Have a Grand time celebrating the season

If you have attended “Christmas in the Country” before, that’s not news. For first-timers, prepare for a festive experience to delight the senses and bring out the kid in everyone.

A little background first. Christmas in the Country dates back nearly 30 years, after the Marcus Corporation acquired the property. The idea was born of a need to shore up business during a slower season at the resort.

“Tall tales go with it all,” says Skip Harless, managing director of the Grand Geneva, “but the root of it is a couple of years after Marcus took over it was noticed that the holiday season traditionally was slow. The idea was to give people a reason to come here. It just grew and grew over the years. It has become a tradition for many families, both the local component and visitors who come year after year. They bring their kids, and then their kids bring their kids.”

Skip recently carved out some time to talk with us, joined by his marketing director, Jenna D’Arcy. To say they are amped up about their holiday festivities is like calling the Rocky Mountains big hills. This pair is almost giddy about what the Grand Geneva has in store for visitors, and they add the entire staff eagerly shares the mission.

So, the uninitiated might ask, “What is this Christmas in the Country thing?”

Let’s start outdoors, with two million lights shining the way. Driving into the Grand Geneva, the traditional animated “12 Days of Christmas” display greets visitors all along the winding road to the center of the resort. Outside the registration lobby stands a 32-foot Christmas tree, magnificent as a welcoming beacon. For those who want a little different experience with the outdoor displays, the heated and enclosed Grand Geneva Trolley tours the grounds with a narrated story, sing-alongs and more.

“Over two million lights. Over-the-top displays and decorations. There are a lot of scenes,” Skip told us. “We add new things each year. One of my favorite things is the gingerbread contest.”

Jenna said there are more than 50 entrants, creating elaborate gingerbread house displays. The entries will appear on the second floor, above the lobby. It’s a real competition, she said, with nifty prizes including $1,000 for the winner, $500 for second place and $250 for third. There are various categories as well, including one for the younger set where the prize includes tickets to the Timber Ridge waterpark.

There are all sorts of activities designed to appeal to kids and their folks. Just inside the lobby is the “Letters to Santa” station, where youngsters can compose and leave “mail” for him. Every day around 4 there’s a visit from Christmas Elves, who are there to gather the mail but generally put on a performance, too.

“You never know what they’re going to do,” Skip said. “Sometimes they dance, do little games with kids, and other things.”

“I love being in the lobby on Friday afternoon to see the guests, but also to see the employees,” Skip said. “Sometimes it makes me emotional, because I see the employees just get so excited, get so into making the experience for the guests. It moves me.”

Santa gets around the grounds. He drops in for brunch with visitors, appears on skis at The Mountain Top ski hill, and even has his own cabana at the waterpark. Got to rest up for the big global trek to come, apparently.

Skip and Jenna are quick to acknowledge the role of Grand Geneva’s staff.

“I literally think everybody, in one way or another, from the kitchen to the engineering team, the experiences team, I don’t know anybody that’s not in some way involved in either preparation, planning or execution,” he said.

Clearly, 29 years after Christmas in the Country began, the holiday season no longer is slow. In fact, to participate in some of the key activities – think, the Trolley Tour of Lights – be sure to book in advance.

“Our restaurants are always full during the holidays,” Skip said. “A lot of people come for lunch. They want to see all the decorations, what’s new at the Grand Geneva, shop in the gift shop. Weekends are packed full. When the kids are out of school they’re all here. We’re packed.”

Christmas in the Country kicks off November 19 with its Illumination Ceremony (see below for accompanying information box for details). At least 1,000 people are expected, so come early and stay late.

By the way, 2024 will be a big year for Grand Geneva.

More than $30 million already has been spent to renovate public spaces, guest rooms and corridors. By spring all event space will have been updated. The Timber Ridge water park is being completely renovated, including restaurant improvements, a new kids play area and more. At the Grand, the traditional Sunday brunch is back. And seafood lovers, it’s what you’ve been waiting for – the return of the Friday night seafood and prime rib buffet.

Enjoy the Christmas season. And a big new year.

Stephanie Klett is the President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva, and the former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Bill Barth is the former Editor of the Beloit Daily News, and a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. 

If you go …

• What: Illumination ceremony for Christmas in the Country.
• Where: The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.
• When: Sunday, November 19. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m., with the countdown to illumination at 6.
• Featured: Flipping the switch for more than 2 million lights, the 12 Days of Christmas display, with cookies, hot cider and an appearance by Santa. And at the end, fireworks.
• Good cause: Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped, new toy for local children. The event supports the Walworth County Deputy Sheriff’s Toys for Kids program.