Track Santa Claus throughout his stops in the Lake Geneva area
LOOK AHEAD
More scenes from the Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade.
Holiday Ornament Sale — Now until Dec. 16, Aram Public Library, 404 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan. Pictured are members of the Friends of Aram Public Library Board (standing) Sandi Ballman, Ginny Andersen, Cheryl Noss, Marian McClellan, Mary Lenz and Elvera Dahl; and (seated) Diane Kunzer and Terri Yanke.
The weekly Look Ahead column lists some of the Lake Geneva area events that are happening in the next month. Email newsroom@ lakegenevanews.net to have an event appear in this column.
Multiple date events
Santa Cruise — Now through Dec. 30, Pier 290/Gage Marine, 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay. The magical journey begins with a walk through the Christmas Tree Festival, where children can send their wish list directly to Santa Claus. Then, families board a holiday-decorated Christmas cruise boat to take off on Geneva Lake to sneak a peak at Santa along the shoreline at his lakeside Hideaway. Children will find out if they made Santa's Nice List this year. Tour is about 40 minutes long, with lighted displays along the way. Cruises run the day after Thanksgiving to Dec. 30. Dates and times vary. Tickets prices vary from $12-$30, depending on age and time of tour. No charge for ages 3 and younger. Ticket reservations highly recommended. Group rates available. Go to cruiselakegeneva.com/santa-cruise or call 262248-6206 to book tickets.
Holiday Ornament Sale — Now until Dec. 16, Aram Public Library, 404 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan. Tom and Bonnie McQueen, of White Swan Pewter, and the Friends of Aram Public Library present the sale of specially made holiday ornaments, available to buy for $10 each. Each ornament is individually gift-boxed. Proceeds benefit the library. Email friends@aram library.org for more details.
Santa's Special Evening Trains — Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 13, 15 and 16, 5 p.m., East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy. Take the train to Santa's Workshop at Elegant Farmer by riding in one of the First Class Dining Cars, with cookies, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Note: Dec. 15 and 16 dates are currently sold out. Friday tickets are $39 ages 15
and older; $33 ages 3-14; $14 ages 2 and younger; $33 for East Troy Electric Railroad members age 3 and older; and $12 for members age 2 and younger. Saturday tickets are $44 ages 15 and older; $35 ages 3-14; $15 ages 2 and younger; $35 for members age 3 and older; and $14 for members age 2 and younger. Go to easttroyrr.org.
The World's Tallest Glass Tree — Starts Dec. 1-3, Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay. Watch outdoor live glassblowing, steel sculpting and woodworking for free over the first three weekends in December while Yerkes conducts its Space and Spaces tours inside. Hours are Fridays, 4-7 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-7 p.m.; and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. The topping of the tree with a 4-1/2-foot-tall blown glass star will be Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. Go to world stallestglasstree.com.
Duesterbeck's Christmas Market — Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Duesterbeck's Brewing Company, N5543 County Road O, Elkhorn. Forty-one specialty vendors will be in the brewery.
Christmas Market at the Barn — Dec. 1, 4-8 p.m., and Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Terra Yard Creations LLC, N4140 Highway 67, Elkhorn. Santa will be there Dec. 1 5-7 p.m. On Dec. 2, live music by Lara Bell 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Local makers, artisans and crafters, Denny's Food Truck, Create Cafe and more.
Visit With Santa — Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Bottle Shop, 617 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. Children can bring their wish lists to this free event Fridays, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. More dates: Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22.
Fifth Annual Parade of Trees — Saturday-Monday, Dec.2-Jan. 1, 2024; Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill St., Lake Geneva. Area businesses, individuals and organizations each decorate a tree in the museum, where guests can vote on their favorite. Museum is open Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Go to genevalakemuseum.org.
Daytime Christmas Trains — Saturday & Sundays, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy. Go from the depot to Santa's Workshop at the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. Note: There is no 3 p.m. train Dec. 2. Tickets on Saturdays are $27 ages 15 and older; $23 ages 3-14; $10 ages 2 and younger; $20 for East Troy Electric Railroad members age 3 and older; and $9 for members ages 2 and younger. On Sundays, tickets are $26 ages 15 and older; $22 ages 3-14; $9 ages 2 and younger; $19 for members ages 3 and older; and $8 for members ages 2 and younger. Go to easttroyrr.org.
Let It Glow — Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m., Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center, 203 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn. It's the fourth year of the event, but this time it's at Uncle Hunk's Junk Building. Thousands of lights will be strung for Santa and his elves. Games, goodie bags, Christmas magic. Go to the event page on Facebook.
