
SANTA
Santa Claus is making plenty of stops across Walworth County this year! Whether he’s arriving by boat, train, or even reindeer, families have endless ways to share in the joy. Enjoy breakfast with the big guy, sip cocoa in Santa’s Lounge, or wave as he lands lakeside — each experience offers pure Christmas magic for kids of all ages.
November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | Pier 290, Williams Bay
Embark on a magical holiday cruise! Tour Lake Geneva as you enjoy sparkling light displays and festive carols, plus see Santa at his lakeside hideaway. Children will listen in awe as he reads the names from his “ Nice List”! Complete the evening by dining at on-site PIER 290 restaurant.
Opening Friday, November 28, 2025 | Lodge Geneva National, Lake Geneva
Step into a kitschy pop-up Christmas bar at Santa’s Lakeview Lounge! Cozy up by the fireplace with holiday movie–inspired drinks, appetizers, and sweet treats, under a blanket of twinkle lights, tinsel, and festive décor. By day, families can enjoy kid-friendly cocoa and cookies. Walk-ins welcome.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | The Abbey Resort, Fontana
Welcome the holiday season at The Abbey’s Santa’s Landing event! Watch as Santa arrives lakeside, enjoy holiday music, cookies, hot cocoa, and family-friendly activities. A magical lakeside kickoff to your festive season.
Selected dates Nov–Dec 2025 | Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan
Celebrate the season with a festive Breakfast with Santa event at Lake Lawn! Guests enjoy a hearty holiday buffet, crafts, ornament-making, and photos with Santa and live reindeer. A family-favorite morning tradition by the lakeshore.
November 29 – December 21, 2025 | East Troy Depot
Climb aboard for a magical holiday ride with the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Christmas Trains!
Daytime Trains (Sat & Sun, Nov 30–Dec 21) whisk families from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s Workshop at The Elegant Farmer, where kids can visit Santa and snap a festive photo. Heated trolleys and depot restrooms make it extra cozy!
Santa’s Special Evening Trains (Fri & Sat, Nov 29–Dec 21) offer a first-class holiday experience with cookies, hot cocoa, and adult beverages aboard the beautifully restored dining cars — pure Christmas nostalgia on rails.
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Cravath Lakefront Park
Step into a holiday wonderland in Whitewater! Meet real reindeer up close, sip cocoa, and enjoy the chili cook-off, festive tunes, and a special visit from Santa. This family-friendly event captures the true magic of Christmas in the heart of town.
SHOPPING
Walworth County’s festive markets and local shopping events make finding the perfect gift feel extra special. From artisan crafts and handmade décor to small-town shop deals and downtown strolls, every stop adds a touch of local charm. Support small businesses, discover unique treasures, and bring home a little piece of WalCo holiday spirit.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.| Wisconsin School for the Deaf, Delavan
Get an early start on holiday shopping at Delavan’s Holiday Bazaar! Over local artisans and vendors will display handmade goods, festive décor, and gift ideas. Meet Santa, sip seasonal refreshments, and enjoy the warm community feel as you browse unique treasures.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | Big Foot High School, Walworth
Celebrate the season by enjoying a full day of holiday cheer with a craft and vendor fair, food and concessions, children’s activities, and even childcare for parents while they shop. Watch holiday classics and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, then gather at Devils Lane Park at 4 p.m. for hot cocoa, music, a tree lighting, and a visit from Santa at 5 p.m. — the perfect hometown kickoff to the holidays!
December 5-6, 2025 | Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company, Elkhorn
Celebrate the season when you browse a cheerful selection of handcrafted gifts, local products, and seasonal home décor, all while savoring Duesterbeck’s exceptional brews. With cozy vibes, festive shopping, and holiday spirit on tap, it’s the perfect stop for local craft lovers and gift seekers alike.
December 5 & 6, 2025 | Terra Barn Collective, Elkhorn
Step into a winter wonderland when the barn transforms into a cozy, twinkle-lit holiday marketplace featuring favorite local vendors, guest makers, and handmade treasures. Browse gifts inside a heated tent and festive garages, sip hot drinks, and enjoy food trucks and live holiday cheer. Don’t miss Super Santa John Namy on Friday from 5–7 p.m. for photos and festive fun. Shop small, spread joy, and celebrate the most magical market of the year!
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Woods Elementary School, Lake Geneva
Discover cozy, small-town holiday charm at Christmas in the Woods! Browse booths from more than 60 local vendors and crafters offering handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and treats. Enjoy raffles, festive cheer, and a special visit from Santa between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. — perfect for families and holiday shoppers alike.
- Badger DECA Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair (event link coming soon)
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Badger High School Sports Center, Lake Geneva
Get your holiday shopping done locally at the Badger DECA Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair! Explore aisles of handmade gifts, festive décor, and unique finds from talented crafters and small businesses. Families can enjoy the cheerful atmosphere, student hospitality, and holiday treats — all while supporting Badger DECA’s educational programs.
First & Third Saturdays (Dec 6 & 20, Jan 3 & 17, Feb 7 & 21)
Uncle Hunk’s Junk Building/Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce & Associated Bank, Elkhorn
Keep the holiday spirit and local shopping going all winter long! Visit the Winter Market in downtown Elkhorn for handmade crafts and artisanal booths from local vendors from 9 AM – 1 PM. Grab a treat, browse unique gifts, and enjoy a cozy morning supporting small-town makers.
Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 2025 | Downtown Delavan
Celebrate small-town charm and holiday cheer during Delavan Dasher Days! Explore local shops offering special stocking-stuffer deals, enjoy festive caroling, and snap a photo with Santa. Stroll downtown to see the creative holiday window displays and soak in the spirit of the season—two weekends of double the holiday fun!
Whether you’re gazing at twinkling lights, greeting Santa, or discovering one-of-a-kind gifts, Walworth County is where holiday magic shines brightest. Each town adds its own sparkle — from the snowy lakeshores of Lake Geneva to the cozy streets of East Troy and Delavan. So, gather your loved ones, bundle up, and celebrate the season the WalCo way — with wonder, warmth, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.