Probably best known as a summer playground, Lake Geneva is also chock full of cold-weather activities and events suited for all ages. From snow races to Santa Cruises, check out this wintertime fun in Lake Geneva.
December Doings
World’s Tallest Glass Tree
Marvel at the world’s largest glass tree (featured photo) at the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. Years ago, college friends Jason Mack and Rob Elliott collected old beer bottles, loaded them into a pickup truck and took them through a car wash to clean, using the crushed glass for art projects. These Midwest friends wanted to create a large-scale glass project for the community, and the glass tree was born. For three weekends in December, visitors can witness the building of the tree with live glassblowing, adding about 300 pounds of recycled glasses and bottles to create a 36-ft.-tall masterpiece. The tree will be topped with a nearly 5-ft.-tall blown-glass star at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. On Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, check out the heated winter market with custom handmade items from local artisans, and make sure to sign up for a tour of Yerkes Observatory to learn its incredible story of astronomy and view the world’s largest refracting telescope. The tree will be on display through Jan. 5, when it will be disassembled and recycled once again into glass souvenirs of miniature trees. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.worldstallesglasstree.com.
Geneva Lake Museum’s Parade of Trees
Enjoy a true community coming together at Geneva Lake Museum’s fifth-annual Parade of Trees, now through Jan. 1. More than 40 trees are decorated by local businesses and organizations and displayed along the museum’s “Main Street.” Stay and enjoy various displays that exhibit the rich history of Lake Geneva and the surrounding areas. Geneva Lake Museum is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.genevalakemuseum.org.
Santa Cruise – Lake Geneva Cruise Line
All aboard for a magical cruise along the shores of Lake Geneva with this family-friendly holiday activity. Begin with a walk through the Christmas Tree Festival where children can send their wish list directly to Santa. Next, board the heated Christmas boat, decked in holiday lights for an hour-long cruise touring lights on the lake and catch a glimpse of Santa himself at his lakeside hideaway where he reads your child’s name from his “nice list.” Beverages for children and adults are available for purchase prior to boarding. Santa Cruise runs through Dec. 30, and ticket prices vary. For tickets and additional information, visit www.cruiselakegeneva.com.
Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition
Check out the decadent display of gingerbread houses at Grand Geneva this holiday season as part of its Christmas in the Country holiday tradition. Area residents display their culinary delights and judges award prizes in various age categories. Check out these masterpieces now through the end of the year on the upper level of the Brissago Foyer from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Fun in the New Year
Totally Rad 80’s Prom New Year’s Eve
Ring in the new year with crimped hair and your best satin circa-1980’s dress at Maxwell Mansion’s Totally Rad 80’s Prom New Year’s Eve Celebration. This ticketed event includes a murder mystery game, costume contest, themed cocktails and appetizers, a photo booth, DJ, dancing and a gift bag. Tickets are $125 per person, and spots are limited. For more information and tickets, visit staymaxwell.com/event-tickets.
Abominable Snow Race
Channel your inner Yeti and hit the trails in this rugged race held at Lake Geneva Zipline & Adventure Park on Saturday, Jan. 27. Racers will compete in a 5-mile course with approximately 25 holiday-themed and challenging obstacles like ice-bucket carrying, a weighted sled pull and the Siberian Swing ropes course, to name a few. Each participant receives a finisher’s medal, a T-shirt and beverage (beer or hot cocoa). To register and for more information, visit runsignup.com.
Winter Realms at Geneva National
Formerly known as Ice Castles, this reimagined Winter Realms offers a frozen fantasyland outing for the whole family at Geneva National. Winter Realms is an open-air experience including everything from ice volcanoes, igloos, sleigh rides to ice caverns, tunnels and thrones. Snacks and beverages are available to keep guests warm even on the chilliest of evenings. Guests can upgrade to the private and secluded Artic Alcove, perfect for any special occasion. Dates for 2024’s Winter Realm are Jan. 26 to Feb. 11, and tickets are on sale now. Peak pricing is $30; off-peak is $26. For tickets and more information, visit www.winterrealms.com.
Winterfest & U.S. Snow Sculpting Championship
Check out this frosty and free event in Downtown Lake Geneva during the 29th-annual Winterfest. The star of this event, held Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, is the national snow-sculpting championship. Talent teams and sculptors from all over the country work tirelessly for three days to create beautiful and intricate snow sculptures. Visitors can view the works displayed all throughout Flat Iron Park and the Riviera Plaza along the lake through Sunday. Other activities include live entertainment, bonfires on the beach, ice sculpture walks and much more. For more information, visit www.visitlakegeneva.com.