East Troy Lights — Dec. 2-31, 5-7 p.m., East Troy Village Square. Watch the lights twinkle to music every hour from 5-7 p.m. A special immersive show is every Friday and Saturday, at 6 and 7 p.m., featuring dazzling light tunnels, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and holiday performances.
Santa Comes Downtown — Thursdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 5-7 p.m., various Lake Geneva locations. Catch St. Nick for a free visit and photo snap. On Dec. 7, Santa will be at Geneva Lakes Art Foundation's Gallery 223, 223 Broad St. On Dec. 14, Kris Kringle will be at Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St. The Jolly Old Elf heads to Magpie's Pen & Den, 642 W. Main St.
"The Game's Afoot" — Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 8, 9, 16 and 17, 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Dec. 10 and 18, 3 p.m., Sprague Theatre, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Christmas murder mystery also known as "Holmes for the Holidays." General admission: $20. To purchase tickets, call 262-441-3924 or go to lakeland -players.org.
Sundays With Santa — Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Pier 290. Lunch or brunch with a visit from the big guy himself.
Breakfast With Santa — Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m.-noon, Egg Harbor Cafe, 827 Main St., Lake Geneva. Santa will pose for photos with families while they eat breakfast.
One-offs
Meet Two Local Authors — Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1-3 p.m., Inspired, 883 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. Dr. Judith Rolfs and Becky Melby will have their romance, mystery and children's books available to purchase. At 1:30 p.m., there will be an author interview and a Q&A on the source of their ideas and holiday family tips.
Interviews with Iconic Lake Geneva Entrepreneurs — Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m., Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. This installment in the Friends of the Library series welcomes special guests Bob and Mary Ann Pearce, of Pearce's Farm Stand in Walworth. Admission is $5, free for Friends members.
Senior Travel Club meeting — Dec. 1, 9-11 a.m., Como Community Church, W3901 Palmer Road, town of Geneva. The club will have its annual Christmas luncheon and discuss future trips. For more, call 480-4636782 or Judy LaBianco at 262245-6792.
Sharon's Old-Fashioned Christmas — Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m., downtown Sharon. Music, tree lighting, carriage rides, Santa Claus, horse-drawn parade, vendors, activities, local shopping and restaurant specials. Go to the event page on Facebook for updates.
Buddy the Elf Holiday Party — Dec. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, 203 S. Wells St., Lake Geneva. Journey through the seven levels of the candy forest, through a sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops and the Lincoln Tunnel for a night of fun, games, activities, crafts and a showing of the movie "Elf." Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided by Avant Cycle Cafe. Event is free for YMCA members and the community. New, unwrapped toy donations will be collected to support children throughout Walworth County. For questions, contact Jami Golz at jami.golz@glymca.org or 262248-6211, ext. 26.
Repeal Day Prohibition Party — Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Maxwell Mansion, 304 S. Wells St., Lake Geneva. Maxwell is teaming up with Maker's Mark Whiskey for a ticketed event with live music; a spirit tasting and midnight toast with special guests from Maker's Mark; pre-Prohibition specialty cocktail menu; photo booth; a special take-home gift; light bites and treats and more. Tickets $75 per person. Go to staymaxwell.com/events/ prohibitionparty2023.
2023 Santa Breakfast & DECA Craft/Vendor Fair — Dec. 2, 8-11 a.m. for breakfast, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for fair, Badger High School Commons, 220 E. South St., Lake Geneva. At the breakfast, Badger music students will perform holiday music while Santa greets children. Food will be pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, apple sauce. Beverages will be served. Cost $8 adults, $5 ages 3-12, free ages 2 and younger. Proceeds benefit Badger Music Department. Fair is free to attend. Breakfast guests receive a free raffle ticket at the fair for prizes. Over 50 vendors and crafters will be at the fair.
Cookie Walk — Dec. 2, doors open 8:30 a.m., sale starts 9 a.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 715 Wisconsin St., Lake Geneva. Pianist Sandra Johnson will perform Christmas music while hot drinks are served and patrons can peruse 100 varieties of Christmas cookies. Cost is $14 per pound, cash and credit cards accepted. Proceeds will be shared with New Beginnings APFV.
Cookies and Milk With Santa — Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Topsy Turvy Brewery, 727 Geneva St., Lake Geneva. Cookies and milk for children. Craft beer, wine and Irish Coffee for adults.
