Ring in 2026 in WalCo, Wisconsin!
As the year winds down and a fresh one begins to shine on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore the celebrations and experiences that make New Years truly special. From dazzling New Year’s Eve events to fun, family-friendly activities and inspiring opportunities to kick-start your resolutions, these tips bring together the very best ways to welcome the year ahead. Whether you’re planning a festive getaway, seeking memorable moments with loved ones, or looking for motivation to start new habits, we’ve gathered select events and activities you need to make this New Year unforgettable.
Cheers to the New Year
We know how to party in Wisconsin, and Walworth County (WalCo) is no exception. From formal affairs to costume parties and champagne toasts, you will find a party that is just your style. Here is our list of featured parties for the 21 and older crowd:
The Treasury: A Formal Affair with 17-piece Big Band, 9 PM-1 AM
Dress your best at this Black-Tie optional formal New Year’s Eve affair with fabulous 17-piece Big Band by Underground Sound Jazz! Champagne, light appetizers, and a midnight snack are included in the ticket price so you can enjoy one of the area’s many wonderful restaurants for dinner before the party. The band will take a small break as the countdown to 2026 begins and then resume their entertainment until 1:00 am.
Ticket prices are $75 (plus fees) until 12/28 and $100 after
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Baker House: Time Traveler’s Ball, 5:30 PM
Step into a night where eras collide! Whether you’re from the Victorian era, Roaring 20’s, distant future, or dressing in your steampunk splendor, The Baker House welcomes you to ring in the new year at this spectacular New Year’s Eve costume party! “Best Costume Contest – Dress like the time traveler you are—Victorian, steampunk, retro glam, future chic. Just be unforgettable. Ring in 2026 with wonder, elegance, and a little mischief… only at The Baker House Time Travelers Ball.”
Ticket packages vary
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Alpine Valley: New Year’s Eve Party, 9 PM-1 AM
Head to Alpine Valley Resort for this FREE party with music by Caught in the Act! Dance the night away with your friends and enjoy a champagne toast! Stay tuned for more information.
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Lights, Balloons, and the Big Countdown
Start a new family tradition in WalCo! No need to stay up till midnight for a countdown; we have plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy! Here are just a few of our suggestions:
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop: East Troy Village Square Park, 7 PM-12AM
Ring in 2026 on Wednesday, Dec. 31 with East Troy’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, presented by Allan Integrated Control Systems, coordinated downtown events and the final East Troy Lights presentation of the season at East Troy Village Square Park.
See the Ball Drop Twice!
8 PM (FAMILY-FRIENDLY) & MIDNIGHT:
Celebrate the last night of the year with the entire family and raise a toast — of milk and cookies, of course – during East Troy’s kid-friendly ball drop at 8 p.m. or join the party at midnight featuring DJ JJJ and a sparkling New Year’s Eve light show.
East Troy Lights will be shining bright for the evening. In addition to the dazzling displays of illumination, there will also be a beverage bar featuring drinks and s’mores station from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. to midnight.”
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New Year’s Eve Family Party, Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, 8 PM – Midnight
A party the whole family will enjoy! Dress in your favorite glow attire for this Family Glow Party with music and fun for all ages. There will also be a full bar for the adults and TWO countdown moments (10pm and 12am) with a sparkling cider toast!
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Noon Year’s Eve at The Treasury: Delavan, 11AM-1PM
Is a midnight celebration past your bedtime? Head to The Treasury for a NOON year’s eve party for the whole family featuring fun dance music and a HUGE balloon drop with 1000 balloons!
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Start Strong in WalCo
After the champagne toasts and countdowns, get a head start on those resolutions with a yoga class, obstacle course race, or other activities to get you moving!
Hot Yoga: Heat Wave Hot Yoga Studio, Williams Bay
Come in from the cold and stretch out in a hot yoga class! With a variety of classes to choose from, you’re sure to find your fit. After class, recover in the sauna, enjoy red light treatment, or treat yourself to cold water therapy.
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Abominable Snow Race: Lake Geneva, January 31, 2026
Need something a little more extreme? Sign up for the Abominable Snow Race! The Winter Obstacle Race is held at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures and has race options for the whole family (4 years old and up). Choose your distance and take on the challenge of obstacles like the Arctic Crawl or Summit’s Peak. Finish up with a visit to the onsite taco truck and festival area.
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Cross Country Skiing: Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva
Get out into nature and enjoy the 2.9 miles of groomed cross country trails at Big Foot Beach State Park. State Park admission is required. No rentals are available, however, they are available at Clear Water Outdoors in Lake Geneva .
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Lake Geneva Winterfest, January 28 – February 1, 2026
Lake Geneva’s Winterfest is the not-to-miss, free, annual winter celebration takes place at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park. It features America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational with teams carving massive snow art, plus a downtown ice sculpture walk, bonfires on the beach, live entertainment, and more winter fun for all ages.
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As the clock winds down on another year, WalCo comes alive with celebrations that blend small-town charm, lakeside magic, and unforgettable fun. Whether you’re toasting at a lively party, enjoying a family-friendly countdown, or savoring a cozy winter evening filled with local flavors and festive lights, there’s no better place to welcome the New Year. Here, every gathering feels warm, every moment feels special, and every visitor is invited to be part of the countdown. So make this the year you join us to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Start your next chapter with memories that sparkle long after midnight.
Looking For Even More To Do?
The fun doesn’t stop here! Join the WalCo Wisconsin Events Facebook group to discover dozens of additional New Year’s Eve and winter happenings. The group is your go-to hub for what’s happening all year long. Don’t miss out—join the conversation and plan your next adventure!
