December Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

This article originally appeared on TravelWisconsin.com.

A chill in the air, snow on the ground, twinkling lights and Christmas spirit abound – that’s December in Wisconsin. With celebrations across the state, Wisconsin becomes magical at Christmastime. Here are just a few of our favorite holiday festivities.

Candlelight Stroll, Hudson Dec. 1 It doesn’t get much more magical than horse-drawn carriage rides through candlelit streets lined with Christmas carolers. Just cue the sparkling snowfall and warm hot chocolate. Head to Hudson to kick off the holiday season with shopping and dining in gorgeously decorated shops and bistros.

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Phillips Dec. 1 This small Northwoods town is a summer favorite, but it really comes to life in December. Join in on the fun at the annual Phillips Christmas Parade, featuring festive holiday floats heading to the Price County Courthouse lawn, where the parade is followed by a tree lighting in celebration of the season.

Christkindl Festival, Black River Falls Dec. 2 With everything from a live reindeer exhibit, traditional wares, unique and hand-crafted gifts, and performances by bell ringers, dancers, theatre groups and local musicians, there’s something for everyone at this charming Christmas celebration.

God Jul: A Stockholm Swedish Christmas, Stockholm Dec. 2 Step back in time (and into another country) and wander the charming streets of small-town Stockholm. You’ll experience an old-fashioned holiday, featuring Santa, sleigh rides, shopping, plenty of Christmas cookies, and live performances of It’s a Wonderful Life. This is one of four weekends filled with Christmas festivities in Stockholm!

Caroling at the Cave, Blue Mounds Dec. 1-3 Cave of the Mounds is a sight to behold any time of year, but when performers from across the state come together to sing Christmas carols in the caves, it’s a must-see. You’ll be serenaded in the candlelit North Cave, and the proceeds go toward a series of charities.

Downtown Reedsburg “Living Windows”, Reedsburg Dec. 8 Each year, the store windows in Downtown Reedsburg are transformed with the Christmas spirit, and this year the theme is “Christmas Around the World”. Take in the horse-drawn wagon rides, Christmas carols, and Santa and Mrs. Claus and you’ll surely be in the Christmas spirit.

Pinecrest Christmas, Manitowoc Dec. 9 The Manitowoc County Historical Society puts on Pinecrest Christmas each holiday season, with this year’s theme being “World War I Christmas”, where visitors can experience Christmas on the homefront during the World War I era. Enjoy baked goods, hot cider, hot chocolate, chili, and get your photo taken with a 20th-century Santa and his reindeer.

Natural Christmas at The Ridges, Baileys Harbor Dec. 9 It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but Natural Christmas at the Ridges allows us to slow down for a bit. The boardwalk glows with luminaries, while the Nature Center and the Marshall Cabin are beautifully decorated. All ages can make holiday crafts, hike the trails, enjoy live music and holiday treats, or make your own Christmas wreath with fresh greenery.

Twelve Days before Christmas, Chippewa Falls Dec. 12 Enjoy dinner and a show at this traditional Christmas program, featuring the hymns and Old English Christmas carols reminiscent of the director’s one-room country school. A luxurious buffet supper is provided by Five Star Catering.

Ice Festival, Burlington Dec. 16 Burlington hosts the 2nd Annual ice sculpting contest, where 18 ice blocks are placed around Wehmhoff Square Park, carved, and then judged. Each sculpture is carved from a 300-pound, crystal-clear block of ice, and anyone and everyone is welcome to watch this all-day event!

The Great Gatsby’s New Year’s Eve, Janesville Dec. 31 Ring in the New Year Gatsby-style at the historic Drill Hall at the Armory, where guests are encouraged to dress to impress with 1920s flair. The night will feature hors d’oeuvres, a fully stocked Bunker Lounge Bar, and live 1920s style music.

The days may be shorter and the temperatures colder, but that doesn’t stop Wisconsinites from celebrating the jolliest of seasons. What will you be checking out this month? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin. Kristen Finstad Twitter: @DiscoverWI Kristen is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Growing up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. She enjoys nothing more than catching a Packers, Brewers or Badgers game, indulging in a cheese curd or 12, and traveling from corner to corner of this great state.