Freezin For a Reason — Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Pier 290/Gage Marine. Water-skiers, wakeboarders, surfers and tubers of all ages help raise money for the Santa Cause Super Charity, which supports various Walworth County charities. Minimum donation to participate is $75. Go to freezinlakegeneva.org for more details. Event concludes when all cookies are sold.
Annual Christmas Card Town Parade — Dec. 2, 1:302:30 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Christmas floats, novelty acts, music, animals, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.
48th Annual Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade — Dec. 2, 5 p.m., downtown Lake Geneva. Colorful, light-filled parade down Broad and Main streets. Details, including a parade map, are forthcoming. Go to visitlakegeneva.com.
Santa on the Square & the Santa Parade Train — Dec. 2, East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St., East Troy. Santa and Mrs. Claus kick off the holidays via the East Troy Electric Railroad's Santa Train. The train leaves Mukwonago's Elegant Farmer at 5:05 p.m., arriving at Division Street in East Troy at 6:25 p.m. Park festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with an East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce Make the Magic Concession and Merch Stand, winter activities, Christmas carol singalong and more. Performances by the East Troy High School Cheer & Dance Team, Titan Cheer, Factory Stars Cheer and Infinity Dance at 6 p.m. For a full rundown of activities on Dec. 2 in East Troy, go to easttroy.org.
2023 Annual Holiday Market — Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Hawk's View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva. Free admission and parking. Jewelry, paintings, ceramics, items from local artists and more. Go to hawksview golfclub.com.
Lunch With Santa — Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m., Maxwell Mansion. Lakes Area Lifeway's annual fundraiser features a boxed lunch of gourmet sandwiches, cookies, signature cocktails, Nestle's hot cocoa and more, plus raffle prizes, face painting, a giant outdoor igloo full of Christmas-themed games, activities and crafts, and a photo op with Santa Claus and his elves. Proceeds support the Sunshine Project, a program for children with disabilities in Walworth County. Cost: $35 adults, $25 children. Go to lakesarealifeway.org.
Christmas For the Kids Dinner & Fundraiser — Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Holiday Home Camp Founders Hall, 100 Holiday Home Camp Road, Williams Bay. Dinner, program, carolers, raffle prizes, silent auction and live music at this fundraiser to help send packages to over 600 kids this holiday season. Tickets $100 each. Go to lakegenevafreshair.org/ donor-events.
Bourbon Dinner — Friday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Pier 290. Fourcourse meal expertly paired with unique bourbons. Tickets $100 each. Go to pier290.com for menu and more details.
Gingerbread House Creations — Saturday, Dec. 9, 1-3 p.m., Big Foot High School Studio Room, 401 Devils Lane, Walworth. Large, handmade, preassembled gingerbread houses and various sweets will be provided for families to create a beautiful home for the holiday season. Fee is $40 per house. Registration deadline Dec. 1. Go to bigfootre creation.org.
Light Up Lyons — Dec. 9, starts at 4:45 p.m., various Lyons locations. Parade and tree lighting kick off the event. The Lyons Fire and Rescue Department will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to the town center on South Railroad Street. The tree will be lit upon their arrival. At about 5:30 to 7 p.m., visits with Santa will be at Ye Olde Hotel, plus cookie decorating and s'mores making with hot cocoa. Cork N' Classics will perform live music at Village Tap 7-11 p.m. Go to lyonsforabetter neighborhood.com.
A Comedy & Dance Holiday Party — Dec. 9, Evergreen County Club, N6246 Highway 12, Elkhorn.Comedians Denise Medina and Vince Muranto will perform, while Grand DJ provides music after the show. Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m.Complimentary passed appetizers at 5:30 p.m. Dinner buffet 6:30 p.m.Comedy starts 8 p.m. Cost $75 per person, including sales tax and service charge. Go to evergreengolf.com for menu and more details.
Wine Tasting & Dinner Event — Thursday. Dec. 14, 5 p.m., Baker House, 327 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva. Renowned Freemark Abbey wine historian Barry Dodds will unveil the secrets of wine. Bar opens 5 p.m. Seated dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets $120 per person. Go to bakerhouse1885.com.
A-Frame Spotlight Dinner Series featuring Buffalo Trace Distillery — Saturday, Dec. 16, 6:30-9 p.m., The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana. Smooth, smoky bourbon flavors from award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery paired with a four-course dinner. Cost $175 per person. Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Go to theabbey resort.com.
